Most kids (and adults) cringe when they think about math – but they love puzzles. What is the difference?
Well, for one thing, most kids aren’t graded on puzzles. They don’t need to be coerced to do them. They will do them any time they get a chance. Another difference is that with puzzles, your are expected to “think differently.” You are allowed (and encouraged) to actually use your mind. (Imagine that!) Using your mind is fun. Having to blindly memorize stuff that doesn’t seem to make sense is boring. Numbers Juggling is not exactly a puzzle, but it has fun elements of puzzles. When you understand it, it is a kind of “eureka!” feeling. You want to use it often, and “show off” what you know. It is a fun thing to share and teach, too.
