This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand one of the main recurring themes in Louis Sachar’s Holes: The effect of the past upon the present. Students study several of the flashbacks in Sachar’s non-linear narrative, and establish how different objects, ideas, and settings are evidence of the links between past and present at Camp Green Lake. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Reading and understanding the selected extracts to comprehend how past and present events are linked at Camp Green Lake; - Exploring different objects and ideas, such as the spiced peaches and the treasure, to demonstrate how different sub-plots are interwoven; - Using textual evidence to show a deeper understanding of the writer’s purpose in linking the features of past and present together; - Analysing how the effect of the past becomes an effective theme throughout the story; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - ‘Text Detectives’ worksheet - (PDF and Word versions); - Selected extract - Chapter 7; - Essay template for analytical paragraphs; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 4 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to demonstrate a clear understanding of the descriptive language used by Anne Frank in her ‘Diary of a Young Girl.’ Students explore how Anne uses techniques such as varied vocabulary, personification, and metaphors to describe scenes and events to the audience. Students also have a go at using their own imaginative language devices through their own diary entries. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Completing a card-sorting activity to define and exemplify each of the descriptive devices; - Reading and understanding extracts from a section of Anne Frank's Diary, in which Anne describes her fear during a bombing, and her anger with her fellow annex inhabitants; - Identifying and analysing Anne's use of language devices throughout the extract; - Writing their own language device-filled diary attempts, with support from a helpsheet and a model example; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Anne's Language Devices Worksheet (and answer sheet); - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Cards for sorting activity; - Writing to Describe Helpsheet; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with a mixed-ability year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to demonstrate a clear understanding of the setting in ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ - The Secret Annex. Students explore the language used by Anne Frank in her description, explore the annex for themselves on a virtual tour, and then write imaginative and original descriptions based on what they have seen and read. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Empathising with the Frank family's situation by discussing the idea of displacement; - Reading and understanding extracts from the opening section of Anne Frank's Diary, in which Anne describes the annex; - Information gathering on each of the rooms in the annex through observing a virtual tour; - Linking information and using imaginative thoughts to produce detailed, original, and imaginative descriptions of rooms in the annex; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Information Gathering Template; - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Link to a virtual tour video (you will need internet access to view); - Writing to Describe Helpsheet; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with a mixed-ability year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand the key features of the social and historical context of Anne Frank’s Diary, through learning about The Holocaust and Nazi-occupied Europe in the 1940s. Furthermore, students learn to identify and analyse features of context within specific sections of Anne Frank’s Diary - making appropriate links between text and context. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Understanding the key features of the Holocaust through watching and comprehending an informative (and age-appropriate) video; - Reading and understanding extracts from the opening section of Anne Frank’s Diary; - Linking their understanding of social and historical context to what they read in the text; - Analysing how the horrors of the Holocaust are evident through Anne’s account of her family’s experiences; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Linking Text to Context Worksheet (and answer sheet); - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Link to an engaging and informative video (you will need internet access to view); - Essay Template - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with a mixed-ability year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand the effects of the dual narrative structure used in Robert Swindells’ Stone Cold. Students consider the purpose of dual narratives and the way in which the structure is employed by Swindells, before analysing the impact that the dual narrative has upon readers. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Defining the key term ‘dual narrative’ and considering famous examples; - Skimming and scanning ‘Stone Cold’ to find evidence of the dual narrative in action throughout the text; - Analysing the effects that dual narratives can have upon the reader, including the rise in dramatic tension and dramatic irony in Stone Cold. - Storyboarding Stone Cold to reveal how the dual narrative is used throughout for effect; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Storyboard template (pdf and word); - Dual Narrative Perspectives Worksheet; - Essay Template; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with a year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand the character of the Shelter in ‘Stone Cold’ from his words and actions, and back up their ideas with reference to evidence from the text. Students also consider the Swindells’ language and purposes in the portrayal of his antagonist, before designing their very own villain. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Considering the connotations of the name ‘Shelter’, and how Swindells’ character contrasts with these meanings; - Reading extracts from the narrative viewpoint of Shelter in ‘Stone Cold’ in Shelter’s character is introduced; - Answering comprehension questions about the extracts, considering the writer’s use of language and retrieving textual information to back up their ideas; - Becoming text detectives, and finding out more information about Shelter’s character through skimming and scanning the text; - Considering Swindells’ purpose in his portrayal of Shelter; - Analysing Swindells’ villain, before designing their own; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - ‘Text Detectives’ template (pdf and word); - Selected extracts - Stone Cold - Shelter’s Introduction; - ‘Create Your Own Villain’ worksheet (pdf and word); - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with a year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

Based on the popular game show ‘Pointless’, this resource is perfect for use as a whole lesson resource, enrichment option, or revision tool. Editable, so that you can change to any other topic or change questions. (I’ve also added a blank template so that you can make your own games from scratch). Containing almost 30 slides of sound clips, interesting tasks, and suitably challenging questions, this resource is effective at both promoting engagement and enhancing learning. There are several full rounds of questions to build or revisit knowledge of characters, plot, and themes in ‘Stone Cold.’ Round 1. The characters in Stone Cold Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Stone Cold The nature of this game ensures that the resource can challenge students of all levels. A blank template has also been added, so that you can create your own games!

