Bridge evidence
The notice on the bridge
On Monday, a notice appeared beside the footbridge: CLOSED UNTIL THE LOOSE BOARDS ARE REPLACED. Omar wanted to reach the playing field before his friends. The bridge was the shortest route, but a longer path went around the pond.
A woman carrying a repair kit arrived and tested a board with her boot. It shifted under her weight. Omar stepped back from the entrance. He checked the map on the noticeboard and found the path around the pond.
When Omar reached the field, his friends asked why he was late. He described the moving board and explained his choice. Later that week, the bridge reopened with new boards and a fresh safety check.
Connect a character’s decision to details in the text.
For parents and teachers
Playing Bridge evidence
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 4 comprehension links a character’s motivation and decisions to evidence across a passage. Bridge evidence asks why Omar considers the short route and what changes his decision. The closed notice is important, but the shifting board supplies another concrete clue. Children retrieve information, explain a cause and connect details from different parts of an original short story. Ask whether Omar simply forgot his friends or chose a different priority after seeing the board move. Refer to the shorter bridge route, the repairer’s test and the map before explaining the conclusion. Then discuss how the account would change if the moving board were omitted: the notice would still matter, but the reader would lose one piece of evidence.
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.