This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading the opening to Tove Jansson’s ‘Finn Family Moomintroll.’ The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The extract needed is provided as a PDF. The session is best suited for children in years 3-4, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This resource pack of 2 whole class reading sessions aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills, through reading Drew Daywalt’s 'The Day the Crayons Quit.’ Children read the text (hyperlinked) in two stages. Each reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The sessions are best suited for children in years 1-2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This KS1 whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills when reading non-fiction texts. This particular session focuses on their reading of an original information sheet (included) about Jellyfish. The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The session is best suited for children in years 1-2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading the opening extract of Rachel Bright’s ‘The Koala Who Could.’ The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The text is provided as a PDF and is also hyperlinked on the first slide. The session is best suited for children in years 1-2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This resource pack of 2 whole class reading sessions aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills, through reading Ludwig Bemelman’s 'Madeline.’ Children read the text (hyperlinked on the first slide and included as PDF) in two stages. Each reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The sessions are best suited for children in years 1-2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills, whilst enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of Audley End House, through reading a short, age-appropriate non-fiction text about its construction, history and important features. The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The text has been adapted from a web source to ensure that it is clear and age-appropriate. It is provided in both PDF and Word, so that you can make any additional alterations should you wish to. The session is best suited for children in years 3-4, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This whole class reading session aims to aid children in developing their reading comprehension skills. through reading the opening two chapters of Karl Shaw’s ‘Deadly Dangerous Kings and Queens.’ The resource pack includes the link to the text (it is also included in the resource pack as a PDF) and all of the activities for the session, which the class are guided through via a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the text is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The session is best suited for children in years 3-4, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly older or younger year groups. This resource is suitable for home/ remote learning. These resources are also suitable for home/ remote learning.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’ The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The text is hyperlinked (first slide) for ease of access, and a slide show version is also provided as a PDF. The session is best suited for children in years 1-2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills through a reading of the opening chapter of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful.’ The resource pack includes the extract and all of the activities for the session, which the class are guided through via a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The session is best suited for children in Year 5 and 6, but it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups. The session is also suitable for home/ remote learning.

This engaging and informative lesson enables students to understand the structural features used by Michael Morpurgo to plot the narrative and engage the reader in War Horse. In particular, students analyse the effectiveness of his first person perspective and narrative structure, before creating their own well-structured story plans. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: Understanding the benefits of Morpurgo’s first person narration from Joey’s viewpoint; Defining and exemplifying the different stages of narrative structure; Applying this understanding to ‘War Horse’, considering why each stage of narrative structure is vital to the novel. Analysing the effectiveness of Morpurgo’s structural devices, considering the effect on the reader; Creating plans for the structure of their own WW1 narratives, utilising the structural components discussed over the lesson ; Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; Narrative Structure Graph Template; Storyboard Template; Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 4 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

Based on the popular game show ‘Pointless’, this resource is perfect for use as a whole lesson resource, enrichment option, or revision tool. Editable, so that you can change to any other topic or change questions. (I’ve also added a blank template so that you can make your own games from scratch). Containing almost 30 slides of sound clips and suitably challenging questions, this resource is effective at both promoting engagement and enhancing learning. There are several full rounds of questions to build or revisit knowledge of characters, plot, and themes in ‘War Horse.’ Round 1. The characters in War Horse Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in War Horse The nature of this game ensures that the resource can challenge students of all levels. A blank template has also been added, so that you can create your own games!

This engaging and thought-provoking double-lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the first two chapters of Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy: Tales of Childhood.’ The comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation enables students to understand the first two chapters through: -Retrieving key information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Linking texts to context. The session begins with an introduction to Roald Dahl and his writing of the book, before guiding students through reading and understanding the opening chapters utilising retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. There is easily enough material for two lessons here (20 slides in total). The lessons are suitable for students in either KS3 or (for advanced classes) upper KS2, depending upon the individual context of the school and students.

This engaging and thought-provoking double-lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the chapters 14 to 17 of Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy: Tales of Childhood.’ This section of the text details Dahl’s later experiences at St. Peter’s School, including his unjust caning and ‘Little Ellis and the Boil’. The comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Comparing and contrasting text events; -Sequencing the key events. The session begins with a brief knowledge recall activity based on the prior chapters. Students then read and understand the chapters, utilising retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning activities. There is easily enough material for two lessons here (22 slides in total). The lessons are suitable for students in either KS3 or upper KS2 (for advanced classes), depending upon the individual context of the school and students.

