Something to think about.
A short set of connected questions that builds on learning from the classroom.
THE DESKCHAMP INDEPENDENCE TOOLKIT
What if the answer isn't another adult prompt?
“I've finished.” “What next?”
Give children a challenge they can explore for themselves.
LESS WAITING. MORE WONDERING.
The next challenge
is already waiting.
Explore a connected set of questions.
Turn over for pupil-friendly explanations and hints.
MATHS CHALLENGEYEAR 4 · MATHS
Which numbers work?
2347
Use each digit once. Round to the nearest 1,000.
- Can you make a number that rounds to 3,000?
- Can you find a different answer?
- How can you prove both answers work?
- Can you find every possibility?
Y4-M01 · PUPIL FRONT
Turn over · Helpful points ↻← Return to questions
HELPFUL POINTSY4-M01 · REVERSE
Which numbers work?
- Rounding
- Choose the nearest thousand. At a halfway point, round up.
- Halfway points
- 2,500 rounds to 3,000. 3,500 rounds to 4,000.
- Search in order
- Keep your first digit. Swap the other digits. Then try a new first digit.
Use each digit once. Ask for help whenever you need it.
A QUESTION WITH ROOM TO GROW
One answer is
just the beginning.
Find a possibility. Explain why it works. Then decide whether to investigate further.
TRY THE FIRST QUESTION
_ _ _ _
Tap the digits to build a four-digit number.
ENGLISH CHALLENGEYEAR 4 · ENGLISH
Change the mood.
“The door opened.”
- Can you make it sound mysterious?
- Which word creates that feeling? Why?
- Can you change the mood without adding words?
- Which version suits your story? Why?
Y4-E01 · PUPIL FRONT
Turn over · Helpful points ↻← Return to questions
HELPFUL POINTSY4-E01 · REVERSE
Change the mood.
- Create a mood
- Mysterious writing makes us wonder what might happen.
- Verbs matter
- Compare “The gate swung” and “The gate slammed”. How does the feeling change?
- Listen
- Read your sentence aloud. Change one word. Which version sounds right for your story?
Try your own ideas. Explain your word choices.
SMALL CHANGE. DIFFERENT FEELING.
Which word
does the most work?
Start by trying a different verb. What might your reader imagine?
“The door opened.”
Choose a word, then explain its effect.
ONE CARD. TWO USEFUL SIDES.
Questions on the front.
Help on the back.
A little help to keep going.
Clear explanations, examples and hints written for the pupil. Turn back and try again.
THE FIRST SUBJECT PACKS · IN DEVELOPMENT
Rooted in the learning.
Challenges built around taught knowledge.
Starting with Year 4.
Year 4 Maths
Look for patterns. Test a possibility.
Make a convincing case.
Explore the planned coverage
- Place value and rounding
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
- Fractions and decimals
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Mathematical investigations
One prototype is ready to try. The complete pack is in development.
Year 4 English
Choose a word. Shape a sentence.
Explain the effect.
Explore the planned coverage
- Vocabulary and sentence development
- Grammar in meaningful writing
- Creative writing
- Reading inference and comprehension
- Editing and improvement
- Explaining language choices
One prototype is ready to try. Content follows the Years 3–4 curriculum, adapted to taught knowledge.
TWO CARDS. READY TO EXPLORE.
Bring deeper thinking
to your classroom.
One Year 4 Maths card and one Year 4 English card. Connected questions on the front, pupil-friendly teaching points on the back. Print, introduce and explore.
Download the free previewPDF · two double-sided sample cards · no email required
No DeskChamp desktop product needed.
BUILT FROM CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
Children deserve
room to think.
After around 14 years in primary education, James created DeskChamp to give children clearer ways to move forward and teachers practical support for the demands of the classroom.
The idea is simple: worthwhile questions children can explore, with helpful teaching points on the back when they need a reminder.
Meet the founder ↗A few useful details.
What is available now?
The two-card sample pack is free. The Year 4 Maths and English packs are in development; no complete pack is on sale yet.
How do I introduce the cards?
Choose a card matched to learning you have taught. Show pupils the questions and how to use the helpful points on the back. Then let them explore, with adult help available. Read the short guide.
How could the toolkit support Ordinarily Available Provision?
Used with appropriate teaching and adjustments, the cards can be one resource within a school’s Ordinarily Available Provision: the inclusive support woven into everyday classroom practice. Select cards around assessed needs and prior learning, listen to the pupil and review whether the approach helps them participate.
The toolkit does not replace individual SEND provision or specialist advice. Schools should use their local guidance and professional judgement. Explore the Greater Manchester guidance.
Which ages are they for?
These first Maths and English cards are designed for Year 4 in England. Match them to what pupils have already learned and adapt the reading or presentation where needed.
What will the formats and prices be?
We are reviewing the contents of each offer as the new packs take shape. Earlier indicative prices were £39 for a digital teacher edition and £299 for a digital school licence covering staff at one school site. Final contents and prices will be confirmed before release.
A printed “Ready to Teach” pack is also being explored. £79 is a provisional estimate, subject to printing, packaging and delivery costs. No physical stock or delivery date is confirmed.
School rights will cover one named school, not an academy trust or multiple schools. No payments or pre-orders are being taken.
Is this the DeskChamp desktop product?
The toolkit is a separate collection of subject challenge cards. It works on its own. The physical desktop learning aid remains a separate product in development. Explore the desktop product.
INDEPENDENT LEARNERS. DEEPER THINKERS.