Christmas Would You Rather: Free Printable Card Set for Year 5
Christmas Would You Rather is a free printable card set for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10), in Key Stage 2. Ten festive dilemmas to talk about It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This card set includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Would you rather have snow or sunshine on Christmas Day?
- Would you rather open presents first or eat dinner first?
- Would you rather be a reindeer or an elf?
- Would you rather build a snowman or go sledging?
- Would you rather sing a carol or tell a joke?
- Would you rather have a snowball fight or drink hot chocolate?
- Would you rather decorate the tree or wrap presents?
- Would you rather eat a mince pie or a chocolate coin?
- Would you rather live at the North Pole or in a log cabin?
- Would you rather wake up early or sleep in?
Who this is for
Year 5 (ages 9 to 10) in Key Stage 2.
Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11. Children are widening what they know and getting better at explaining their thinking, so activities that ask them to reason, not only recall, are especially useful. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Speaking
- Reasoning
- Listening
Giving a view and explaining it with a reason.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: General knowledge. Key stage: Key Stage 2. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Cut out the cards. Take turns to read one and say your choice and why.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Let children point to their choice first, then explain.
To stretch confident children
Ask children to write a paragraph on their favourite dilemma.
Make it a game
Pick a card without looking and answer in ten seconds.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free general knowledge activity for Year 5
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free general knowledge activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free general knowledge resources for teachers
Teachers can use this card set as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
General knowledge ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free general knowledge worksheets for Year 5, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider general knowledge plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | English | Spoken language | Year 5 |
What children will be able to do
- I can give my view.
- I can give a reason for it.
- I can listen to someone who disagrees.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Why did you choose that one?
- Did anyone give a reason that made you think again?
- What is a good question to add to the cards?
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Christmas Table Talk Cards | Same subject, one year down: Secret Message Spy Pack
Frequently asked questions
What age is Christmas Would You Rather for?
It is written for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10), in Key Stage 2.
What will children practise?
Giving a view and explaining it with a reason.
How do I use it?
Cut out the cards. Take turns to read one and say your choice and why.
What if it feels too hard?
Let children point to their choice first, then explain.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Christmas Would You Rather suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More Christmas printables | More for Key Stage 2 | More general knowledge printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources