In this engaging and comprehensive lesson, students are introduced to the first pillar of Islam - the Shahada. Children learn through collating their collective prior knowledge, watching an interesting video (hyperlinked) and answering comprehension questions about the Shahada. They then link this knowledge to their own personal spirituality, considering the important ‘pillars’ and intentions that are important to them and their communities. The lesson is tried and tested, and is easy for teachers and students to follow. It contains a comprehensive 16-slide Powerpoint which offers a step-by-step guide throughout the lesson, in addition to the worksheet template for the creative ‘pillars of my community’ activity (in both Word and PDF). Challenge activities are provided in order to enrich learning for higher-attaining learners. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper Key Stage 2 (years 5 and 6). The key learning is aligned with national expectations for RE, and also the content prescribed by most diocese regions. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on the final slide.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson is the last in a series lessons designed to accompany the reading and promote children’s comprehension of Roald Dahl’s ‘Esio Trot.’ It covers the end of the text (pages 50 to 63 in the Puffin version of the story). The lesson is guided by a comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation, and enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information about the events and characters in this section of the story; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings, including key inferences about Mr Hoppy and Mrs Silver’s marriage; -Summarising and sequencing the main events in the text. The sessions include a range of retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. A clear, well-designed template is also provided for the storyboarding activity. The lessons are most suitable for children in upper KS1 or lower KS2, depending upon the individual context of the class - they have been tried and tested in the classroom with both year 2 and year 3 children.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson is the third in a sequence of four lessons designed to accompany the reading and promote children’s comprehension of Roald Dahl’s ‘Esio Trot.’ This lesson covers the section of the text in which Mr Hoppy carries out his plot to create the appearance of Alfie ‘growing’ in an attempt to win Mrs Silver’s affection. It covers pages 34 to 49 in the Puffin version of the story. The lesson is guided by a comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation, and enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information about the events and characters in this section of the story; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings, including key inferences about how Mr Hoppy carefully carries out his plan; -Identifying and understanding Roald Dahl’s use of different types of vocabulary. The sessions include a range of retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. The lessons are most suitable for children in upper KS1 or lower KS2, depending upon the individual context of the class - they have been tried and tested in the classroom with both year 2 and year 3 children.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson is the first in a sequence of lessons designed to accompany the reading and promote children’s comprehension of Roald Dahl’s ‘Esio Trot.’ This lesson covers the beginning of the story (up to the end of page 15 in the Puffin version of the text). The lessons are guided by a comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation, and enables students to understand the text through: -Making predictions about the story; -Retrieving information about the events and characters in the story opening; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings, including what they have learnt about Mr Hoppy’s character from the opening section of the text. The sessions include a range of retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. A worksheet/ template is also provided for the creative character profile activity (in both Word and PDF format). The lessons are most suitable for children in upper KS1 or lower KS2, depending upon the individual context of the class - they have been tried and tested in the classroom with both year 2 and year 3 children.

This engaging and thought-provoking lesson is the second in a sequence of lessons designed to accompany the reading and promote children’s comprehension of Roald Dahl’s ‘Esio Trot.’ This lesson covers the section of the text in which Mr Hoppy has an idea to help Alfie the tortoise to ‘grow’ and win Mrs Silver’s heart. It covers pages 16 to 33 in the Puffin version of the story. The lesson is guided by a comprehensive and colourful PowerPoint presentation, and enables students to understand the text through: -Retrieving information about the events and characters in this section of the story; -Inferring and deducing hidden meanings, including key inferences about the sincerity of Mr Hoppy’s plan; -Explaining key ideas, including how they think Mr Hoppy’s plan will work. The sessions include a range of retrieval, vocabulary, inference, explanation and deeper thinking activities. A clear, colourful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation guides students through the learning. The lessons are most suitable for children in upper KS1 or lower KS2, depending upon the individual context of the class - they have been tried and tested in the classroom with both year 2 and year 3 children.

In this engaging and comprehensive lesson, students are introduced to the second pillar of Islam - Salah. Children learn through collating their collective prior knowledge, watching an interesting video (hyperlinked) and answering comprehension questions about the Salah. They then develop their understanding by learning about the daily prayer routine and the ‘wudu’ (washing ritual). The lesson is tried and tested, and is easy for teachers and students to follow. It contains a comprehensive 17-slide Powerpoint which offers a step-by-step guide throughout the lesson, in addition to the worksheet template for the creative ‘routines’ activity (in both Word and PDF). Challenge activities are provided in order to enrich learning for higher-attaining learners. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper Key Stage 2 (years 5 and 6). The key learning is aligned with regional expectations for RE, and also the content prescribed by most diocese regions. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on the final slide.

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Seamus Heaney’s power and conflict poem 'Storm on the Island.’ Teachers have found the activities particularly useful throughout teaching, or for exam revision or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the key English Literature assessment objectives - suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and it is clearly highlighted within each task regarding which assessment strands the task is designed to demonstrate. It is provided in both Word (to allow for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure for consistency of formatting between computers). Activities within the booklet include (amongst many others): ‘Analysing Context’ - helping students to ‘Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.’ ‘Analysing Subject Matter, Language and Structure’ - to help students to ‘Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.’ ‘Diary Entry’ - to help students to ‘Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Make an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ ‘The Speaker’ - to help students to ‘Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.’

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Ted Hughes’ power and conflict poem 'Bayonet Charge.’ Teachers have found the activities particularly useful throughout teaching, or for exam revision or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the key English Literature assessment objectives - suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and it is clearly highlighted within each task regarding which assessment strands the task is designed to demonstrate. It is provided in both Word (to allow for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure for consistency of formatting between computers). Activities within the booklet include (amongst many others): ‘Analysing Context’ - helping students to ‘Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.’ ‘Analysing Subject Matter, Language and Structure’ - to help students to ‘Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.’ ‘Diary Entry’ - to help students to ‘Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Make an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ ‘The Speaker’ - to help students to ‘Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.’

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for year 5/6 children when writing playscripts. The organiser is also perfect for teachers, parents and English subject leaders - aiding their planning and supporting of children’s knowledge development for this writing text type. The organiser has a particular focus on the content, language and structural features required to write effective playscripts at upper KS2. It contains distinct sections covering: -Playscripts Overview; -Structure: Character Lists, Stage Directions, Dialogue, Narrative Structure; -Language: Specific Vocabulary Choices, Conjunctions, Punctuation Checklist and Word Mat; -Content: Dramatic Genres and Dramatic Devices; -Key Vocabulary The content is fully aligned with the age-related expectations for upper KS2 children in writing. The resource is designed to be printed onto A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images used are licensed for commercial use and are cited on a separate document (included).

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Carol Rumens’ power and conflict poem 'The Emigree.’ Teachers have found the activities particularly useful throughout teaching, or for exam revision or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the key English Literature assessment objectives - suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and it is clearly highlighted within each task regarding which assessment strands the task is designed to demonstrate. It is provided in both Word (to allow for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure for consistency of formatting between computers). Activities within the booklet include (amongst many others): ‘Analysing Context’ - helping students to ‘Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.’ ‘Analysing Subject Matter, Language and Structure’ - to help students to ‘Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.’ ‘Diary Entry’ - to help students to ‘Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Make an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ ‘The Speaker’ - to help students to ‘Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.’

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Carol Ann Duffy’s power and conflict poem 'War Photographer.’ Teachers have found them particularly useful throughout teaching, or for exam revision or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the key English Literature assessment objectives - suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and it is clearly highlighted within each task regarding which assessment strands the task is designed to demonstrate. It is provided in both Word (to allow for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure for consistency of formatting between computers). Activities within the booklet include (amongst many others): ‘Analysing Context’ - helping students to ‘Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.’ ‘Analysing Subject Matter, Language and Structure’ - to help students to ‘Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.’ ‘Diary Entry’ - to help students to ‘Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Make an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ ‘The Speaker’ - to help students to ‘Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.’

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for year 5 and 6 children when writing explanations. The organiser is also perfect for teachers, parents and English subject leaders - aiding their planning and supporting of children’s knowledge development for this writing text type. The organiser has a particular focus on the content, language and structural features required to write effective explanations at upper KS2. It contains distinct sections covering: -An Overview of Explanations; -Content: Title and Opening Statement, Main Body, Closing Statement; -Language:Vocabulary Choices, Tone, Tense, Conjunctions, Cause and Effect Techniques, Adverbs, Conjunctions, Punctuation Checklist and Word Mat; -Structure - Paragraphs, Whole Text Cohesion, Images and other tips; -Key Vocabulary The content is fully aligned with the age-related expectations for upper KS2 children in writing. The resource is designed to be printed onto A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images used are licensed for commercial use and are cited on a separate document (included).

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for covering ‘Growing and Changing’ at Year 1 in PSHE. The organiser is clear, logical and fully meets all requirements for the PSHE curriculum, including the DfE’s new Relationships Education and Health Education statutory guidance It includes sections on: -Overview and Recap of Prior Learning; -Healthy Relationships - Special People, Surprises and Secrets, Unkindness, Teasing and Bullying and Listening & Touching; -Knowing Our Bodies -Inside our Bodies, How Have We Changed?; -RSE Content - Keeping Privates Private, Toilet Changes; -Key Vocabulary. The resource is designed to be printed onto A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images used are licensed for commercial use and are cited on a separate document (included).

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for covering ‘Growing and Changing’ at Year 2 in PSHE. The organiser is clear, logical and fully meets all requirements for the PSHE curriculum, including the DfE’s new Relationships Education and Health Education statutory guidance It includes sections on: -Overview and Recap of Prior Learning; -Healthy Relationships - A Helping Hand, Loss, Listening and Touching; -Knowing Our Bodies -Our Unique Bodies, Basic First Aid; -RSE Content - Respecting Privacy, Places for Privacy; -Key Vocabulary. The resource is designed to be printed onto A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images used are licensed for commercial use and are cited on a separate document (included).

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills through a reading of Christina Balit’s Escape from Pompeii. The resource pack includes the extract and all of the activities for the session, which the class are guided through via a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. This is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The session is best suited for children in years 4-6, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly younger and older year groups.

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Wilfred Owen’s power and conflict poem Exposure.’ Teachers have found them particularly useful throughout teaching, or for exam revision or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of students towards meeting the key English Literature assessment objectives - suitable for all examining bodies. Students have found these resources extremely engaging, and it is clearly highlighted within each task regarding which assessment strands the task is designed to demonstrate. It is provided in both Word (to allow for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure for consistency of formatting between computers). Activities within the booklet include (amongst many others): ‘Analysing Context’ - helping students to ‘Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.’ ‘Analysing Subject Matter, Language and Structure’ - to help students to ‘Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.’ ‘Diary Entry’ - to help students to ‘Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Make an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.’ ‘The Speaker’ - to help students to ‘Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.’

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 'Billionaire Boy.' Round 1. The characters in Billionaire Boy Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Billionaire Boy 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!

In this engaging and comprehensive lesson, students are introduced to the fifth pillar of Islam - Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the city of Makkah. Children learn through collating their collective prior knowledge, understanding where Makkah is and why it is holy, learning key facts about the rules and process of Hajj and demonstrating their understanding through various tasks, including explaining the process of Hajj through a storyboarding template. They also consider their own personal spirituality, discussing concepts such as perseverance and respect. The lesson is tried and tested, and is easy for teachers and students to follow. It contains a comprehensive 17-slide Powerpoint which offers a step-by-step guide throughout the lesson. A reading about the Hajj process is also provided, in addition to the template for the main activity (in both Word and PDF). In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper Key Stage 2 (years 5 and 6). The key learning is aligned with regional expectations for RE, and also the content prescribed by most diocese regions. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on the final slide.

In this engaging lesson, students develop their understanding of special places in Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It was originally taught as a part of an RE unit on ‘Special Places’ and so assumes some prior knowledge of churches and mosques (I have uploaded the prior lessons on this). The lesson introduces synagogues. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall - gauging what children already know about special places in Christianity and Islam; -Being introduced to synagogues and their key features; -Using a provided worksheet/ template to find similarities and differences between churches, mosques and synagogues; -Creating their own special places; -Completing a plenary activity to assess their understanding; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. This resource pack includes the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (23 slides) and the worksheet (provided in both Word and PDF). There is everything that you need here to teach the lesson, but you may wish to have some cardboard, shoeboxes etc. available for the creative task. In the past, I have used this lesson with children from across Key Stage 1 - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for RE, and also the content prescribed by most diocese regions. All images are licensed for commercial use.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children when writing acrostic poems. The organiser is also perfect for teachers, parents and English subject leaders - aiding their planning and supporting of children’s knowledge development for this poetry form. The organiser has a particular focus on the content, language and structural features required to write effective acrostic poems. It contains distinct sections covering: -Overview: Acrostic poems; -Content: What to include, the five senses, communicating a message; -Language: Word choices, word types, alliteration and onomatopoeia, punctuation checklist and word mat; -Structure: Word structure, line lengths, syllables, Top tips; -Key Vocabulary. The resource was originally designed for KS1/ lower KS2 children. It is designed to be printed onto A3 (however can also be printed in A4) and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to).