Hi,
We are Sally and Amanda from Guinea Pig Education. We present a range of complimentary teaching aids and workbooks to use in your classroom or as homework – in both print and digital format.
We aim to raise reading standards and to develop literacy skills, with our ‘fun for kids’ phonic reading resources.
We also offer support for pupils aged 4-16 years. We highly recommend our comprehension and creative writing resources - which build confidence and develop imagination.
Hi,
We are Sally and Amanda from Guinea Pig Education. We present a range of complimentary teaching aids and workbooks to use in your classroom or as homework – in both print and digital format.
We aim to raise reading standards and to develop literacy skills, with our ‘fun for kids’ phonic reading resources.
We also offer support for pupils aged 4-16 years. We highly recommend our comprehension and creative writing resources - which build confidence and develop imagination.
‘Improve Your English As A Foreign Language’ is the ULTIMATE GUIDE to COMPLETE FLUENCY in ENGLISH WRITING.
Do you find it difficult to understand English speakers? If so, you need this book.
This quirky book is quick and easy to work through and it is suitable for all ages (8+), though you need to have a sense of humour.
Our humorous character ‘Zoggy’ will guide you in how to:
* expand your vocabulary
* improve your skills in English grammar
English expressions often baffle foreign speakers, so we have included lists of idioms, proverbs and similes, which are in common usage.
It also shows the reader how to set out letters, personal statements and CVs.
By the time you have worked your way through this book, your command of English will be at a much higher standard.
Improve Your English focuses on specific concepts of punctuation, grammar and spelling that children find hard to grasp. It explains how sentences are built up and can be made more interesting by the correct use of clauses and connectives or by eliminating dull words like nice or got and replacing them with more interesting vocabulary. As children progress it becomes more important to be accurate with punctuation and spelling; valuable marks in examinations can be lost by poor spelling.
The book focuses on the correct use of homophones, words that sound the same but are spelt differently, like their, there and they’re (which are a problem for many young writers). The parts of speech are explained in a simple, understandable way, encouraging the child to use colourful verbs, adjectives and adverbs to make their writing more descriptive. The page, which describes the ghost that haunts spookily, encompasses all the different parts of speech at a glance, making complex ideas easy for children of all abilities to understand at a glance.
Following the introduction, the book, presents a series of eight graded exercises so the child can correct sentences using capital letters and punctuation, wrongly spelt words, points of grammar and match vocabulary to suitable meanings. Added to this there are suggested answers at the back of the book.
This book is essential for any child wishing to brush up on their punctuation and grammar skills, especially those working through the three companion books. However, they have been particularly helpful for children learning English as a second language and those with specific learning difficulties. All of our books are presented in a fun way with bold headings and simple cartoon drawings that children relate to and this book is no exception.
113 pages
Improve Your English teaches children to write good sentences, whether simple, compound or complex ones. It explains just how sentences can be made more interesting, using sub clauses or those small but vital words, conjunctions, such as, ‘if,’ ‘but,’ ‘so’. The book focuses on how to use good punctuation in the right place and makes children aware of those tricky spellings, called homophones – words that sound the same, but are spelled differently, such as, ‘their’ and ‘there.’
It shows young writers how they can improve their writing by correcting some basic errors. The parts of speech are also explained in such a simple way, with our ‘friendly ghost haunts spookily,’ so your child will soon be using colorful adjectives, verbs and adverbs.
A section of graded exercises, with suggested answers, helps the child practice their spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.
Answers Included.
113 pages
Book two of four books to practise skills required to have success in verbal reasoning.
Working through these tests will help increase reasoning ability. Although our tests target children of ten or eleven, they can be used at any stage.
Our verbal reasoning tests are in line with National Curriculum targets and can be used to practise for 11+ selection tests for entry to grammar schools.
A parent or teacher can work through the tests with their children and practise any skills that need reinforcement. Some of the skills included are alphabet reasoning, anagrams, letter grouping, rhyming words, word patterns and logical reasoning.
Instructions for Children Taking the Test
There are 100 questions in each tests. Start at question 1 and work your way to question 100, filling in your answers on the worksheet. Leave blank questions you cannot do and go on to the next one.
A parent or teacher can choose to set a time limit, say 50 minutes, for you to complete the test. When you have finished the test, ask an adult to mark it for you, and explain questions you do not understand.
Book one of four books to practise skills required to have success in verbal reasoning.
Working through these tests will help increase reasoning ability. Although our tests target children of ten or eleven, they can be used at any stage.
Our verbal reasoning tests are in line with National Curriculum targets and can be used to practise for 11+ selection tests for entry to grammar schools.
A parent or teacher can work through the tests with their children and practise any skills that need reinforcement. Some of the skills included are alphabet reasoning, anagrams, letter grouping, rhyming words, word patterns and logical reasoning.
Instructions for Children Taking the Test
There are 100 questions in each tests. Start at question 1 and work your way to question 100, filling in your answers on the worksheet. Leave blank questions you cannot do and go on to the next one.
A parent or teacher can choose to set a time limit, say 50 minutes, for you to complete the test. When you have finished the test, ask an adult to mark it for you, and explain questions you do not understand.
This resource includes:
Mission Spelling Zero: Bridging Book 2
Mission Spelling Zero: Zoggy Watches The Penguins
Writing And Comprehension Practice: Zoggy Watches The Penguins
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Included in this resource is a work book, accompanying the Mission Spelling Zero story book. The work book provides follow up activities, that build on the phonic sound work taught in the book e.g. reinforcement of letter sounds, tracing and writing letters and words and a simple comprehension, based on the story.
This resource includes:
Mission Spelling Zero: Zoggy Can Fly In His Craft
Writing And Comprehension Practice: Zoggy Can Fly In His Craft
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Included in this resource is a work book, accompanying the Mission Spelling Zero story book. The work book provides follow up activities, that build on the phonic sound work taught in the book e.g. reinforcement of letter sounds, tracing and writing letters and words and a simple comprehension, based on the story.
This resource includes:
Mission Spelling Zero: Zoggy, Dan And The Dog
Writing And Comprehension Practice: Zoggy, Dan And The Dog
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Included in this resource is a work book, accompanying the Mission Spelling Zero story book. The work book provides follow up activities, that build on the phonic sound work taught in the book e.g. reinforcement of letter sounds, tracing and writing letters and words and a simple comprehension, based on the story.
This resource includes:
Mission Spelling Zero: An Alien Visits
Writing And Comprehension Practice: An Alien Visits
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Included in this resource is a work book, accompanying the Mission Spelling Zero story book. The work book provides follow up activities, that build on the phonic sound work taught in the book e.g. reinforcement of letter sounds, tracing and writing letters and words and a simple comprehension, based on the story.
This resource includes:
Mission Spelling Zero: Where Is Dan?
Writing And Comprehension Practice: Where Is Dan?
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Included in this resource is a work book, accompanying the Mission Spelling Zero story book. The work book provides follow up activities, that build on the phonic sound work taught in the book e.g. reinforcement of letter sounds, tracing and writing letters and words and a simple comprehension, based on the story.
This is the first set in this fantastic new series.
This resource includes:
Mission Spelling Zero: Bridging Book 1
Mission Spelling Zero: I Spy A Cat
Writing And Comprehension Practice: I Spy A Cat
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing.
booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Included in this resource is a work book, accompanying the Mission Spelling Zero story book. The work book provides follow up activities, that build on the phonic sound work taught in the book e.g. reinforcement of letter sounds, tracing and writing letters and words and a simple comprehension, based on the story.
Books 38-43 in the series. RED SERIES FOUR. Teaching silent letters, suffixes and prefixes.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
Books 25-30 in the series. YELLOW SERIES FIVE.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
Books 31-36 in the series. ORANGE SERIES SIX.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
The first 6 books in the series. VIOLET SERIES ONE. Teaching initial sounds and three letter words.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
Books 7-12 in the series. INDIGO SERIES TWO.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
Books 19-24 in the series. GREEN SERIES FOUR.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
Books 13-18 in the series. BLUE SERIES THREE.
Introducing you to our brand new ‘Mission Spelling Zero’ scheme. Help your child/ren to take their first steps in reading and spelling, with this exciting structured course.
Mission Spelling Zero is a series of books in 7 levels, one for each colour of the rainbow, aimed to help young learners gain first reading and spelling skills.
First, let me introduce you to a new character that your child/ren will love learning with. He is an innovation – an alien from a distant planet – but a wizard when it comes to his computer skills. There is no problem he cannot solve.
Zoggy will introduce your child/ren to the initial sounds - in his own stories and then build on that base, teaching double consonant blends and vowel digraphs.
When your child moves up the levels of the rainbow his phonic skills will be a tool that will accelerate future learning.
