Balanced replies
Choose a response that represents an idea fairly and develops it.
For parents and teachers
Playing Balanced replies
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 6 discussion involves representing another viewpoint fairly, considering evidence and developing or revising a response. Balanced replies asks what a useful next contribution would do in a specific situation. Respectful challenge can identify missing evidence without misrepresenting the claim. Acknowledging a proposal’s benefit also does not require ignoring a practical concern, such as whether everyone can still use a path. For the incomplete-survey situation, recognise the support reported while asking whose views are absent. Neither dismissing every response nor treating the survey as complete would represent the evidence carefully. Role-play a reply and invite a partner to check that the original view was stated fairly. Revise your own explanation when a relevant new detail genuinely changes what the evidence supports.
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.