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand one of the key themes running throughout Robert Swindells’ Stone Cold: Homelessness. Students use key information, research skills, and extracts from the text to understand how and why homelessness happens and who it can affect, before composing their own arguments about how they believe homelessness should be tackled. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Considering their own views towards homeless people, and thinking about how these were formed; - Researching how and why people become homeless, and who it affects ; - Reading an extract from ‘Stone Cold’ in which Link describes a night on the streets, to better empathise with those who are sleeping rough; - Answering comprehension questions about the extract, considering the writer’s use of language and retrieving textual information to back up their ideas; - Forming their own arguments about how homelessness should be tackled, using their own research and the information gathered throughout the lesson; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Research Template; - Selected extracts - Stone Cold - Link’s description of a night on the streets; - Writing to Argue Helpsheet; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with a year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand the key events of the sub-plot in Louis Sachar’s ‘Holes’ - the story of Kissin’ Kate Barlow and Sam. Students demonstrate their comprehension of the key events in Kate and Sam’s life, before forming their own opinion on Kissin’ Kate’s justification for becoming an outlaw. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Reading and understanding the selected extracts to comprehend the key events of the sub-plot; - Storyboarding the key events (using the template provided) to demonstrate their understanding of key quotes and ideas; - Using textual evidence to show a deeper understanding of the sub-plot, considering the writer’s ideas and the historical context; - Forming their own viewpoint about Kissin’ Kate’s actions through a writing to argue piece; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Storyboard Template; - Selected extracts - Chapters 23, 25, and 26; - Analysis of the Sub-Plot worksheet (and student answer sheet); - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 4 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand the introduction and development of the lead protagonist in Louis Sachar’s ‘Holes’ - Stanley Yelnats. Students explore Stanley’s character traits at the start of the story, using extracts from the text, before tracking his changing behaviour as the novel progresses. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Reading and understanding the selected extracts to determine the key traits of Stanley’s character at different points in the text; - Noticing trends in Stanley’s character throughout the text, observing how he develops from his introduction in the text to later on in the story; - Using textual evidence to back up ideas about Stanley; - Creating two diary entries from the viewpoint of Stanley, accounting for his changes over time; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Cards for the card-sorting activity - Selected extract- Chapter 4; - Development of Stanley chart (Word and PDF) - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 4 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

Based on the popular game show ‘Pointless’, this resource is perfect for use as a whole lesson resource, enrichment option, or revision tool. Editable, so that you can change to any other topic or change questions. (I’ve also added a blank template so that you can make your own games from scratch). Containing almost 30 slides of sound clips, interesting tasks, and suitably challenging questions, this resource is effective at both promoting engagement and enhancing learning. There are several full rounds of questions to build or revisit knowledge of characters, plot, and themes in ‘Holes.’ Round 1. The characters in Holes Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Holes The nature of this game ensures that the resource can challenge students of all levels. A blank template has also been added, so that you can create your own games!

This engaging and informative lesson enables students to understand the character of the Warden from Louis Sachar’s ‘Holes’, making insightful comments about her character based upon her actions, and backing these ideas up with reference to evidence from the text. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Reading and understanding the selected extracts to determine the key traits of The Warden’s character at different points in the text; - Noticing trends in Warden’s character throughout the text, observing how she develops from her introduction in the text to later on in the story; - Analysing Sachar’s use of language and description in describing the Warden; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; - Creating their own villainous Warden, using an engaging template. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Selected extract- Chapter 14; - Development of The Warden worksheet (Word and PDF) - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Create your own villain template - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 4 and 9 with minimal adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This resource booklet contains a wide range of age-appropriate, engaging, and meaningful comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies.’ Teachers have found them particularly useful in exam revision, comprehension tasks, or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the KS4 expectations within the new National Curriculum framework - this makes the tasks suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and for teachers there is explicit information within each task regarding which comprehension strands the task is designed to demonstrate. They also relate to key extracts, characters, and themes from the story, ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of the text. Activities within the booklet include: - ‘Context: The Barbaric Nature of World War II’ - to aid students with ‘Drawing on knowledge of the purpose, audience and context of the writing, including its social, historical and cultural context and the literary tradition to which it belongs, to inform evaluation;’ - ‘Golding’s Description’ - to aid students with ‘Analysing a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features, and evaluating their effectiveness and impact;’ - ‘Jack’ and ‘Simon’ - to aid students with ‘Seeking evidence in the text to support a point of view, including justifying inferences with evidence;’ - ‘Editing the Text’ - to aid students with ‘Making an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ Plus many, many more activities (the booklet is around 30 pages in length!) I’ve also added it as a PDF in case the formatting differs on your computer. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on a separate document (included).

This resource booklet contains a wide range of age-appropriate, engaging, and meaningful comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Teachers have found them particularly useful in exam revision, comprehension tasks, or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the KS4 expectations within the new National Curriculum framework - this makes the tasks suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and for teachers there is explicit information within each task regarding which comprehension strands the task is designed to demonstrate. They also relate to key extracts, characters, and themes from the play ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of the text. Activities within the booklet include: - ‘Context: Shakespearean Times’ - to aid students with ‘Drawing on knowledge of the purpose, audience and context of the writing, including its social, historical and cultural context and the literary tradition to which it belongs, to inform evaluation;’ - ‘Shakespeare’s Description’ - to aid students with ‘Analysing a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features, and evaluating their effectiveness and impact;’ - ‘Friar Laurence’ - to aid students with ‘Seeking evidence in the text to support a point of view, including justifying inferences with evidence;’ - ‘Editing the Play’ - to aid students with ‘Making an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ Plus many, many more activities (the booklet is around 30 pages in length!) I’ve also added it as a PDF in case the formatting differs on your computer. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on a separate document (included).