This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading an information factfile about caves. It includes information about how caves are formed, use of caves, cave wildlife and well-known examples of caves. 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 extract needed is provided in both PDF and Word format. The session is best suited for children across KS2, I have previously used the resources with years 3, 4, and 5.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills, whilst also helping them to understand what life is like for children growing up in military families. The non-fiction text that the children read has been carefully extracted from the Children’s Commissioner’s report on ‘Kin and Country: Growing Up as an Armed Forces Child.’ The lesson is particularly useful for schools in which there are a significant proportion of children from service families. 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and Word document (the word doc is in the zip file). The session is best suited for children in years 4-6, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older age groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading an information factfile about newts (the text is two A4 sides in length). 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 extract needed is provided in both PDF and Word format. The session is best suited for children across KS2, I have previously used the resources with years 3, 4, and 5.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading an extract from the beginning (chapters 1 and 2) of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and a link to a web-based version is also included on the first slide. The session is best suited for children in KS2 (I have used the resources in the past with children in years 3, 4 and 5 with minor adaptations).

This fun and original assembly aids children in understanding the value of being thankful for what they have in their lives, through: Understanding what thankfulness is, and recognising why it is important; Learning the importance of living life being thankful for what we do have, rather than being focusing too heavily on what we don’t have; Considering the positive aspects of their lives, and considering those less fortunate than themselves; Learning strategies to demonstrate thankfulness in their own lives. This assembly is tried and tested, and has always been really well received in the past. The slides are visually engaging and well-presented, and the subject matter is tailored to the interests and needs of young people. The session also includes an interesting story, which demonstrates how our outlook, morale and behaviour changes as we become more thankful. Furthermore, there is an internet link to a beautiful, thought-provoking video which demonstrates how far too often we spend time focused on what we don’t have, rather than the many ways in which we are fortunate. There are also various discussion prompts to enable children to understand how they can be thankful in different areas of their own lives. The slides are fairly self-explanatory, but I’ve included to pages of notes to assist the speaker. Hope that you find this useful!

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading a short non-fiction text about the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and a link to a web-based version is also included on the first slide. 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 age groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading an extract from chapter 36 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - in which Harry and Lord Voldemort come face-to-dace for the final time. 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and a link to a web-based version is also included on the first slide. The session is best suited for children in years 4-6, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older age groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading an isolated extract (from chapter 8) of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and a link to a web-based version is also included on the first slide. The session is best suited for children in years 4-5, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older age groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading the opening to Anne Holm’s ‘I am David.’ 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and a link to a web-based version is also included on the first slide. The session is best suited for children in years 5-6, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older age groups.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s fluency and comprehension skills through reading the opening to Kenneth Graeme’s ‘The Wind in the Willows.’ 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 extract needed is provided as a PDF and a link to a web-based version is also included on the first slide. The session is best suited for children in years 5-6, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older age groups.

In this engaging lesson, children develop an understanding of the religions and beliefs that were predominant throughout the time of the Anglo-Saxons. In particular, they learn about Pagan Gods and Goddesses, beliefs with regards to ceremony and the afterlife, and the Christian conversion catalysed by St. Augustine. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall - gauging what children already know about the Anglo-Saxon era (answers are provided); -Understanding the key ideas of Paganism and how this replaced Christianity as the dominant belief system after the Anglo-Saxons settled; -Learning about some of the Anglo-Saxon gods and goddesses (through a short video, which is hyperlinked into the presentation) and using a template to research their chosen God/ Goddess in more depth; -Discovering Pagan beliefs about death, ceremony and the afterlife (again, through a short video about Sutton Hoo) and demonstrating their understanding through comprehension questions; -Learning about St. Augustine and how he began the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity; -Producing a persuasive piece of writing, imagining that they are St. Augustine and they are convincing Ethelbert to become Christian. -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (21 slides) and the research template for the Pagan Gods and Goddesses activity. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper KS2 (years 5 and 6) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

In this engaging lesson, children develop an understanding of the battles and conflicts fought by the Anglo-Saxons. In particular, they consider weapons and strategies used by Anglo-Saxon fighters and create a timeline of the major battles throughout the Anglo-Saxon period, The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall - gauging what children already know about the Anglo-Saxon era (answers are provided); -Understanding that life in Anglo-Saxon times was harsh and often violent, and that battles and conflicts were frequent; -Studying sources to identify the types of weapons that were used by Anglo-Saxon warriors; -Learning about some of the strategies adopted by Anglo-Saxon armies; -Creating a timeline of the key battles throughout the Anglo-Saxon period (the information about these battles is provided); -Completing their own extended research to find out more about one of the key battles; -Considering how Anglo-Saxon battles helped to shape England; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (22 slides) and the information cards for the timeline activity. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper KS2 (years 5 and 6) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

In this engaging lesson, children develop an understanding of Anglo-Saxons daily life, in particular: farming, jobs and village life, settlements and buildings and food. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall - gauging what children already know about the Anglo-Saxon era (answers are provided); -Understanding that the scale of time between the Anglo-Saxon period and the modern day, helping to contextualise the how comparatively simple and harsh life was in the time of the Anglo-Saxons; -Interpreting and analysing four sources (provided) in order to gain a deeper understanding of each of the key areas of Anglo-Saxon daily life; -Completing their own extended research to find out more about one of the key areas of daily life; -Composing a creative piece in which they put themselves in the shoes of an Anglo-Saxon villager; -Comparing Anglo-Saxon daily life with other eras; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (20 slides), the four sources for the source analysis activity, and the template upon which to record their findings. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper KS2 (years 5 and 6) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

In this engaging lesson, children are provided with an understanding of Anglo-Saxons rulers and social structure, through learning about: how the different kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxons gradually unified; three Anglo-Saxon rulers: Egbert, Alfred the Great and Athelstan; the social hierarchy that governed Anglo-Saxon life. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall - gauging what children already know about the Anglo-Saxon era (answers are provided); -Understanding that Britain was split into Kingdoms under the Anglo-Saxons, and that these gradually unified over time to create England; -Researching and learning about the three Kings - Egbert, Alfred the Great and Athelstan - who were each important in this transition towards unification; -Learning about the social structure of Anglo-Saxon life under the King, and considering how life differed at each level of the hierarchy; -Reflecting on what life was like for different people within Anglo-Saxon society; -Comparing Anglo-Saxon society with the societal structure of modern Britain; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (22 slides), and the worksheet for the researching activity. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper KS2 (years 5 and 6) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

This resource pack of 2 sequenced whole class reading sessions aims to develop children’s comprehension sessions through reading the opening extract from Michael Morpurgo’s version of ‘Beowulf.’ The lessons are provided as easy-to-follow, step-by-step PowerPoint presentations and the reading is included as a PDF. Each reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s comprehension skills using VIPERS: vocabulary, inference, predicting, explaining, retrieval, summarising and sequencing. Each lesson contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. Further 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 5-6, although with minor adaptations they could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about Jane Goodall as a part of either their history or their science study. It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in Her Life; Important Vocabulary; Jane Goodall Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. 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.

This fun and original assembly aims to assist children in understanding the value of faithfulness, through: -Understanding what faithfulness is, and recognising why it is important; -Understanding how faithfulness can be shown, through watching and intrepreting a short scene from Harry Potter; -Looking at examples of faithfulness in real contemporary life; -Thinking about times when they might need to be faithful to their friends, families and themselves; -Learning strategies to demonstrate faithfulness in their own lives. This assembly is tried and tested, and has always been really well received in the past. The slides are visually engaging and well-presented, and the subject matter is tailored to the interests and needs of young people. For example, there are references to scenarios and dilemmas that they themselves might find themselves in (for example how they might act during and after conflicts) in order to help them to make the right choices in their own lives. All links to videos/ songs are included in the PowerPoint as hyperlinks. No further resources are required - everything that you need to present the session is included. Please note - this assembly is not religious in nature - I have a ‘Faithfulness Collective Worship’ session available for this purpose. Thanks!

This fun and original collective worship session aims to assist children in understanding the value of faithfulness, through: -Understanding what faithfulness is, and recognising why it is important; -Understanding what the Bible teaches us about faithfulness, and learning about the story of Abraham and his faithfulness to God; -Looking at an example of faithfulness in modern times; -Thinking about times when they might need to be faithful to their friends, families and themselves; -Learning strategies to demonstrate faithfulness in their own lives. This worship session is tried and tested, and has always been really well received in the past. The slides are visually engaging and well-presented, and the subject matter is tailored to the interests and needs of young people. For example, there are references to scenarios and dilemmas that they themselves might find themselves in (for example how they might act during and after conflicts) in order to help them to make the right choices in their own lives. All links to videos/ hymns are included in the PowerPoint as hyperlinks. No further resources are required - everything that you need to present the session is included.