Referee Whistle Cards: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2

Referee Whistle Cards is a free printable PSHE worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). Children read short playground moments, blow a whistle, and call each one fair or unfair. Then they write one call in their own words. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch task and answers.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Children act as the referee. Each card describes a short moment from the playground, such as queuing, playing a chasing game, joining in or sharing equipment. They read the card, blow a pretend whistle and say fair or unfair. Then they write one call in their own words. The sheet has lines for writing and boxes for drawing or notes, so children can explain their thinking in more than one way.

• Card 1: Sam pushes in at the front of the slide queue.
• Card 2: Mia changes the rules of tag halfway so nobody can catch her.
• Card 3: Three children tell Leo he cannot join the ball game.
• Card 4: The children take turns on the swing and count to ten.

Why talk about fair play?

Quick facts about referees and fair play

• A referee helps a game follow its rules.
• Many sports have a referee or an umpire to make sure play is fair.
• A whistle makes a loud, sharp sound that carries across a busy pitch.
• Referees are expected to treat both sides in the same way.
• Playground games have rules too, and players often agree them before they start.

Skills and curriculum link

• Judging fairness
• Taking turns
• Speaking up kindly
• Explaining a choice
• Listening to others
• Reading short scenes

Ideas to guide the conversation

• Rules apply to everyoneA fair rule works the same way for every player. When a child makes a call, ask whether everyone is being treated the same.
• Feelings are a clueHow a character might feel can help children spot fairness. Ask how each person in the card might be feeling and why.
• Kind words matterA good call can be firm and gentle. Practise short phrases that sound calm, not bossy or cross.
• Reasons beat answersThe reason behind a call is worth more than the word fair or unfair. Always ask, "What made you think that?"

Key words

• RefereeA person who watches a game, knows the rules and makes sure play is fair.
• FairTreating everyone in the same way and following the rules.
• UnfairNot treating everyone in the same way, or not following the rules.
• RuleAn agreement about what players can and cannot do.
• TurnYour chance to go, before the next person has theirs.
• CallThe decision a referee gives, such as fair or unfair.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
2. Read each card aloud together. Ask your child to picture the playground moment before they decide.
3. Let your child blow a pretend whistle and say fair or unfair. Then ask them to write one call in their own words.
4. Check against page 2 together. Ask, "Why did you think that?" The reason matters as much as the call.
5. Come back another day and swap roles. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• Have you ever seen something unfair at playtime? What happened next?
• What could a child say if they see an unfair moment?
• How might someone feel if they were left out of a game?
• Why do games need rules?
• What makes a call kind but still clear?
• If you were the referee, what would you want players to remember?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits in your child's learning

Before this sheet, children learn to share, wait and join in at home and in Reception. They begin to notice how others feel. Simple rules for games and classroom routines give them early practice with fairness, even before they use the word.

After this sheet, children can move on to talking about friendships, kindness and what to do when something feels wrong. They can practise solving small disagreements and saying what they need calmly. In later years, fairness links to wider ideas about rules, rights and respect.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Referee Whistle Cards for?

It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Younger children can join in by talking and acting out the cards. Older children can write fuller explanations or make their own cards.

What do children do on the sheet?

They read each playground card, blow a pretend whistle and say fair or unfair. Then they write one call in their own words. There are lines for writing and boxes for drawing or notes.

Do children need a real whistle?

No. A pretend whistle works well. Children can hold a hand to their mouth and say "peep", or make a whistle shape with their fingers. It keeps the activity quiet and screen free.

What if my child disagrees with the answer on page 2?

Listen to their reasons first. Page 2 gives answers as a guide, but the main aim is thoughtful talk. Ask what they noticed and how each child might feel. A clear reason shows good thinking.

Can my child answer without writing?

Yes. Children can say the call aloud, act it out or draw it instead. The learning is in judging what is fair and explaining why. Writing can wait until they feel confident.

Is it suitable for teachers to use in class?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a PSHE starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.

Do I need to print in colour?

No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children can add colour to the drawing boxes if they like. The sheet is free to print for home and classroom use.