Shut the Box: Free Printable Game for Year 3
Shut the Box is a free printable game for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Roll two dice and shut the numbers. 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, a stretch idea, and the answers. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This game includes a checklist to tick off.
A look at what children will meet:
- Tick when shut
Who this is for
Year 3 (ages 7 to 8) 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
- Addition
- Number bonds
- Strategy
Children practise addition and number partners to 9.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Maths. 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.
- 2 players or more. Play time 15 minutes. You need two dice and a pencil for each player. The number on each row is the number to shut.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2 and the answers.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Use one dice and shut only the number rolled.
To stretch confident children
Try to shut all nine numbers to win the game.
Make it a game
Play several rounds and add up the scores.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Read the rules out loud together before you start, so everyone plays the same game.
- Take turns being the person who reads or checks. It builds listening as well as knowledge.
- Keep rounds short. Two quick games beat one long one.
A screen-free maths activity for Year 3
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free maths 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 maths resources for teachers
Teachers can use this game 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.
Maths 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 maths worksheets for Year 3, 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 maths 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) | Maths | Addition and subtraction | Year 3 |
What children will be able to do
- I can add numbers to make a total.
- I can find number pairs that make 9 or less.
- I can plan which tiles to close to keep playing.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Which numbers could you shut with a roll of seven?
- How do you know those tiles add up to the number you rolled?
- What is your plan for choosing which tiles to close?
Play it for real
Jaques of London has made games and toys since 1795. These go well with this sheet:
- Shut the Box - Luxury 9 Numbers
- Deluxe Shut the Box - 9 Numbers
- Shut the Box - Grand Black Walnut Shut The Box With Lid Compendium
More like this
- 2 Digit by 1 Digit Multiplying
- Adding 9 and 11 Mentally
- Advent Maths Countdown
- Advent Maths Countdown
Same subject, one year up: Fact Family Triangle Cards | Same subject, one year down: Conker Games
Frequently asked questions
What age is Shut the Box for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2.
What will children practise?
Children practise addition and number partners to 9.
How do I use it?
2 players or more. Play time 15 minutes. You need two dice and a pencil for each player. The number on each row is the number to shut.
What if it feels too hard?
Use one dice and shut only the number rolled.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Shut the Box 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 Rainy Day printables | More for Key Stage 2 | More maths printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources