This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills through a reading of the opening chapter of Uwe Timm’s ‘The Train Mouse.’ 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 lower KS2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups. The session is suitable for home/ remote learning.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills through a reading of the opening chapter of Chris Blake’s ‘Stone Age Rampage.’ 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 3 and 4, but it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups. The session is also suitable for home/ remote learning.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills through a reading of the opening extract of ‘The Time Machine’ (originally written by H.G. Wells, adapted age-appropriately by Eric Brown). 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 years 5-8, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups. The session is suitable for home/ remote learning. The resources are suitable for home/ remote learning.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension of the opening chapters of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. It contains a link to the online chapter (on the first slide). This 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 2-3, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource helps to detail and categorise the foundation learning in writing that takes place in the EYFS stage. It is an important resource for EYFS teachers and parents, but also writing/English subject leaders, to aid them in the development of a clearly-mapped and well-sequenced writing curriculum across the school. This organiser groups the reading-related learning into the relevant EYFS areas of learning - for English, this is mainly the Literacy and Communication and Language learning areas. The resource is designed to be printed onto A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images used are licensed for commercial use and are cited on a separate document (included).

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension of the opening chapters of Roald Dahl’s The Magic Finger. It contains a link to the online chapter (on the first slide). This 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 2-3, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups. The session works great in isolation, but was initially taught as part of a Roald Dahl link series over a week, with the class dipping into a different Roald Dahl text each day. The other two texts are George’s Marvellous Medicine and The Twits - the resources for both of these sessions are also available via this website.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource helps to detail and categorise the foundation learning in reading that takes place in the EYFS stage. It is an important resource for EYFS teachers and parents, but also reading/English subject leaders, to aid them in the development of a clearly-mapped and well-sequenced reading curriculum across the school. This organiser groups the reading-related learning into the relevant EYFS areas of learning - for English, this is mainly the Literacy and Communication and Language learning areas. The resource is designed to be printed onto A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images used are licensed for commercial use and are cited on a separate document (included).

In this engaging and interactive lesson, students make the case for who they feel is the greatest sportsperson of all time. Within the lesson they develop skills of: persuasive writing, independent researching, personal and social comprehension, and speaking and listening. By the end of the lesson, students write and present their own case for the world's greatest sportsperson, using individually researched subject matter, structural advice, and understanding of persuasive techniques. The learning follows a logical, bitesize journey, in which students: - Discuss and define the key features of what they think makes a sportsperson 'great'; - Research how their own contender meets the features of greatness, using a well-scaffolded research template; - Understand and exemplify each of the persuasive techniques, useful in convincing others of their case; - Critically analyse the language, subject matter, and structure of a model example of a World's Greatest Sportsperson article; - Write, present, and assess their own article. Included is everything that you need to teach, including: - Comprehensive, well-presented whole-lesson PowerPoint (students are led through the learning journey by an animated Usain Bolt character!); - Research template and completed model example; - Persuasive device cards for the card-sorting activity; - Model example of a completed 'World's Greatest Sportsperson' article; - Lesson plan. This would be perfect as a part of an English persuasive writing or speaking and listening unit, a PSHE/Citizenship study of people and their achievements, or a Cross-Curricular activity for less structured learning time. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on the final slide of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson enables students to make insightful and developed interpretations regarding ‘The Ghost of Christmas Present’ in ‘A Christmas Carol.’ In particular, they explore the key messages about generosity and human kindness that Dickens aims to get across through his portrayal of the ghost. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Reading and understanding the key plot elements of stave 3 - in which The Ghost of Christmas Present appears; - Identifying and exemplifying the key features of the ghost, including its appearance, actions, and mannerisms; - Analysing the extent to which the ghost represents Dickens' message about generosity; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Extract - Stave 3 of A Christmas Carol; - Features of The Ghost of Christmas Present Worksheet (and completed answer sheet for teachers); - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. This was originally taught to mixed ability year 10 groups, but can easily be differentiated for groups of different ages and abilities. 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, interesting tasks, 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 'Skellig.' Round 1. The characters in Skellig Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Skellig 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!

In this engaging and informative lesson, students make clear and insightful interpretations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s use of language throughout 'The Sign of Four.' In particular, students analyse how Doyle uses metaphor, alliteration and pathetic fallacy to describe the journey Holmes and Watson take across the dreary streets of London in Chapter 3. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Define and exemplify a range of language devices, including pathetic fallacy; - Reading and understanding chapters 3 and 4, in which Holmes, Watson, and Miss Marston travel across London to meet Mr Thaddeus Sholto; - Identifying and analysing the language techniques used by Doyle in describing the London streets; - Analysing Doyle's intentions in using each of the language features, and considering the effect that these have upon the reader; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 3 and 4; - Cards for the Card-Sorting Activity; - Language Techniques Worksheet (and Teacher Answer Sheet); - Essay Template; - Detailed 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.

