KS3 Read & Respond: A brand new, 10 lesson, fully planned SOW centered on reading comprehension using reciprocal reading strategies (fab 4 etc).
In this new bundle are 10 more carefully planned lessons that aim to push KS3 students’ reading comprehension and essay/creative writing skills. You can view the previous reading scheme of work here, for another ten great lessons.
Each of these new lesson focuses on a unique short story (all selected from the BBC 500 word contest) and includes a host of activities to guide learning, bolstering reading, comprehension and critical thinking/metacognitive skills. Perfect for whole school literacy.
Each lesson follows four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Produce either an essay, creative writing piece or other planned response to the short story.
This SOW includes a detailed lesson plan for each of the 10 lessons, PPT’s full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as a printable version of each short story to read with the class. These lessons are perfect for a reciprocal reading intervention, and work 1:1 or with a class.
This SOW also bakes crucial GCSE skills into the plan, preparing students to meet AO objectives whilst teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
KS3 Read & Respond 20 - My Time Again
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
This is one free lesson from the 10 short story reciprocal reading bundle.
For several more lessons like this, be sure to check out the reading comprehension bundle as well.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “My Time Again” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s use of verbs, adverbs and adjectives had on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of verbs, adverbs and adjectives.
KS3 Read & Respond 19 - Bamboo Magic
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Part of a reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “Bamboo Magic” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s descriptive language has on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of descriptive language.
KS3 Read & Respond 11 - The Bus Driver Who Turned to Crime
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “The Bus Driver Who Turned to Crime” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s present tense had on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of present tense
KS3 Read & Respond 17 - Anne Wilson
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “Anne Wilson” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s personification and POV had on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of POV and personification.
KS3 Read & Respond 16 - The Curse of Pageton Manor
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “The Curse of Pageton Manor” and asks students to consider how the story had a clear beginning, middle and end, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of story sequencing
KS3 Read & Respond 15 - The Princess
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “The Princess” and asks students to evaluate the use of genre, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of blended genre
KS3 Read & Respond 14 - Cloak and Haddock
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “Cloak and Haddock” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s use of verbs had on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of verbs to drive storytelling.
KS3 Read & Respond 13 - The Cottage
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “The Cottage” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s twist ending had on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
KS3 Read & Respond 11 - The Countdown
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “The Countdown” and asks students to evaluate the impact that the story’s hyperbole on the reader, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of hyperbole to create tension
KS3 Read & Respond 11 - The Mars Theory
A bright, detailed and fully planned lesson that aims to test KS3 students with their ability to read, comprehend and respond to a stimulating short story. This lesson is perfect for reciprocal reading interventions as it bakes all the core skills (fab 4 reading strategies etc) into each step of the lesson.
Related to this reciprocal reading scheme of work. Enjoy two FREE examples of the lessons here and here.
The lesson has four steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read - Read through the material as a group with the help of bold images and vocabulary prompts
Understand - Summarise the material and reflect upon its impact on the reader
Respond - Answer an essay style question using quotes from the text to consolidate learning
This lesson focuses on the short story “The Mars Theory” and asks students to evaluate how the author used dialogue to drive its narrative, as well as to consider the author’s intent when writing the story.
This lesson includes a detailed lesson plan, a PPT full of images, worksheets, questions and examplars, as well as containing a printable version of the short story itself to read with the class.
Following the reciprocal reading framework, this scheme of work also teaches crucial GCSE skills, preparing students to meet AO objectives, and teaching them to consider the use of quotations to back responses.
This lesson focuses on the use of POV and dialogue.
A vibrant PowerPoint celebrating International Women’s Day 2023 for use in assemblies or PSHE/classroom work.
Includes:
An introduction to IWD 2023
10 core values of International Women’s Day
New theme for 2023: Embracing Equality
Equality vs equity
Outline of harmful stereotypes and gender bias
Breaking barriers
Group discussion opportunities on actions students can take to create a more gender equal world
Summary of key take-away points
The document has been designed to be eye-catching, engaging and effective in providing students with clear information on gender inequality.
Fully animated with transitions. Also included is a PDF version of the presentation.