‘Mission Spelling Zero’ also offers a new, exciting series of writing booklets – so your little learners can practice their hand writing skills, write first sentences and play the games which will consolidate their learning.
Let’s start reading and spelling with Mission Spelling Zero.
Available as digital download and paper back - online and in all good book and education outlets.
175 plus pages
Learn To Read With Phonics Reading Packs are a quick and easy way to teach children to read in just six months.
They are ideal for all ages (from 4 years plus), especially reluctant older readers of 7, 8, 9+, children with learning difficulties and children where English is a foreign language.
The packs are designed to be used one to one or in small groups with a teacher and child or parent/guardian and child learning together.
The packs consist of a structured course that build 44 phonic sounds into the text. As the children read the adventures of a loveable boy called Sam, they can have fun searching for hidden sounds. They will build up 44 sounds in total. This will enable them to read 80% of words in the English language, by breaking them down into sounds or syllables - pl ay ing. Children using phonics in this way progress fast.
A series of stories, The Bouncing Castle and The Famous Cousin From The Country reinforce the complex middle sounds being learnt. By the end of the scheme, the child will be ready to progress to ‘solo’ reading books, such as Roald Dahl’s ‘Georges Marvellous Medicine’ and ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’.
Many of the packs have cut out practice pages for matching words to pictures and phrases to pictures, to fix the sound words in the child’s memory. The simple text and fun colour in sketches, appeal to young readers and have helped the authors to teach many, many children to read.
The reading packs may be used in any order, just pick the pack for the sound you require. However, when using the packs for a complete non reader we suggest you start with packs teaching initial sounds (word building with three or four letter words).
Then move on to learning phonic sounds in this order: ch, sh, wh, th, oo, ee, ar, or, ur, ir, er, magic e, ea, oa, ai, ay, oi, oy, oa, short y (as in happy), long y (as in sky), soft c (as in mice), soft g (as in engine), ou, ow, au and aw.
Next, move onto more complex sounds as in, tion, le, el, ough, gue, que, ine, ue, ie, ei, prefixes and suffixes.
How To Use
Each pack introduces a sound.
Learn the sound with the child/children
Read the sentences or stories several times, encouraging the child/children to talk about the pictures.
At the end of the sentences or story, there is a list of words and phrases, which the child can match to the pictures.
Practise each sound several times, until the child is familiar with it.
Learn To Read With Phonics Reading Packs are a quick and easy way to teach children to read in just six months.
They are ideal for all ages (from 4 years plus), especially reluctant older readers of 7, 8, 9+, children with learning difficulties and children where English is a foreign language.
The packs are designed to be used one to one or in small groups with a teacher and child or parent/guardian and child learning together.
The packs consist of a structured course that build 44 phonic sounds into the text. As the children read the adventures of a loveable boy called Sam, they can have fun searching for hidden sounds. They will build up 44 sounds in total. This will enable them to read 80% of words in the English language, by breaking them down into sounds or syllables - pl ay ing. Children using phonics in this way progress fast.
A series of stories, The Bouncing Castle and The Famous Cousin From The Country reinforce the complex middle sounds being learnt. By the end of the scheme, the child will be ready to progress to ‘solo’ reading books, such as Roald Dahl’s ‘Georges Marvellous Medicine’ and ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’.
Many of the packs have cut out practice pages for matching words to pictures and phrases to pictures, to fix the sound words in the child’s memory. The simple text and fun colour sketches, appeal to young readers and have helped the authors to teach many, many children to read.
The reading packs may be used in any order, just pick the pack for the sound you require. However, when using the packs for a complete non reader we suggest you start with packs teaching initial sounds (word building with three or four letter words).
Then move on to learning phonic sounds in this order: ch, sh, wh, th, oo, ee, ar, or, ur, ir, er, magic e, ea, oa, ai, ay, oi, oy, oa, short y (as in happy), long y (as in sky), soft c (as in mice), soft g (as in engine), ou, ow, au and aw.
Next, move onto more complex sounds as in, tion, le, el, ough, gue, que, ine, ue, ie, ei, prefixes and suffixes.
How To Use
Each pack introduces a sound.
Learn the sound with the child/children
Read the sentences or stories several times, encouraging the child/children to talk about the pictures.
At the end of the sentences or story, there is a list of words and phrases, which the child can match to the pictures.
Practise each sound several times, until the child is familiar with it.
Download this free booklet to learn more about our phonic scheme ‘Learn To Read With Phonics’ - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/how-do-i-start-my-child-learning-to-read-with-phonics-12412206
