Spooky rhyming couplets to complete, with prompts and rhyme choices. One PDF sheet of rhyme starters, in different colours, with picture. This is a teacher’s guide, for sharing with class as they wish - verbally, with written out selections, or photocopied and distributed (for older). Whole-school Halloween fun! Upcoming book - Squeak! Squawk! Roar! (54 animal poems for 6+) available to pre-order now from all good bookshops + Amazon. It’s the SQUAWK of the town!

A woodland poem example, featuring description, presented over a colourful autumn wood photo. Writing frame also included. Repetition of the opening line also features in this simple format. **Offers a framework and idea spurs **for KS2 writers, and for KS1 verbal contributions. Warm-up: go outside to experience trees (and woods?) with all the senses. Then discuss - what did the children notice? What creatures might live there, and what are they like? How would the trees be in different seasons? What might they be like on Halloween night? Enact trees together, then pretend you’re walking through a wood, finding “treasures”. You’ll find more poem guides and poetry themes here at my TES shop.

Space recipe poem example, on space photo backdrop, plus blank writing frame on same background (2 sheets total). This fun, fascinating poem was written by the author - a published children’s poet. It demonstrates key poetic techniques, e.g. simile, metaphor and alliteration, and stretches minds and language. The blank writing frame is open to other styles of space poetry too, encouraging poetry exploration AND space exploration! Supports poetry, literacy and space studies. SEE ALSO, here on TES: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/recipe-for-a-night-sky-poem-to-read-12420912.

A poem (written by the author, a published poet), describing an autumn wood in metaphors. Blank frame in wood surround also included, for any style. It’s a carpeted castle for hopping rabbits, for instance, and a climbing frame de-luxe for squirrels. But the bright, warm, cheerful poem has a chilly ending. Presented on a golden-red autumn wood backdrop. Supports seasonal work, nature, poetry and literacy.

This 61-word, springtime story is easy to read. Newly independent readers will enjoy the little tale unaided, while those on the brink may need a little support as they sound out the words or make semi-informed guesses from the context. See my other stories for more confidence-building reading practice.

This funny 60-word story is easy to read. Newly independent readers will enjoy reading it alone, while those on the brink will benefit from adult support as they sound out the words or make wise guesses. The text offers a wide range of phonics and familiar words, while keeping the reader engaged. See my other stories for more reading practice.

This 60-word story is fun and simple to read. It tells the story of Waggy the dog’s happy lifestyle, from playing ball with his owner, Emma, to rolling in mud and chasing birds. Ideal for newly independent readers, and, with guidance, those on the verge of reading. Assorted phonics, spellings, grammar and punctuation included, and a range of simple, familiar vocabulary. See my other stories too, for variety.

This is a simple, 53-word story for young readers and almost-readers. It’s fun and meaningful to read, with supportive illustrations. The central character, Jack, features in other stories in the series too. The story features the dentist’s chair, and its exciting movements up and down. In the story, the dentist inspects Jack’s teeth and mends one, and Jack thanks him. This little reading resource is engaging and relevant to children’s lives. It also encourages tooth care and dental visits. See my other simple stories in the series, e.g. Ball in the Tree: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/story-ball-in-the-tree-simple-reading-12493185

This short, simple story is fun to read. Ideal for newly independent and emergent readers. The zoo animals that Jack sees are vividly described in a few, simple words. The funny monkey offers humour too. Plenty to discuss and follow up. There’s also a little space at the bottom for an extra illustration. See my other simple stories too, for variety.

Releasing pandemic stresses. The pandemic restrictions affect us all, and perhaps young people most of all. Writing down feelings and thoughts about lockdown life will help your class process and cope with them. This one-page guide offers ideas and example lines for you to present as prompts and starting points for individual responses. Tips for presentation are also provided. The sheet demonstrates how ideas can be built into free-style verses or paragraphs, with one basic theme per verse/para. Both negative and positive viewpoints are offered, rounding off with a positive, upbeat approach to the pandemic lifestyle adjustments we’re all having to make.

A beautiful, calming snow scene to write on, following the snow’s gentle curves. The starter phrases invite describing words and similes.

What We Found at the Seaside - published by The School Magazine, Australia, celebrates natural seaside wonders, in a flowing pattern. 15 short lines, starting: Waves purring wind stirring      gulls chuckling      crabs scuttling spray splashing fish dashing Supports: poetry appreciation, poetry crafting, creative writing, ocean studies, nature, environment, green living, vocabulary, speaking and listening, and PSHE - calming and soothing.