Greenhouse clues
Footprints by the greenhouse
Nina reached the school greenhouse before morning club. A tray of seedlings had tipped over, and a line of muddy footprints crossed the dry path. The greenhouse door was still shut.
Mr Shah arrived carrying an empty watering can. His boots were dusty but not muddy. Beside the tray, Nina found the red ball that the younger children had been using the day before. One footprint was much smaller than either of her shoes.
Nina did not accuse anyone. She photographed the footprints, stood the seedlings upright and told the teacher what she had found. The teacher asked the morning club to help work out what had happened.
Read the evidence and decide what the greenhouse story supports.
For parents and teachers
Playing Greenhouse clues
Read the cards and match each one to its partner. Find six pairs, with no timer. Think about the meaning before choosing.
What this game practises
Year 3 comprehension begins to connect a character’s actions and feelings with evidence. Greenhouse clues separates observations from accusations. The small footprint may support an idea about who was nearby, but it does not prove who tipped over the seedlings. Children retrieve details, connect clues and consider why Nina records the evidence before telling the teacher. Ask whether finding Mr Shah with a watering can proves he caused the spill. His dusty boots differ from the muddy footprints, and the story does not say he moved the tray. Explain the difference between a possibility and a conclusion that the available evidence can support. Afterwards, discuss what another useful question might be.
Progress and trying again
The normal game controls let children finish, save stars on this device and play again. A previous best result is kept when a later attempt scores less. Matching games count incorrect pairs; ordering games score the first check of each round; sorting games give another chance after a mistake. Take time to talk about a choice rather than racing.
Return to the learning collection for curriculum guidance, examples and activities to try away from the screen.