Pleases ensure that your students are OK with flashing images, etc… and show slides accordingly. Students absolutely love these - and for many, it’s the very first time they’ve seen optical illusions. It’s so much fun to watch their expressions - “Mr. James…these hurt my brain! WOW” The slides present the illusion, and then additional slides try to break down some of the illusions and explain how they work. The PowerPoint contains over 50 illusions, and I’d suggest showing just a few at a time - maybe as a weekly or fortnightly 15 min filler. The PowerPoint also contains an embedded video with extremely powerful, moving illusions. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

I know only too well how intimidating computers can be for primary teachers - even with the aid of on-line tools like Purple Mash. With this in mind, and being extremely computer literate myself, I produced a series of Teacher-friendly PowerPoints (with embedded videos) and Worksheets to fully support the module. As my TAs commented - these make it so easy, even for us! The pack covers the Purple Mash topics Creating a Flip Book Introduction to 2Animate Animations with backgrounds and sounds Exploring animations More advanced animations I delivered these lessons in 5 one-hour sessions, over half a term. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

This is a set of 18 Worksheets, each comprising around 10 sentences to complete, and each supported with a Word Search to reinforce the learning. “y” words - “i” sound. “ou” words - “u” sound. “ch” words - “k” sound. “ch” words - “sh” sound. “ei” words - “ay” sound. “tion” words – “shun” sound. “sion” words - “zhun” sound. “cian” words – “shun” sound. “ssion” words – “shun” sound. “gue” words – “g” sound. “que” words – “k” sound. “sc” words - “s” sound. “cial” words - “shul” sound. “tial” words - “shul” sound. “ture” words - “cher” sound. “sure” words - “sher” sound. “tch” words - “ch” sound. “ious” words - “shus” sound. My approach using these resources is: discuss the sound with the students complete the worksheet independently learn the spellings with a partner write your own sentences complete a Word Search (for fun) I pride myself on presentation and hope these worksheets will inspire and engage your students. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

*** SCRATCH V3 VERSION TO BE PUBLISHED VERY SOON - favourite me to receive notification.*** In my series of Scratch projects, students are encouraged to learn through doing - creating projects that encourage learning. In this NEW series of lessons for Scratch 2, I provide a more structured approach, looking in detail at Scratch programming tools. Each tool is explored through simple projects, and students then go on to further explore using guided project worksheets. What is Scratch v2 Events and Triggers Controls Motion and the Stage Data Variables Operators - number Operators - text The lessons comprise: a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides, together with the project instructions a Word document with the PowerPoint project instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for students and teachers Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm

** Updated for Scratch version 3.** Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects In this project, students use the mouse to move a target across the screen to shoot ghosts. The coding makes it easy to add any number of ghosts, varying their size and speed, There are so many really great sites offering Scratch Project ideas. However, many tend to be like recipes - follow the instructions and you’ll create a cake. The problem I find is that the students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, but without learning an awful lot about Scratch. My goal is to get students to create a fun project, whilst at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. To this end, I use the following approach: break the project down into manageable chunks present students with an algorithm for each chunk provide students with the instructions for each algorithm, but jumbled up In this way, students learn about algorithms (a VERY important part of coding), and have to understand the instructions in order to sequence them to correctly match the algorithm. The lessons comprise: a PowerPoint with introductory slides, together with the project instructions a Word document with the PowerPoint instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for teachers that match each chunk of the project Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm

** Updated for Scratch version 3.** Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects In this project, based on Flappy Birds, the player has to navigate an octopus through waves of hungry sharks. There are so many really great sites offering Scratch Project ideas. However, many tend to be like recipes - follow the instructions and you’ll create a cake. The problem I find is that the students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, but without learning an awful lot about Scratch. My goal is to get students to create a fun project, whilst at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. To this end, I use the following approach: break the project down into manageable chunks present students with an algorithm for each chunk provide students with the instructions for each algorithm, but jumbled up In this way, students learn about algorithms (a VERY important part of coding), and have to understand the instructions in order to sequence them to correctly match the algorithm. The lessons comprise: a PowerPoint with introductory slides, together with the project instructions a Word document with the PowerPoint instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow accompanying fully-working Scratch project files for teachers that match each chunk of the project Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm

How often have your students (and often, colleagues) struggled to find their files? File Management is so critical to managing digital content, yet students (and adults) know so little about this. The course is delivered in 3 x 60-minute lessons, using stimulating PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and includes worksheets to accompany the lesson, a self evaluation document, plus a Kahoot quiz. storage devices digital files opening and saving files from within applications like Word managing files and folders using File Explorer I repeat these lessons at the beginning of each school year with students in years 3 through to 7 (with slight modifications) so that they are better equipped to work with their files in applications such as Word and PowerPoint. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James

We all use computers, but how much do we really know about hardware and software? These lessons look specifically at hardware, introducing students to what computers are all about in an accessible way. The course is delivered in 3 x 60-minute lessons, using stimulating PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos, and includes worksheets to accompany the lesson, plus a Kahoot quiz. What is a computer Input devices Output devices The CPU and storage Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James

The ever expanding CodeClub first promoted Scratch, and I loved it – creating and successfully delivering a range of lessons for Junior students. Code Club is now promoting Blender and I think I love it even more! I’ve created and delivered a series of lessons for Junior students this year, and the response was overwhelming. Students loved learning about 3D graphics and went on to produce some amazing creations of their own. While I thought it might be too advanced, students as young as 8 have grasped and loved using it. 3D GRAPHICS REALLY IS A USEFUL SKILL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE. The lessons assume absolutely no knowledge and build up in a gradual way Lessons 1-2 (FREE) What is Blender The Blender interface Navigating the 3D view port Lessons 3-5 Transforming objects Creating, selecting and duplicating objects Project: create a snowman Lessons 6-9 Rendering, colours and lighting Editing objects Project: create a donut Lessons 10-13 3D Text Box modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, bevels Project: create a Treasure Chest Lessons 14-15 Animations using Timeframes Animations using Rigid Bodies Each lesson is delivered via an animated PowerPoint with an accompanying Workbook, and follows a similar format: A short video to inspire (embedded in the PowerPoint) Explanations about any new concepts and skills A demo of what will be covered (Blender demo files included) Working together trying out these new concepts and skills (Workbook and Blender exercise files are provided) Free exploration A project bringing it all together (a finished Blender file is provided) Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

This is a series of 8 by 45-minute lessons designed to support the Switched On Computing unit 4.5, and has been written with year 4 pupils in mind, but is also suitable for older pupils. Each lesson is presented through a colourful and stimulating PowerPoint presentation, with clearly defined Learning Objectives and embedded videos and is accompanied with worksheets. **Note - the wiki example is created in wikispaces.com (no longer available) but can be adapted to any similar wiki hosting site. ** The lesson objectives are: - understand what a Wiki is - become familiar with the web’s largest Wiki - Wikipedia - practice Google search skills - develop formatting skills - write for a target audience (your peers) - create Pages in our Wiki - develop proofreading and editing skills - peer review and self assessment ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

The ever expanding CodeClub first promoted Scratch, and I loved it – creating and successfully delivering a range of lessons for Junior students. Code Club is now promoting Blender and I think I love it even more! I’ve created and delivered a series of lessons for Junior students this year, and the response was overwhelming. Students loved learning about 3D graphics and went on to produce some amazing creations of their own. While I thought it might be too advanced, students as young as 8 have grasped and loved using it. 3D GRAPHICS REALLY IS A USEFUL SKILL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE. The lessons assume absolutely no knowledge and build up in a gradual way Lessons 1-2 (FREE) What is Blender The Blender interface Navigating the 3D view port Lessons 3-5 Transforming objects Creating, selecting and duplicating objects Project: create a snowman Lessons 6-9 Rendering, colours and lighting Editing objects Project: create a donut Lessons 10-13 3D Text Box modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, bevels Project: create a Treasure Chest Lessons 14-15 Animations using Timeframes Animations using Rigid Bodies Each lesson is delivered via an animated PowerPoint with an accompanying Workbook, and follows a similar format: A short video to inspire (embedded in the PowerPoint) Explanations about any new concepts and skills A demo of what will be covered (Blender demo files included) Working together trying out these new concepts and skills (Workbook and Blender exercise files are provided) Free exploration A project bringing it all together (a finished Blender file is provided) Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

