Same or Different?

Same or Different? is a simple, no-prep language game designed to help children aged 5–12 build vocabulary, reasoning, conversation and flexible thinking skills.

The idea is straightforward: give your child two things and ask, “How are they the same?” and “How are they different?”

From everyday objects to more challenging abstract ideas, the prompts gradually encourage richer language, clearer explanations and more confident thinking.

Inside, you’ll find:

• everyday comparison ideas

• actions and experiences

• nature and science prompts

• trickier thinking and higher-level reasoning

• a fun challenge round

• examples of how to model an answer

• prompts to use when your child gets stuck

• the BLB Cardinal Rules to help you model, scaffold and support without turning the activity into a quiz

The game can be used at the dinner table, in the car, on a walk or whenever you have a few spare minutes. There is no preparation required.

A practical resource for parents who want to support language and thinking skills in a natural, low-pressure way.