Outdoor reading game for secondary students. This downloadable resource shares a single, adaptable game designed for older children. The Fact or Fiction Trail Challenge encourages critical thinking and teamwork while linking reading with active outdoor play.
It is part of the 2025 partnership with Jigsaw Education Group. Students can draw inspiration from the £1/€1.50 book selection that year, but the game works with any fiction or non-fiction titles.
The game uses simple equipment and open spaces, making it suitable for both urban and rural settings.
Please note: this resource features 2025 campaign branding.
Why it works
The Fact or Fiction Trail Challenge helps students combine reading, problem-solving, and physical activity.
Students create and follow trails that test knowledge of books and facts. They work together to navigate challenges, make decisions, and reflect on their reasoning. It is flexible, inclusive, and supports outdoor learning and wellbeing.
Who is it for
- Secondary teachers planning outdoor reading or PSHE activities
- Teaching assistants supporting group learning
- Clubs and enrichment groups working with older students
- Schools looking for low-cost, inclusive activities that combine reading and movement
How to use it
Divide students into two teams and have each create one or two ‘Fact or Fiction’ statements from books they’ve read. Statements can be literary or general knowledge.
Set up a nature trail with decision points. At each point, teams hide a clue and mark two paths: one for ‘Fact’ and one for ‘Fiction’. Include imaginative ‘trap’ endings for incorrect choices.
Swap trails so each team attempts the other’s challenge. Encourage discussion of answers and strategies at the end.
Get started
Download the game instructions and prepare your trail using paper, pens and optional markers, ribbons or flags. Brief students on how to create statements and set up trail points. Encourage them to use books they enjoy, including fiction and non-fiction titles. Adapt trail length and difficulty to suit your group size and outdoor space. Reflect on the activity afterward. Ask students which facts surprised them and what strategies worked best.
Further Jigsaw resources
Part of the World Book Day + Jigsaw 2025 collection.
Explore the full set of outdoor reading activities:
- Jigsaw Games 3–12 – Outdoor Reading Games
- Sticks for Play: Bringing Books to Life Outdoors
- Dressing Up with Shadows for Play
These resources can be used together to provide a week of outdoor, story-based learning.
Use of World Book Day resources
These resources are free to use for schools, early years settings, libraries, charities, and community groups celebrating World Book Day. Commercial organisations must have a partnership or licence agreement in place before using World Book Day assets. If you are interested in working with us, please contact [email protected].