This engaging and thought-provoking double-lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the chapters 18 to 21 of Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy: Tales of Childhood.’ This section of the text details Dahl’s initial experiences at Repton School, including his treatment at the hands of the ‘Boazers’ and the welcome supply of Cadbury’s chocolate! The comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Understanding key vocabulary; -Linking texts. The session begins with a brief knowledge recall activity based on the prior chapters. Students then read and understand the new chapters, utilising retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning activities. There is easily enough material for two lessons here (25 slides in total). The lessons are suitable for students in either KS3 or upper KS2 (for advanced classes), depending upon the individual context of the school and students.

This engaging and thought-provoking double-lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the chapters 22 to 25 of Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy: Tales of Childhood.’ This section of the text details Dahl’s final years at Repton, before taking up his first job with the Shell Oil Company. The comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Understanding key vocabulary; -Summarising key information. The session begins with a brief knowledge recall activity based on the prior chapters. Students then read and understand the new chapters, utilising retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning activities. There is easily enough material for two lessons here (25 slides in total). The lessons are suitable for students in either KS3 or upper KS2 (for advanced classes), depending upon the individual context of the school and students.

This engaging and thought-provoking double-lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the chapters 3 to 6 of Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy: Tales of Childhood.’ This section of the text describes Dahl’s experiences at Llandaff Cathedral School, including ‘The Great Mouse Plot.’ The comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Summarising the key events. The session begins with a knowledge recall session on the opening chapters, before guiding students through reading and understanding the chapters - utilising retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. There is easily enough material for two lessons here (20 slides in total). The lessons are suitable for students in either KS3 or upper KS2, depending upon the individual context of the school and students.

In this engaging and informative lesson, students are enabled to demonstrate a secure understanding of the narrative structure within Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ In particular, students gain a deeper understanding of the web of relationships and quarrels involving the Bennets, Bingleys, and Darcys (amongst others) through sequencing, interpreting, and summarising key plot events. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Playing a fun group quiz to secure their understanding of key plot elements; - Sequencing the events of the text and explaining what happens in each chapter; - Summarising the events of the text through a storyboard; - Recreating the ending of the text, relying upon their in-depth understanding of plot and characters; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Plot event cards for the card sorting activity; - Storyboard template - Writing to describe aid; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. These resources were originally taught to GCSE students, but with subtle adaptations they have also been used with both younger and older (up to A Level) students. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the chapters 13 to 16 of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits.’ The chapters covered in these lessons are ‘Mr Twit Gets a Horrid Shock’, ‘The House, The Tree and The Monkey Cage’, 'Hugtight Sticky Glue’ and ‘Four Sticky Little Boys.’ The lessons are guided by a comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation, and enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Anaysing the writer’s use of language. The sessions include a range of retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. The session ends with a thought-provoking creative activity. There’s a lot in the session (18 slides in total) so I would recommend breaking into two lessons. The lessons are most suitable for children in lower key stage 2, (they were originally made for children in year 3) but they could also be adapted for slightly older and younger year groups.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson resource aids students in developing a secure understanding of the chapters 22 to 25 of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits.’ The chapters covered in these lessons are ‘Muggle-Wump has an Idea’, ‘The Great Glue Painting Begins’, ‘The Carpet Goes on the Ceiling’, and ‘The Furniture Goes Up.’ The lessons are guided by a comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation, and enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings; -Empathising with characters. The sessions include a range of retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. There’s a lot in the session (18 slides in total) so I would recommend breaking into two lessons. The lessons are most suitable for children in lower key stage 2, (they were originally made for children in year 3) but they could also be adapted for slightly older and younger year groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading all about the history and significance of the Mona Lisa. It contains an original 800 word non-fiction information text for the students to read and comprehend. The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s VIPERS skills: vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval, sequencing and summarising. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The text to read is provided in both PDF and Word format. The session is best suited for children in upper KS2, however it could easily be used with KS3 students and could feasibly be utilised with slightly younger children, depending upon the individual context of your class.