The ever expanding CodeClub first promoted Scratch, and I loved it – creating and successfully delivering a range of lessons for Junior students. Code Club is now promoting Blender and I think I love it even more! I’ve created and delivered a series of lessons for Junior students this year, and the response was overwhelming. Students loved learning about 3D graphics and went on to produce some amazing creations of their own. While I thought it might be too advanced, students as young as 8 have grasped and loved using it. 3D GRAPHICS REALLY IS A USEFUL SKILL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE. The lessons assume absolutely no knowledge and build up in a gradual way Lessons 1-2 (FREE) What is Blender The Blender interface Navigating the 3D view port Lessons 3-5 Transforming objects Creating, selecting and duplicating objects Project: create a snowman Lessons 6-9 Rendering, colours and lighting Editing objects Project: create a donut Lessons 10-13 3D Text Box modelling - extruding, loop cuts, insets, bevels Project: create a Treasure Chest Lessons 14-15 Animations using Timeframes Animations using Rigid Bodies Each lesson is delivered via an animated PowerPoint with an accompanying Workbook, and follows a similar format: A short video to inspire (embedded in the PowerPoint) Explanations about any new concepts and skills A demo of what will be covered (Blender demo files included) Working together trying out these new concepts and skills (Workbook and Blender exercise files are provided) Free exploration A project bringing it all together (a finished Blender file is provided) Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

I introduce students to programming through Scratch, and then extend this into the world of text based coding through Python and Python Turtle. The lessons use Trinket as a simple interface for entering and running Python code - no downloads required. There is enough material for approx. 3 to 4 one-hour sessions, and of course, once students get started, they can easily develop their own ideas. I’ve already delivered it to Year 5/6 students, and they have absolutely loved it. The lessons are delivered through a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides and embedded videos (can be extracted if required). In addition, there is a workbook of activities. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James

This is a collection of miscellaneous literacy worksheets that I have created and use in class and that are suitable for home learning assignments. In alphabetical order: analogies apostrophes for possession and contraction capital letters and full stops commas for lists fronted adverbials homophones jumbled sentences personification plurals and possession relative pronouns sentence structure direct speech spelling - making plurals verbs - modal verbs verbs - perfect tenses Note that these may not be of the same high quality as my other published lessons on TES, but I am providing them free of charge in the hope that they may prove useful to fellow teachers in these uncertain times.

Embedding videos in a PowerPoint presentation is a really useful feature, but if you are using an older computer to display the slideshow, or an external monitor, the video playback may flicker. The simplest solution to this is to save the video as an mp4 file, and then play back with whatever video player you normally use outside of PowerPoint.

This is a great brain challenge to fill 15 mins. Each slide shows a word or phrase written in reverse (rotated 180 degrees on the X axis). Children are asked to write the words correctly on their whiteboards. Barrie James

FREE INTRODUCTION - this is the first of 10 lessons We all ask and expect our students to learn things, and this requires MEMORY. Memory IS learning. Without memory, there can be no learning. BUT - do we ever give our students an understanding of what memory is, and more importantly, strategies for improving their memory? “Learn your multiplication tables”… sure, but HOW? This series of 10 lessons is designed with this in mind. Session 1: Introduction to memory Session 2: Types of memory - short and long term memory Session 3: Strategies 1 - linking and stories Session 4: Strategies 2 - mnemonics Session 5: Strategies 3 - names and faces Session 6: Strategies 4 - lists Session 7: Strategies 5 - numbers Session 8: Strategies 6 - using routes and locations Session 9: Strategies 7 - misc. Session 10: Memory IS us - the consequences of losing memory Each session comprises: a fully animated, stimulating PowerPoint loads of embedded videos (can be extracted if required) Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: games, challenge, memory, strategies, brain, numbers, linking, mnemonic, neuron**

Having been a substitute teacher in over 200 different classes in countless schools, I have learned a thing or two over the years - really! The absolute most important is - establish your expectations right at the start. The day is then productive and enjoyable for both you and the children. I use this PowerPoint EVERY time I teach a class for the first time, or as a reminder if I am returning to a class after a period. It guides me and the class through the critical first 30 minutes of the day. Slides are accompanied with detailed Notes where appropriate to explain how the slide is best used. ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”. Before I publish, my lessons are tested in the classroom by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. Let me know if you have any questions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be).