UK

Hear the distinction

Read the messages instead

The message numbers match the Listen cards.

  1. Message 1: The two groups used the same seeds but different amounts of water. Ask about the water before comparing the plants.
  2. Message 2: You may borrow the reference book during the lesson, but it must stay in the classroom when we go home.
  3. Message 3: The first speaker described the problem. The next speaker will explain the solution, so save questions about the solution until then.
  4. Message 4: The museum workshop starts earlier than our usual club. Meet in the hall before registration, rather than after it.
  5. Message 5: We have evidence that the path is wet, but we do not yet know whether a pipe is leaking.
  6. Message 6: Please put the finished models on the display table. Models that still need glue should remain on the workbench.

Separate what is known from what a message only suggests.

For parents and teachers

Playing Hear the distinction

Tap a Listen card and attend to the whole message. Match it to the response that follows the important details. Listen again freely, or open Read the messages instead. Find six pairs, with no timer.

What this game practises

Year 4 listening practice asks children to preserve distinctions within a longer message. A speaker may contrast finished models with unfinished ones or separate an observation from an unproven explanation. The six saved messages contain details that matter to the response. Children can replay them without pressure, then identify the particular words that rule out a tempting but inaccurate summary. Discuss the wet-path message. A wet surface is observed, while a leaking pipe is only one possible explanation. A response that announces a confirmed leak goes beyond what the speaker said. Ask the child to summarise both what is known and what still needs checking, then practise the same distinction in a real classroom explanation.

Speech uses static AI-generated British-English marin recordings, created for this game. Audio plays only when requested. No live AI service or microphone is used during play.

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.