8 Mental Strategies for Multiplication
These thoughtfully made PowerPoints are carefully designed to help students grasp commonly taught multiplication strategies ( and tricks) for x0, x1, x2, x3, x4, x5, x8, and x9 times tables. Ideal for years 3 and 4, but also helpful for year 5 and 6.
To multiply by 2 = double the number
To multiply by 3 = double the number and add a set
To multiply by 4 = double, then double again.
To multiply by 5 = multiply by 10 then halve
To multiply by 8 = double-double-double
To multiply by 9 = use your fingers/ the digits of answer added = 9
To multiply by 0 = the answer is always 0
To multiply by 1 = the answer is always that same number.
All the PowerPoints include examples to 12 and extensions to large multiplications to show that the strategy really comes in useful for doing tricky mental multiplication.
Please see video for a taster.
All slide animations are activated when you click the mouse, giving teacher and student thinking and explaining time. Video is sped up to get through the examples.
Includes some supporting, differentiated worksheets
Yom Kippur Bundle: The Golden Calf Story & Yom Kippur Information Text
Deepen your students’ understanding of Yom Kippur with this comprehensive bundle, combining two essential resources:
The Sin of the Golden Calf: Illustrated story with worksheets exploring this pivotal event’s connection to Yom Kippur’s origins.
Yom Kippur Information Text: In-depth guide covering significance, practices, and rituals, with diverse activities.
Features:
Illustrated storytelling and informative text
Multiple-choice quizzes, written responses, and crossword puzzles
Differentiated worksheets for various learning levels
Answer keys for all activities
Ideal for grades 5-11, this bundle provides a thorough exploration of Yom Kippur’s historical context, observances, and cultural importance. Perfect for ELA, social studies, and Jewish studies curricula.
Engage your students with this comprehensive package, promoting cultural literacy and interfaith understanding through the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar.
Celebrate International Day with this language-focused activity, designed for primary school children. This fun and educational word hunt activity allows children to explore and appreciate 11 different languages from around the world.
To begin, children should choose three languages from the 11 featured in the activity and stick the corresponding flags onto their recording sheet. They can then use the recording sheet to find words hidden around the classroom, such as “Friends,” “Water,” and “Book” for MP1/Key Stage 1 children.
MP1/Key Stage 1 children are tasked with finding three words for each of their choosen languages, while MP2 and MP3 children are challenged to find five and seven words, respectively. As they find the words, children copy down the word in the script of their chosen languages.
The 11 languages featured in the activity are Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Polish, German, Vietnamese, Thai, Khmer (Cambodian), Russian, and Kannada (a language of India).
This activity allows children to discover the similarities and differences between languages, promoting respect and fascination for the languages of the world. It’s a great way to foster a love for learning about different cultures and languages in a fun and engaging way!
The activity typically lasts 50-60 minutes, depending on the skill of the word hunters. It’s worth noting that all the words have been verified by adult speakers of the language.
Embark on a journey through Christmas past and present with my ‘Holiday Traditions Explored’ bundle. This educational package combines four insightful resources:
’The History of the Christmas Tree,’ tracing the evolution of Christmas trees from ancient times to the present.
’Christingles Information Text,’ which delves into the rich history and symbolism of Christingles since 1747, exploring their role in community gatherings and their ties to The Children’s Society charity.
’Saint Nicholas Biography,’ offering a detailed look at the life of Saint Nicholas, his contributions to Christmas traditions, and his lasting legacy as the beloved Santa Claus.
’Saint Nicholas Biography,’ Single PAge Version
Ideal for learners looking to understand the deeper meanings behind these festive customs.
Discover the Nativity story with this three-level differentiated pack, perfect for Christmas reading.
Features engaging activities for lower, middle, and advanced readers: vocabulary, cloze, true/false, sequencing, written responses, multiple-choice quizzes, crosswords, and more.
Answer keys included for easy marking. Ideal for festive lessons and mixed-ability classrooms!
Christmas Classics Reading Comprehension Bundle (2 Resources)
Bring the magic of the holiday season to your classroom with this engaging bundle featuring two timeless Christmas stories:
The Nativity Story Reading Comprehension
'Twas the Night Before Christmas: A Visit From St. Nicholas
Designed for years 3–8, each resource includes captivating reading passages along with multiple-choice quizzes, written response sheets, sequencing tasks, cloze activities, crossword puzzles, and vocabulary exercises. This bundle enhances reading comprehension and critical thinking skills while immersing students in the cherished narratives that celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Dinosaur Research Scavenger Hunt Posters and Game Cards
Transform your classroom into a prehistoric paradise with our meticulously crafted Dinosaur Research Scavenger Hunt Posters and Game Cards!
