Writing Complex Sentences and Extending Simple Sentences - suitable from Primary 2/3/4( Scotland) onwards and Year 1/2/3( England) onwards as well as a support for children experiencing barriers to their learning. Learning Intentions include: To write complex sentences To order complex sentences To extend complex sentences with connectives** This resource pack consists of: a colourful , comprehensive and concise PPT presentation which provides a scaffolded approach to sentence construction plus word documents that provide follow on activities engaging visuals that promote composition of complex and extended sentences (interactive white board pupil activities) straightfoward tasks that allow children to learn about sentence construction and build writing skills ( writing tasks) precise instruction in extending complex sentences using connectives (interactive white board pupil activities) explicit instruction on adding sentence starters to enhance simple sentences opportunities to order complex sentences (interactive white board pupil activities) scaffolded tasks that require children to compose sentences (visuals provided and sentence stems to support learners) written tasks on word documents for completion ( word bank provided to support learners) slides and word documents are editable so that teachers can personalise the visuals and sentences e.g. to correspond with topic or PSE etc. I have included several images in the preview so that teachers can see the quality of the resources offered and my efforts to make the literacy activities as engaging as possible. The font I have chosen is one which is installed in most systems- Bradley Hand. However, when uploading the preview shots to the site , the TES system sometimes changes it -not sure why! Be assured that within the presentation and word documents provided within the pack, the font is the same throughout. I welcome feedback and reviews from fellow teachers and hope that their learners enjoy the unit of work on sentence construction as much as my classes. Enjoy!

This unit contains a series of writing pictorial prompts with accompanying word walls. It also has several accompanying written responses that can be analysed and serve as reminders to the children to: vary their sentence starts vary the length of their sentences use the word wall when composing sentences about the picture use capitals at the beginning of each sentence use full stops, exclamation marks and question marks as appropriate Connectives or 'joining' words are provided on each slide to encourage more complex sentences. I use it on a weekly basis to provide a 'short burst' writing task which helps the children to produce 3-5 sentences. I vary the task by asking the children to respond to the prompt on their white boards as well as within their jotters. The pictures are clear, colourful and stimulate discussion before writing and can be easily edited and changed to reflect current topic etc. The models are provided so that the teacher can easily prompt the children to notice a variety of starters , use of connectives and adjectives. I colour code the sentences - green at the start of each sentence and red for full stops, question marks and exclamation marks at the end. The unit is an additional writing resource that requires little preparation and complements longer writing tasks. Would be delighted if you could leave feedback.

I created these presentations/resources for my class as a series of cross curricular lessons on minibeasts. The resource bundle has simple and appealing presentations to introduce minibeasts and food chains. I have included tasks and active learning throughout the presentations. I feel that young learners benefit from clear and concise minibeast facts as many of the relevant non fiction texts are too difficult for early readers to access. The Butterfly Presentation includes: simple factual information about butterflies to read and discuss opportunities to build up important ‘butterfly’ vocabulary before writing ( mini whiteboard task) factual writing task with sentence stems a labelling task and life cycle sequencing task ‘butterfly’ poems to read, enjoy, discuss and perform simple ‘draw a butterfly’ task & alternative ‘cut and stick’ task The Spider presentation includes: simple factual information about spiders to read and discuss opportunities to build up important ‘spider’ vocabulary before writing (mini whiteboard task) factual writing task with sentence stems a labelling task ( spider’s body) ‘spider’ poems to read, enjoy, discuss and perform simple art lesson for a spider web The Minibeast Poetry presentation provides an opportunity for learners to compose a minibeast poem. It details the structure of the poem and has appealing graphics and suggestions to aid composition. In addition, there is a basic introduction to food chains with pupil tasks. Links are also provided throughout all the presentations to appropriate minibeast songs/stories that enhance and enrich the learners’ experience as well as active tasks/games e.g. complete the food chain. Finally, some more general resources are included on living & non-living things and a ‘roll a dice’ task (minibeast body parts) which would be an ideal starting point for very young learners. Would be delighted if you could leave feedback.

A selection of PowerPoints that introduce Literature Circles and the benefits of promoting this within a literacy /reading session. One is devoted to introducing Literature Circles to teachers and practitioners who are unfamiliar with them. The other two presentations are intended for children and can be used to guide them through the roles plus the approach needed for successful collaborative work. The badges for each role are provided for lamination. The pro formas for each role are also included. This approach encourages independent reading and supports active reading within the classroom. A Literature Circle word mat provides stimulating questions to scaffold and enhance speaking & listening within a group . This word mat could also be used by the teacher as a plenary activity.

This clear, concise and colourful presentation leads the learners step by step through the composition of a list poem based on a ‘magic purse’ theme. There is a grammar element throughout with an emphasis on nouns, adjectives and ‘ing’ verbs. I find that a poetic context is an effective way to embed incidental grammar teaching in class. Although the outcome is a simple list poem, it can easily be differentiated for older learners. This would involve extending each line using e.g. adverbs or an additional clause. I have included the extension task for older learners on the latter part of the presentation . I have also provided pro formas for the children to use for their initial draft before they revise, edit and improve.

This poetry resources pack consists of two colourful presentations: Poetry Techniques ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield - An Analysis ‘Poetry Techniques’ covers the use of language to create effect within poems such as figurative language,similes and metaphors. It enables the learners to develop an insight into basic poetry word/phrases that are employed by poets and writers. It sets the learners up before reading, appreciating and analysing the poem, ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield. ‘Sea Fever’ is a presentation which details the language used in this popular and engaging poem. The poem is analysed and the poet’s technique is examined as well as the effects of the word choices, A printable copy of the poem is provided for the learners to highlight or annotate. There is an additional artistic opportunity to produce a drawing of a tall ship as a finishing task. It could be also used for a seascape art lesson.

This pack introduces children to early sentence construction using an autumnal theme. The ’ Let’s write about Autumn’ presentation allows the teacher to model simple sentence construction on a smart board. The teacher then has the option to scaffold a few sentences from the visual prompt on the following slide. Alternatively, the children can actively ‘share the pen’ with the teacher and write on whiteboards using the visual prompt. They could also record on whiteboards after the teacher has modelled using the simple word wall provided. I have also included a printer friendly version where children can record sentences on sheets which provides independent tasks. The ’ Autumn Scarecrows’ presentation provides simple information in a clear and engaging way. It is followed by: a factual writing task a ‘cut and stick’ activity with background provided a colour coded scarecrow task a symmetrical task. There is also an online link provided for a ‘scarecrow’ action song. This is particularly suited as a cross curricular link for Autumn. Hope your learners enjoy the seasonal resources. I welcome feedback/reviews. Enjoy Autumn with your classes.

These resources support the persuasive writing genre. The tasks involve designing a poster to advertise: a fireworks sale a cauldron shop a magic wand shop They can easily be adapted to include : a broomstick shop/sale spell shop. Both presentations detail the signposts of persuasion : ‘catchy phrases’ ‘bold slogans’ etc. I have included a homework task which could be used as a warm up before a ‘Big Writing’ class session. The word wall activity promotes: independent dictionary referencing thesaurus work. The word mat supports composition for any children who need more support and helps with illustrations - a key feature of a persuasive poster. A very enjoyable task which engages the learners, and particularly relevant in this season.

Two presentations that contain a variety of literacy tasks based on a Winter/ Arctic theme. The first presentation contains: winter word walls, winter handwriting, winter writing tasks, winter drawing and labelling tasks, winter key words task ( mini whiteboards), ‘Jack Frost’ poem , drawing and writing task, winter weather cut and stick task, winter clothes drawing and labelling task, The second presentation has literacy tasks based on animals of the Arctic. It contains: factual passages about 4 Arctic creatures - Snowy Owl Arctic Fox, Polar Bear Arctic Wolf There are: grammar tasks about each creature, writing tasks about each creature. All of these resources are ideal for a winter themed topic. I have included simple tasks for learners who need more support as well as more demanding tasks for learners that enjoy challenge.

Writing Simple Sentences and Extending Simple Sentences - suitable from Primary 2( Scotland) onwards and Year 1( England) onwards as well as a support for children experiencing barriers to their learning. Learning Intentions include: To write simple sentences To order simple sentences To extend simple sentences with connectives This resource pack consists of: a colourful , comprehensive and concise PPT presentation which provides a scaffolded approach to early sentence construction plus word documents that provide follow on activities engaging visuals that promote composition of simple and extended sentences (interactive white board pupil activities) straightfoward tasks that allow children to learn about sentence construction and build writing skills ( writing tasks) precise instruction in extending simple sentences using connectives (interactive white board pupil activities) explicit instruction on adding adjectives to enhance simple sentences opportunities to order simple sentences (interactive white board pupil activities) scaffolded tasks that require children to compose sentences (visuals provided and sentence stems to support learners) written tasks on word documents for completion ( word bank provided to support learners) slides and word documents are editable so that teachers can personalise the visuals and sentences e.g. to correspond with topic or PSE etc. I have included several images in the preview so that teachers can see the quality of the resources offered and my efforts to make the literacy activities as engaging as possible. The font I have chosen is one which is installed in most systems- Bradley Hand. However, when uploading the preview shots to the site , the TES system sometimes changes it -not sure why! Be assured that within the presentation and word documents provided within the pack, the font is the same throughout. I welcome feedback and reviews from fellow teachers and hope that their learners enjoy the unit of work on sentence construction as much as my classes. Enjoy!

These presentations provide a comprehensive pack of writing comments based on Assessment for Learning principles. The comments describe the positive features in relation to the learning objective and clarity of the writing. For some children, it is advisable to give one positive comment and one suggestion for improvement. The comments remind children about the learning objectives and allow group, class or individual feedback to ensue easily. They deal with the children’s writing performance (both strengths and weaknesses). In addition they observe and recommend a strategy that would improve their writing. They are mostly genre specific but also include comments about technical skills and punctuation. PRINTING THE LABELS (L 7162 & L7163) It is easy to download Avery Wizard (free). It will appear on your top menu bar. Open one of my PowerPoint presentation with comments - strengths /how to improve  Open a blank Word document  Click on Avery Wizard  Choose either code (L 7162 & L7163)  Select comment from PowerPoint presentation  Paste onto Avery label and follow instructions to finish  Page of labels ( 16 or 14) will appear on word document - just like that! I have included several documents that are already transferred to Avery label format for easy printing - Code L7162 ( 16 labels to a page) & Code L7163 ( 14 labels to a page). If you are looking for a range of writing comments to scaffold and suggest improvements- this should do the trick.