SELF-CONCEPT
KS3 PSHE, Core Theme 1: Health & Wellbeing
Topics included:
Self-Concept
Self-Esteem
Resilience
Social Media
Making Decisions
Influences on Decision Making
Designed so that it can be used all in one go, or split into sections over multiple shorter lessons. Sections are colour-coded to show logical breaks.
Provides activities for self-reflection, small group work and whole-class discussions. Fully animated with transitions, includes relevant YouTube videos, printable worksheets and activities, and teacher-only notes/guidance.
Dynamic, vibrant and engaging, designed to keep students interested and engaged in content. 35 slides. Fonts embedded to allow you to edit where necessary.
Learning opportunities covered:
H1. how we are all unique; that recognising and demonstrating personal strengths build self-confidence, self-esteem and good health and wellbeing
H2. to understand what can affect wellbeing and resilience (e.g. life changes, relationships, achievements and employment)
H3. the impact that media and social media can have on how people think about themselves and express themselves, including regarding body image, physical and mental health
H4. simple strategies to help build resilience to negative opinions, judgements and comments
H5. to recognise and manage internal and external influences on decisions which affect health and wellbeing
KS2 English Up To Speed - Grammar Essentials
20 quick, fun and easy lessons plus worksheets to to engage KS2 students. Covers a broad range of fundamental grammar techniques.
Similes and metaphors
Homophones
Positives/negatives
Compound words
Synonyms
Prefixes and suffixes
Commas
Contractions
Cooridinating/subordinating conjunctions
Adverbs
Adjectives
Articles
Nouns
Sentence fragments
Predicates
Subjects
Declaratives
The lessons each follow 3 steps and all come provided with fun worksheets to fill in:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.
KS2 English Up To Speed Lesson 2 - Similes and Metaphors 2
A quick, fun and easy lesson that aims to engage KS2 students, learning and then practicing the difference between different setence types.
Part of a grammar essentials scheme of work. For three FREE example lessons in this scheme of work, be sure to check out
KS2 Synonym catchup
KS2 Adjective catchup
Adverb catchup
The lesson follows 3 steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.
KS2 English Up To Speed Lesson 1 - Similes and Metaphors 1
A quick, fun and easy lesson that aims to engage KS2 students, learning and then practicing the difference between different setence types.
The lesson follows 3 steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.
KS2 English Up To Speed Lesson 1 - Declaratives
A quick, fun and easy lesson that aims to engage KS2 students, learning and then practicing the difference between different setence types.
Part of a grammar essentials scheme of work. For three FREE example lessons in this scheme of work, be sure to check out
KS2 Synonym catchup
KS2 Adjective catchup
Adverb catchup
The lesson follows 3 steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.
KS2 English Up To Speed Lesson 1 - Positives and Negatives
A quick, fun and easy lesson that aims to engage KS2 students, learning and then practicing the difference between different setence types.
Part of a grammar essentials scheme of work. For three FREE example lessons in this scheme of work, be sure to check out
KS2 Synonym catchup
KS2 Adjective catchup
Adverb catchup
The lesson follows 3 steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.
KS2 English Up To Speed Lesson 1 - Compound Words
A quick, fun and easy lesson that aims to engage KS2 students, learning and then practicing the difference between different setence types.
Part of a grammar essentials scheme of work. For three FREE example lessons in this scheme of work, be sure to check out
KS2 Synonym catchup
KS2 Adjective catchup
Adverb catchup
The lesson follows 3 steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.
KS2 English Up To Speed Lesson 1 - Declaratives
A quick, fun and easy lesson that aims to engage KS2 students, learning and then practicing the difference between different setence types.
Part of a grammar essentials scheme of work. For two more fantastic FREE lessons in this bundle, see adverbs catchup and adjectives catchup.
The lesson follows 3 steps:
Starter - Pre-contextualise the material with a fun warmup activity
Read and Copy- Read through the material as a group with the help of images, then copy the definition
Practice/produce- Practice skills using a worksheet, then produce an original piece, displaying learning
This lesson includes a quick, printable worksheet, definitions and plenaries to ensure learning.
Works well in 1:1 settings, for differentiated English catchup with older yeargroups, or with groups.