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Reading Riddle and Vlad flea

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Reading Riddle provides ideas, resources, information and experiences related to reading and the Great Fire of London. The aim is to share materials that encourage children to read and bring interactive experiences into the classroom. I am a qualified teacher with 10 years of working in London schools. I recently published my first picture book (Vlad and the Great Fire of London) and I go into schools and libraries running activities around the Great Fire of London.

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Reading Riddle provides ideas, resources, information and experiences related to reading and the Great Fire of London. The aim is to share materials that encourage children to read and bring interactive experiences into the classroom. I am a qualified teacher with 10 years of working in London schools. I recently published my first picture book (Vlad and the Great Fire of London) and I go into schools and libraries running activities around the Great Fire of London.
Vlad and the Great Fire of London - Teacher's Guide
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Vlad and the Great Fire of London - Teacher's Guide

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This resource accompanies Vlad and the Great Fire of London picture book. This guide has been written by the author of the Vlad picture book. It shares the research behind the book and gives a detailed summary of the history before, during and after the fire. In addition it contains page by page guidance to the images in the original book and useful questions. If you are teaching the Great Fire of London this will give you the key information on the history, context and curriculum learning for this topic. There are Big Questions that test both deeper factual knowledge and critical thinking, and ideas about where to look for visits and other activities. It contains all the information you need to teach the topic to a greater depth, whether it is the first time or if you want to refresh your knowledge and find out some fun facts to keep the subject lively. Contents: • Why is the Great Fire of London a significant event? • Timeline of events • Before the fire • Vlad and the Great Fire of London explained • After the fire • Places to visit in person and online • Big Questions • Other Vlad resources
Great Fire of London timeline cards
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Great Fire of London timeline cards

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Six images to put in order and make a timeline of the Great Fire of London. For an extension activity children can write further detail and add information about when the fire was finally extinguished. Further free resources are available on my TES shop and if you have found this useful please give it a review so others know :) The images are taken from my picture book Vlad and the Great Fire of London and information about this and my school visits can be found on the Reading Riddle website.
Map of London 1666 Great Fire of London grid work of main sites
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Map of London 1666 Great Fire of London grid work of main sites

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A map of London in 1666 with a grid to mark key sites of the Great Fire. Children mark sites such as Pudding Lane, Tower of London and the fields where Londoners camped after the fire. They are given the grid references to colour the area burned by the fire. This map covers the journey taken by Vlad and Boxton in the picture book of the events of the Great Fire (Vlad and the Great Fire of London by Kate and Sam Cunningham, which is available on Amazon). The map can be used with the book or works independently too. There are other free resources around the Great Fire of London available from my shop. For information on my storytelling and drama sessions please visit the Reading Riddle website.
Great Fire of London set of 7 lesson plans
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Great Fire of London set of 7 lesson plans

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This is a set of 7 lessons on the Great Fire of London with aims, activities, vocabulary and references to the National Curriculum. The lessons go with the further resources I have uploaded, but you can use and adapt in whatever way is most useful to you and your class. I love this topic and have tried to include plenty of talk, drama activities and images that bring it to life, in a way that will excite children, and give them the tools to write and discuss with enthusiasm. The Big Questions aim to give them a wider perspective and stretch their understanding. I visit schools linked to my book ‘Vlad and the Great Fire of London’, for information about this please look at the Reading Riddle website. If you have found this useful please give it a review :) and look at my other free resources.
What is the significance of the Great Fire of London
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What is the significance of the Great Fire of London

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Lesson 1 A powerpoint presentation introducing the Great Fire of London and what impact it had on the city. It includes information on where London is, what was in London and what it looks like now. Further resources to follow Images are taken from my picture book, Vlad and the Great Fire of London.
Vlad and the First World War Teacher's Guide
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Vlad and the First World War Teacher's Guide

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This resource accompanies Vlad and the First World War picture book. This guide has been written by the author of the Vlad picture book. It shares the research behind the book and gives a detailed summary of the history before, during and after the war. In addition it contains page by page guidance to the images in the original book and useful questions. If you are teaching this topic it will give you the key information on the history, context and curriculum learning. There are Big Questions that test both deeper factual knowledge and critical thinking, and ideas about where to look for visits and other activities. It contains all the information you need to teach the topic to a greater depth, whether it is the first time or if you want to refresh your knowledge and find out some fun facts to keep the subject lively. Contents: • Extending knowledge of events in modern history • Timeline of events • The start of the First World War The British colonies • Vlad and the First World War explained • After the War • Places to visit in person and online • Big Questions • Other Vlad resources
Vlad and the Great Fire of London Activity Book
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Vlad and the Great Fire of London Activity Book

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This is a pdf version of my printed book, Vlad and the Great Fire of London Activity Book which is also available for sale from my website and Amazon. It is linked to (but can be used separately from) the picture book Vlad and the Great Fire of London. "Excellent book, fits perfectly with KS1 curriculum. Lovely language and great illustrations. Would also highly recommend the authors website and her school visits." This is not a lesson resource book, but was written as a fun activity book, which could be used as homework - the contents are listed below and can be seen on the attached video. I am uploading it here for easy, printable purchase, but please note the same copyright applies as if you bought the bound book. It was created so teachers could use the resources in class and this version would be easier to copy for your own use, in your class. It is a black and white book (to reduce cost and allow for colouring-in!) and includes the following pages: The Great Fire numbers – fill out the information, putting the correct number into the sentences. Dot-to-dot. What’s wrong? – identify the objects that could not have been in a room in 1666. Who am I? – five people who saw the fire give a clue to their identity. Unscramble their names from the letters given. The Fire Game – a board game with counters and a dice to make. Colour in the fire scene. Boxton is trapped! – help Boxton escape from Pudding Lane through the maze of streets to the fields. Easy bread rolls – a simple recipe to make your own bread. Acrostic – answer the clues to spell a phrase. Fire wordsearch – find all the hidden fire vocabulary. Vlad the flea and Boxton the rat finger puppets to make. Londoner finger puppets – firefighters with moving arms. Fire facts and answers to the quizzes. (Please note that the second file is the colour cover which you may not feel the need to print but has been included in case you want to) For information, resources, visits and to sign up for new materials as they come out please see the Reading Riddle website Many thanks, Kate
images of materials and clues to why Great Fire of London spread
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images of materials and clues to why Great Fire of London spread

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A mixture of images of materials and clues from 1666 and now that lead to discussion about things that caused the Great Fire to spread. This resource relates to the lesson plan available for free from the shop. The images can be cut up and sorted into the relevant era. They then provide a starting point for comparing what houses were made from and how close they were placed.
Tutankhamun ancient Egypt word mat with topic vocabulary
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Tutankhamun ancient Egypt word mat with topic vocabulary

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With illustrations and vocabulary from the book Vlad and Tutankhamun’s Tomb this word mat is one of the resources created for the ancient Egypt topic. There are many more free resources including planning and lesson resources. The picture book Vlad and Tutankhamun’s Tomb is a many layered story that was written to engage, trigger ideas, discussion and help children visualise life for a ancient Egyptian worker. The linked resources help understand the research behind the story. More information about the books, resources and school visits can be found on the Reading Riddle website
Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure Teacher's Guide
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Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure Teacher's Guide

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This resource accompanies Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure picture book. This guide has been written by the author of the Vlad picture book. It shares the research behind the book and gives a detailed summary of the history before, during and after her time in Scutari Hospital. In addition it contains page by page guidance to the images in the original book and useful questions. If you are teaching a topic about Florence Nightingale this will give you the key information on the history, context and curriculum learning. There are Big Questions that test both deeper factual knowledge and critical thinking, and ideas about where to look for visits and other activities. It contains all the information you need to teach the topic to a greater depth, whether it is the first time or if you want to refresh your knowledge and find out some fun facts to keep the subject lively. Contents: • Why is Florence Nightingale’s work important? • Timeline of events • Florence Nightingale’s early life • Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure explained • After Scutari Hospital • Places to visit in person and online • Big Questions • Other Vlad resources
Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure Activity Book
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Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure Activity Book

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This is a pdf version of my printed book, Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Activity Book which is also available for sale from my website and Amazon. It is linked to (but can be used separately from) the picture book Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure. This is not a lesson resource book, but was written as a fun activity book, which could be used as homework - the contents are listed below and the interior can be seen on the attached video. I am uploading it here for easy, printable purchase, but please note the same copyright applies as if you bought the bound book. It was created so teachers could use the resources in class and this version would be easier to copy for your own use, in your class. It is a black and white book (to reduce cost and allow for colouring-in!) and includes the following pages: What did Florence Nightingale do for us? - pick the correct 5 words to complete the facts (reading/comprehension) Colouring in First Aid - 3 tips on how to treat bleeding, choking and burns Crossword Tortoise shell maze Simple letter sudoku Crutches and Bandages board game - based on snakes and ladders Florence facts - with multiple choice answers Word search Label the map - where are the countries linked to the Crimean War Instructions on how to make a lantern for Florence
Vlad and the First World War Activity Book
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Vlad and the First World War Activity Book

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This is a pdf version of my printed book,* Vlad and the First World War Activity Book *which is also available for sale from my website and Amazon. It is linked to (but can be used separately from) the picture book Vlad and the First World War. This is not a lesson resource book, but was written as a fun activity book, which could be used as homework - the contents are listed below and the attached video demonstrates some of the activities. I am uploading it here for easy, printable purchase, but please note the same copyright applies as if you bought the bound book. It was created so teachers could use the resources in class and this version would be easier to copy for your own use, in your class. It is a black and white book (to reduce cost and allow for colouring-in!) and includes the following pages: Cryptography - 3 different types of code writing to try Make a biplane - instructions on how to make a WW1 paper aircraft Make a periscopes - instructions and template to make a periscope First World War facts Wordsearch Battleships - can you complete the grid? Military Badges - information on 4 genuine cap badges to inspire designing one yourself Draw Crisp VC the carrier pigeon Trench Maze -find your way through Crossword Answers
Ancient Egypt history planning
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Ancient Egypt history planning

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This is a set of history plans for the topic of Ancient Egypt. They are linked to Vlad and Tutankhamun’s Tomb picture book, and show how to use the story and facts in this in the lessons. All linked resources (powerpoints, information sheets are available to download for free on the Teacher resource section of the Reading Riddle website Further activities and plans can be found on the shop and on our YouTube channel.
Observing fire and flames to collect descriptive vocabulary
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Observing fire and flames to collect descriptive vocabulary

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This is one of the resources for the Great Fire of London topic - although any work needing to observe and collect fire words could use it. The full free planning and other linked resources are available to download on the Reading Riddle website in the Free Resources section.
Tudor houses compared to modern homes
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Tudor houses compared to modern homes

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This is a free recorded session that I made for the Wandsworth Heritage Festival 2021. I have confirmed that they intend to leave the session up so have linked it on here so it can continue to be used. In the video I compare a Tudor house, which would have been the common structure during the Great Fire of London as much of the housing stock was old and dated from that period. I discuss how houses were built, heated, lit and supplied with water. There is a demonstration of the house Sam Cunningham created especially for this event. A free template is available to download and make from the Reading Riddle website This is a great session to help children understand how very different life was around 350 years ago and how much our homes have changed since then.
Make an Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus
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Make an Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus

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This step-by-step video shows how to make an Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus or coffin from cardboard and salt dough. It can be adapted to make without the salt dough. The video is quite long but gives a detailed description of each stage and could be shown in parts at each stage of the make if preferred. It can be used as a creative part of the history topic on ancient Egypt and has been made in connection with the book Vlad and Tutankhamun’s Tomb. The book is a story about the artists who were responsible for creating the decorations and art that was discovered in the tomb and is a great starting point for generating vocabulary and thinking about the contrast between the wealth of the pharaohs and the life of ordinary Egyptians. To find out about this and other Flea in History books go to the Reading Riddle website Further planning and ideas are available on the shop and through the website. Other books include Great Fire of London, Florence Nightingale, First World War and Space.
Flying First World War carrier pigeon DT activity
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Flying First World War carrier pigeon DT activity

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Linked to Vlad and the First World War this is an activity to make a version of Crsip VC the carrier pigeon, that can then zoom down his own zip wire! Lot’s of possibilities to carry out an investigation such as: how fast does he travel? (and how do we measure this accurately?) does the length of the string affect his speed? does the difference in height, from start to finish, affect his speed? does the size/weight of Crisp VC affect his speed? does the type of string affect his speed? The video has step-by-step instructions on creating the mechanism. For more activities and ideas for this and the other books go to the Reading Riddle website. Vlad and the First World War introduces many of the real people caught up in the conflict, such as 2nd Lieutenant Walter Tull, Dr Phoebe Chapple, Captain Thomas Crisp, the Red Baron, the Chinese Workers Corps and the Indian Cavalry. From this children can research, write and dig deeper into a wider range of international experience. Also in the series: Vlad and the Great Fire of London, Vlad and Tutankhamun’s Tomb, Vlad and the Space Race, Vlad and the Florence Nightingale Adventure.
Great Fire of London - making a light
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Great Fire of London - making a light

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A craft activity to make a light linked to the topic of Great Fire of London and a resource by Kate Cunningham, author of Vlad and the Great Fire of London and the other Flea in History series. This video demonstrates step-by-step how to make the light. Resources needed include jar/bottle, battery operated tea light, cellophane/tissue paper, scissors, glue, pencil and ruler. Go to the Reading Riddle website for information about the other books, visits and resources. Other books include First World War, Tutankhamun, Space and Florence Nightingale.
Vlad and the Space Race vocabulary sheet word mat
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Vlad and the Space Race vocabulary sheet word mat

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A vocabulary sheet/word mat using images from the picture book Vlad and the Space Race. Linked free lesson plans and resources are available on the Reading Riddle website. The picture book Vlad and the Space Race is available from the Reading Riddle website, Amazon, or any bookshop. Further information about all the Vlad flea books and my schools visits is available on this website too.
Design a memorial - an Remembrance Day activity
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Design a memorial - an Remembrance Day activity

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This classroom activity looks at war memorials and considers who they are for, what they are made from and what images are used. Children then use this to design a memorial of their own. Through this activity the children think about why we have memorials and the wide range of people and animals who are being remembered. For further information about the Vlad flea books visit the Reading Riddle website.