Key Features:
28 beloved dinosaurs featured across 14 fact-filled posters
Research note-taking cards and gamified ‘Top Trumps’ Pokémon-style game cards included
Carefully researched, double-checked, and classroom-tested content
Both Metric and Imperial measurements included in download
Comprehensive Poster Set:
Triassic Period (2 versions: illustrated and listed with short descriptions)
Jurassic Period (2 versions: illustrated and listed with short descriptions)
Cretaceous Period (2 versions: illustrated and listed with short descriptions)
Herbivorous Dinosaurs
Carnivorous Dinosaurs
Piscivorous Dinosaurs
Omnivorous Dinosaurs
Weight Comparison
Height Comparison
Length Comparison
Fossil Discovery Locations
Dinosaur Appearances
Fascinating Dinosaur Facts
Vocabulary Glossary
Enhanced Learning Experience:
Most posters are double or triple A4 size for easy viewing
Interesting footnotes in accessible language
Key dinosaur technical vocabulary maintained
Helpful infographics and maps
Icons used to enhance tricky vocabulary
Alternating font colours for easy list tracking
Black and white illustrations
Versatile Use:
Print and display around the classroom for an engaging scavenger hunt
Use as a comprehensive dinosaur research resource
Encourage independent learning and fact-finding skills
Bonus Materials:
Research note-taking paper with helpful icons
6 colourful variations of Pokémon/Top Trumps-style game cards
Game rules for interactive learning
Bring the Mesozoic era to life and ignite your students’ passion for palaeontology with this all-in-one dinosaur research adventure!
Looking for specific components? Check out these related resources:
Only need the game cards and blank research papers? Game Cards and Research Papers
Want just the Vocabulary and Fascinating Fact Posters? Dino Vocab Posters
Dinosaur Non-Chronological Reports
242 Phonics worksheets!
Phonics worksheets which can be used with any phonics scheme
Covers all phonics blends, digraphs, trigraphs and diphthongs.
For each phonics sound, blend, digraph, etc. there are 5 or 6 phonics pages:
Add the blend or digraph to the word and connect to the matching picture
Clear clip-art (black and white - perfect for colouring) phonics labeling page using 9 carefully chosen example phonics words/clip-art
followed by a fun read and draw page
Write the blend or digraph and read the words with the aid of sound buttons and lines under each grapheme.
Find, highlight and write the words containing each specific blend (or digraph, trigraph etc.)
then a cloze page of decodable sentences which have been carefully sequenced to progressively incorporate words that are consistent with the letters and corresponding phonemes that have been taught to the new reader/speller in previous pages of the book (plus sight words)
Could be made into a 242 page phonics workbook, or individual pages can be printed off and photocopied.
(I have uploaded two versions of the book - the original 168 page standard version, and a 242 extended version)
Perfect for beginner readers and spellers.
Also great for EAL students to help build vocabulary alongside reading and spelling skills.
Made by an experienced phonics teacher, and used in classrooms weekly.
Phonics cooperative partner activity
Phase 3 Set 1 Worksheets
Phase 3 Set 2 Worksheets
Phase 3 Set 3 Worksheets
Spelling Mats Phase 3 and Phase 5
This comprehensive Hinduism resource bundle brings ancient Hindu culture and beliefs to life through vivid illustrations and engaging activities. The bundle includes two levels of informative Hinduism non-fiction text overviewing key aspects like Hindu Gods and deities, holy books, and rituals. It also contains three retellings of cherished Hindu traditional stories and myths highlighting Ganesh, Krishna, and the Hindu creation story.
Differentiated worksheets, quizzes, and writing prompts cater to diverse learning levels, allowing students to deepen their understanding of these myths and of core Hindu beliefs. Suitable for upper elementary through high school, these thoughtfully designed materials aim to captivate interest and encourage meaningful connections with this important world culture.
7 non-chronological reports texts - 7 habitats.
Non-chronological report, non-fiction, fact files.
Carefully researched & written and used in my own classroom.
Non chronological reports are double-sided A4 and include these features:
Topic Title,
Introduction Paragraph,
Subheadings,
Paragraphs,
Fact Boxes,
Bullet point lists,
Glossary,
Factual Language,
Present tense verbs,
3rd person point of view,
(some with labeled diagrams and maps)
Habitat Report titles:
Desert Habitats
Oceans Habitats
Polar Habitats
Freshwater Habitats
Temperate Forest Habitats
Rainforest Habitat
Grassland Habitats
Enhance lessons on Buddhism with this collection of eight beloved Buddhist stories. These skillfully written and beautifully illustrated tales cover essential stories that have shaped Buddhist beliefs and practices.
