Resource
Choose Your Challenge: Mixed-Age Activity Page
Let children select a Start, Explore or Extend challenge without being assigned a level. Includes a two-page A4 printable, specific educator guidance, adaptations and a cut-off quick-reference card.
Ready for a real OSHC session
Preview both printable pages
Download 2-page practical printableCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
When this resource is useful
One page can serve unpredictable attendance and mixed ages without labelling children as easy or advanced.
What children do
Choose any starting point and change challenge if needed. Drawing, building with available materials and explanation are equally valid.
Materials and preparation
Materials: Printed pages and pencils; use only the optional ordinary materials named on the page.
Allow about 2 minutes to print and place the resource. The activity itself usually takes 25 minutes and can pause when the group needs to transition.
Run the activity
Explain that Start, Explore and Extend describe task routes, not people. Children may collaborate across routes.
The child-facing prompts are:
- START: draw a useful object from three shapes.
- START: create a four-step movement pattern.
- EXPLORE: design a paper object that stands.
- EXPLORE: write clues for a mystery item.
- EXPLORE: create a fair two-player rule.
- EXTEND: redesign a room for two different users.
- EXTEND: test and improve a folded-paper structure.
- EXTEND: connect two challenges into one project.
Adapt participation
Simpler way to join: Use the Start prompts with modelling or picture choices.
More challenge: Add a materials, time or accessibility constraint.
Children may draw, dictate, point, work beside a peer, observe or join later. Start, Explore and Extend labels describe task routes, not children.
Extend the idea
- Create a new pathway with three routes.
- Record which choice the group wants available next time.
Safety and privacy
Check available materials and movement space before children select a challenge.
Learning opportunities
Look for choice, communication, creative thinking and independent engagement. Record what children choose, explain, test or revise rather than treating completion as proof of learning.
Checking an open-ended response
There is no single required answer. A useful response follows the printed condition and can be explained, demonstrated or revised by the child.
Printing notes
Print at actual size on A4 paper. Page one is child-facing. Page two contains educator guidance and a dashed cut-off reference card that can be kept with the activity or laminated.
