--- title: "School closure work" url: "https://howard-primary-school.schudio.com/children/class-3/school-closure-work" school: "The Howard Primary School" --- # School closure work Keeping Year 3 and Year 4 children (typically ages 7–9) engaged at home requires a mix of creativity, independence, and movement. At this age, they are beginning to enjoy more complex projects and "grown-up" responsibilities. Here are five activities that balance fun with subtle learning: ### 1. The "Great House" Scavenger Hunt Instead of a simple list, give them a series of **riddles or clues** to solve. Each clue leads to a household object where the next clue is hidden. - **The Challenge:** Have them create their *own* hunt for you once they finish yours. - **Why it works:** It builds reading comprehension and logical thinking. ### 2. Kitchen Science: The "Bread Monster" This is a great way to learn about biology using pantry staples. - **The Activity:** Mix warm water, sugar, and a packet of yeast in a clear bottle. Stretch a balloon over the top. - **The Result:** Over the next hour, the "monster" (yeast) eats the sugar and breathes out gas, inflating the balloon. - **Why it works:** It’s a visual way to explain microorganisms and chemical reactions. ### 3. Indoor Den Building & "Reading Camp" Move some cushions and blankets into the living room to build a high-end fort. - **The Twist:** Once the den is built, it becomes a "no-electronics zone." They can take a torch, a snack, and their favorite books inside for an hour of quiet time. - **Why it works:** It encourages independent play and makes reading feel like an adventure rather than a chore. ### 4. Create a "Stop-Motion" Movie If they have access to a tablet or phone, they can use toys (like LEGO or clay) to make a short film. - **The Setup:** Use a free app like *Stop Motion Studio*. They take a photo, move the toy a tiny bit, and repeat. - **The Goal:** Aim for a 30-second "blockbuster" with a beginning, middle, and end. - **Why it works:** It teaches patience, planning, and basic digital literacy. ### 5. The "Recycling Bin" Invention Challenge Empty out the recycling bin (cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, egg cartons) and give them a roll of masking tape. - **The Brief:** Ask them to "solve a problem." This could be building a "mail sorter" for the hallway, a "marble run" down the stairs, or a "periscope" to see over the sofa. - **Why it works:** This is pure STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in action, focusing on structural integrity and design. ![The Howard Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/howard-primary-school/images/logo/Howard-footer-Logo.png) ### The Howard Primary School The Square Elford Tamworth B79 9DB 01827 383292 - [Term Dates](http://howard-primary-school.schudio.com/termdates) © Copyright 2019–2026 The Howard Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://howard-primary-school.schudio.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)