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Early Finisher Activities: Puzzles and Challenges for the Classroom

  • Ages 6–12
  • Free to print
  • Many play on screen

Every class has children who finish first. Rather than more of the same, give them something that stretches their thinking: a sudoku, a logic puzzle, a crossword, a harder maze, a drawing lesson or a writing prompt. The activities here are designed to be done alone, need no explanation and are satisfying to finish.

What’s inside

Choose an age to see only the sheets that fit.

Our picks

Popular sheets first. Every one can be printed; most can also be played on screen with instant marking.

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Activity books

Themed workbooks that collect many pages in one printable book.

More about this collection

An early-finisher box or folder works well: a few copies of each activity, sorted by type. Children choose for themselves, which builds independence, and you are free to help those who need it.

Mix puzzles with creative tasks so that early finishing does not feel like extra work: a drawing lesson or a comic page is a real reward for many children. Encourage children to choose a puzzle at a slightly harder level than they think they can manage. Early finishers are often the ones who most need a real challenge, and a tricky sudoku or logic puzzle keeps them thinking rather than waiting.

How to use these

  1. Set up a box with a few copies of each puzzle type.
  2. Let children pick, but rotate the box every week.
  3. Display completed puzzles or drawings to celebrate effort.

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Worksheet topics

Questions and answers

What should early finishers do?

Activities that extend thinking rather than repeat work: logic puzzles, word games, drawing, writing or reading. They should be independent and optional.

Are there harder puzzles for very fast finishers?

Yes. Try the 9×9 sudoku, level 3 mazes and word searches, and the logic puzzles for older children.

Are these printables free?

Yes. Every sheet marked Free can be printed or played as often as you like, at home or in class. Premium activity books are marked.

How do I print a sheet?

Open a sheet and choose Print. It fits A4 and US Letter paper. Most sheets can also print with an answer key on a separate page.

Can children do them on a tablet?

Most can: press Play to answer on screen with instant marking and stars. Colouring and drawing pages can be done with a finger or stylus too.