In this engaging and informative lesson, students learn to make sustained and precise interpretations of the character of Tonga in 'The Sign of Four.' In particular, students analyse Watson’s account of Tonga’s appearance, mannerisms and behaviours in chapter 10 of the novel, before linking this to notions of the savage cultural ‘other’ that were commonly held during the colonial era in Britain. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Understanding the social and cultural context of Britain's colonial past; - Reading and understanding chapters 9 and 10, in which Tonga makes his appearance; - Identifying and analysing the language techniques used by Doyle in describing Tonga; - Understanding how readers at the time would react to the depiction of Tonga; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 9 and 10; - Tonga - Links to Context Worksheet (and teacher answer sheet); - Essay Template; - Detailed 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. Please note that you'll need access to internet/laptops for opening quiz activity. 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, interesting tasks, 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 'Fantastic Mr Fox.' Round 1. The characters in Fantastic Mr Fox Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Fantastic Mr Fox 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 informative lesson helps students to understand the key characters and relationships in the secret annex in Anne Frank’s Diary. Students explore extracts from the text, video evidence, and their own research findings, to demonstrate a clear understanding of each of the occupants’ key characteristics and traits, in addition to their relationships with Anne and one another. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Remembering each of the occupants of the house, and recalling what they know about them; - Reading and understanding extracts from Anne Frank's Diary, in which Anne describes each of the people in the house and explains what she thinks of them; - Watching and comprehending a powerful video of Otto Frank discussing his relationship with Anne; - Researching one inhabitant in more depth, using a helpful research template; - Writing an explanatory piece about the life of one of the inhabitants of the annex; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Research Template - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Link to an engaging and informative video (you will need internet access to view); - Writing to Explain Helpsheet - 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 a mixed-ability year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task and the model examples. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to make detailed interpretations about the development of the creature in the garage throughout David Almond’s Skellig. In particular, students comprehend how the character is initially introduced, utilising textual evidence, before investigating how and why the creature transforms throughout the story. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Defining and exemplifying the key term 'prejudice', and noting its dangers; - Reading and comprehending the introduction of the creature through selected extracts; - Tracking how Michael and Mina's nurture and care helps to transform the creature over the course of the text; - Understanding the messages that can be learnt from this in terms of prejudice and not 'judging a book by its cover.' - Creating diary entries detailing the development of the creature; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Development of Skellig Storyboard (pdf and word); - Extracts from Chapters 1-10; - Writing to Describe Help-sheet; - 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 a year 7 class, 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.

This engaging, in-depth lesson enables students to understand how Shakespeare uses a range of colourful and varied language choices to develop the theme of social grace in ‘Much Ado about Nothing.’ Much Ado About Nothing contains some of Shakespeare's most vibrant and interesting language, as characters such as Benedick and Claudio use words to jostle for respect around the noble Don Pedro and Leonato. This lesson explores the devices that they use in order to gain favour with their social superiors. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Defining and exemplifying different language devices, such as similes, metaphors, alliteration, and puns. - Taking part in a fun team quiz to identity the language devices used by the main characters in Much Ado About Nothing. - Understanding the idea of social grace, and learning how it relates to the social hierarchy within the text. - Completing an essay style response in which they consider how Shakespeare uses language to develop the theme of social grace. - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and detailed - just download and teach from it! - Cards for card-sorting activity; - Social grace worksheet; - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. This was originally taught to higher ability year 9 and 10 groups, but can easily be differentiated for groups of different ages and abilities.

This engaging and purposeful series of lessons enables children to gradually build towards a well-structured historical fiction composition. The lessons build up an Ancient Egyptian historical fiction story, but could reasonably be adapted to aid children in constructing historical fiction pieces based on different eras. The first two lessons in the series are focused on: Introduction to Historical Fiction (main features); Setting the Scene (writing beginnings); The comprehensive PowerPoint presentations guide teachers and learners through a logical step-by-step learning journey - these include SPAG starters, individual/ partner/ group activities, modelled examples, and extended written opportunities (following clear objectives and success criteria. All of the worksheets and activity resources are provided (in both Word and PDF). These lessons were originally created for children in lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4).

This engaging and purposeful series of lessons enables children to gradually build towards a well-structured historical fiction composition. The lessons build up an Ancient Egyptian historical fiction story, but could reasonably be adapted to aid children in constructing historical fiction pieces based on different eras. This resource contains lessons 3 and 4 in the series - focused on: -Building Characters; -Story Structure. The comprehensive PowerPoint presentations guide teachers and learners through a logical step-by-step learning journey - these include SPAG starters, individual/ partner/ group activities, modelled examples, and extended written opportunities (following clear objectives and success criteria. All of the worksheets and activity resources are provided (in both Word and PDF). These lessons were originally created for children in lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4).

This engaging and purposeful series lessons enables children to gradually build towards a well-structured historical fiction composition. The lessons build up an Ancient Egyptian historical fiction story, but could reasonably be adapted to aid children in constructing historical fiction pieces based on different eras. This resource contains lessons 5 and 6 in the series - the final two lessons. They are focused on: -The Climax; -Editing and Redrafting. The comprehensive PowerPoint presentations guide teachers and learners through a logical step-by-step learning journey - these include SPAG starters, individual/ partner/ group activities, modelled examples, and extended written opportunities (following clear objectives and success criteria. All of the worksheets and activity resources are provided (in both Word and PDF). These lessons were originally created for children in lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4).

This lesson aims to improve students’ understanding of Ted Hughes’s message and imagery in the war poem ‘Bayonet Charge.’ By the end of the lesson, students demonstrate their knowledge of the text analytically, through assured, appropriate, and sustained interpretations of content, language, and structure. Students learn through a logical and step-by-step learning journey, including: -Understanding the context of the poem and defining the key terminology 'bayonet', 'over the top', 'trenches', and 'no-man's land'; -Understanding key information about the poet Ted Hughes; -Reading and interpreting the poem; -Interpreting the poem, with a particular emphasis upon how Hughes creates visual and auditory imagery; -Finding and analysing the language features used throughout the poem, and considering how these link to the poet's message; -Writing an extended analysis piece based upon how Hughes creates imagery in order to capture the soldier's horrifying final moments; -Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and substantial; - Copy of poem; - Interpretation worksheet (plus an answer sheet for teachers/CAs); - Analysis task template and success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. This was originally taught to middle-ability year 9/10 groups, but can easily be differentiated for groups of different ages and abilities. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.