Included are:
The Birth of the Buddha
The Swan and the Arrow
The Four Sights of the Buddha
The Enlightenment of the Buddha
The First Sermon, Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma
Kisagotami and the Mustard Seed
The Story of Angulimala
The Death of the Buddha
Each of the eight stories functions as a stand-alone lesson on Buddhism or could be used as engaging literacy short story reading comprehension. Each story is written in an engaging and accessible style with supporting “Buddhist Insights” and “Words of Enlightenment” fact boxes, and is beautifully illustrated.
Each story comes with:
A double-sided multiple choice quiz
A double-sided written response paper
A single-sided written response paper
Answer sheets
These classic Buddhist tales will inspire students and expand their knowledge. By engaging with these beautifully crafted stories, students will gain deep appreciation for Buddhist teachings and traditions while building essential literacy skills and enriching their understanding of world cultures.
Would make great follow on lessons to my Buddhism Introduction Text
Please, also see my Sikhism resources and Jewish Stories
Reading comprehension mega pack of 84 fables, available as a bundle download at great value. This pack includes all the most famous classic fables such as “The Hare and the Tortoise,” “The Fox and the Stork,” and “The Lion and the Mouse.” and many, many more.
Each fable comes with an answer sheet and is easy to print on one A4 page.
Plus, many fables are differentiated at three levels to accommodate different reading comprehension abilities.
Don’t miss out on this comprehensive resource for improving reading comprehension skills.
British Patron Saints Bundle: Four Reading Comprehension Biographies
Saint George: England’s Patron Saint
Saint Patrick: Ireland’s Patron Saint (+ Bonus St. Patrick’s Day)
Saint Andrew: Scotland’s Patron Saint
Saint David: Wales’ Patron Saint
Explore the fascinating lives of all four British Isles patron saints with this comprehensive bundle. Each saint’s resource includes two differentiated reading levels (suitable for Years 3-9), making them perfect for mixed-ability teaching. Every biography comes with matching comprehension activities, worksheets, and puzzles, ideal for English, History, and RE lessons throughout the year.
Each resource includes:
Two illustrated biography versions (Lower KS2 and Upper KS2/KS3)
Differentiated comprehension questions and activities
Vocabulary-building exercises and puzzles
Complete mark schemes
Celebrate these important cultural figures with ready-to-use resources for:
St George’s Day (23rd April)
St Patrick’s Day (17th March)
St Andrew’s Day (30th November)
St David’s Day (1st March)
Introduce students to Buddhist practices, beliefs, and iconic stories with this comprehensive Buddhism bundle.
The bundle includes:
Two leveled informational texts explaining Buddhist concepts, figures, and traditions.
Eight classic Buddhist tales that convey core teachings, including the birth and enlightenment of Buddha.
To build understanding, each text and story comes with extensive support materials:
Multiple choice and short answer quizzes
Close reading and critical thinking activities
Vocabulary practice like crosswords and matching
Written response and reflection prompts
Answer sheets
With differentiated readings, essential background knowledge, and beloved narratives, this bundle immerses students in Buddhist principles and history. Engaging stories, interactive activities, and visuals create memorable learning experiences about this globally influential religion.
Old and Modern Bear activities.
Labeling worksheets with 4 bears - 2 old and 2 modern.
Old / New Features draw a line to link worksheet.
Quiz-Quiz-Trade activity Cards with Key differentiating features of old and modern bears.
Photos of bears to sort into old/new groups
Key differentiating features labeled;
Old bears with glass eyes, movable joints, long limbs, real fur, pointed muzzles etc. making them appear ‘lifelike’
Modern bears with plastic eyes, no movable joints, short limbs, fabric fur, rounded muzzles etc. making them appear ‘cute’
Cleverly designed, ‘flippable’ phonics mats for phase 2,3 and 5.
(Also included my medial vowel table mat, and a bonus verb, noun, mat/poster resource+a huge split digraph flashcard resource)
One side has memorable clip-art images, reverse side has a word list of carefully selected example words.
Each side is laid out in the reverse order - so that when the clip-art side is printed and put back-to-back with the word list side the words are directly behind the image. This helps the learner to find the spelling pattern they are looking for as the mat is ‘flippable’.
Phonics Phase 3- Phase 5 Workbook
Phase 3 Set 1 Worksheets
Phase 3 Set 2 Worksheets
Phase 3 Set 3 Worksheets
Phase 3 Partner Activity