Mother’s Day: KS1&2 powerpoint lesson of 26 slides focusing on the traditions and origin of Mothering Sunday. The initial slides look at the different forms of a family and how each is special. There are activities and key questions to encourage pupils to reflect upon why mothers are special, their role in the family and how they can be ‘honoured’ according to the Christian commandment – ‘honour thy mother’.
Includes information on how Mothering Sunday gets its name and interesting facts about how it is celebrated. There are two links to YouTube for ideas and instruction on how to make a simple flower and a flower bouquet card for Mother’s Day.
KS2 powerpoint lesson on the artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Series of 24 slides telling the story of his life and works. The slides are interactive and promote discussion within pairs and small groups. Pupils will learn the features of art nouveau/deco architecture and furniture design, identification of geometric shapes in designs, and use of images to create their own geometric pattern/design. Pupils will use the Mackintosh rose as a stimulus to create their own floral design and identify the features of Mackintosh’s watercolours through comparison of his most famous works. There is a link to a Youtube clip explaining how to paint with watercolours and the final activity is a research task to find out the auction price of some of Mackintosh’s works.
Can be used as a whole lesson or series of lessons which lead into practical cross curricular activities.
Geography Italy today: Series of 6 KS2 power-point lessons and activities.
Each lesson is broken into short focused activities. There are opportunities for pupils to recall prior learning, participate in a short quiz, take notes from a YouTube clip, scrutinise and compare population graphs and weather charts (included on slides), research native animals and use maps and atlases to locate Italy’s key cities and geographical features. Each set of slides contain images to help pupils ‘get a feel’ for the geography of Italy as well as simple cultural information such as greetings in Italian at the beginning and end of lessons.
Great to link with cross curricular topic such as Ancient Rome, Roman Britain, Roman Gods, Europe etc.
Lesson 1
Learning Objectives
I must find Italy in my atlas.
I should recognise some of the features of Italy.
I could describe where Italy is in the world using geographical words.
Lesson 2
Learning objectives
I must be able to spot the main features of Italy.
I should find and label the features on my map.
I could write a description about two features.
Lesson 3
Learning Objectives
I must describe what Mediterranean climate means.
I should explain the temperature in different locations.
I could interpret the climate data and temperature chart for each month.
Lesson 4
Learning Objectives
I must explain the definition of the term ‘population’.
I should interpret the population table and think about why there are population differences in different parts of Italy.
I could compare data on the population table and explain reasons for any population problems Italy faces.
Lesson 5
Learning Objectives
I must explain the definition of the term ‘population’, ‘Mediterranean climate’ and ‘weather’.
I must order the ten most populated cities in Italy.
I should explain how the location of Italian cities affects population size.
I could explain how the weather and climate support the lifestyle of the Italian people.
Lesson 6
Learning Objectives
I must identify some features of natural beauty in Italy.
I should research some of the areas of natural beauty in Italy.
OR
I should identify and research some of the animal, fish and birds which come from Italy.**
KS1 & 2 (2 A4 pages) Eye witness recount /diary account of Russian Astronaut ,Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space and the first to orbit Earth. Links to cross curricular History topics on Famous People, Space or Journeys
Set in real time on 12th April 1961, Yuri Gagarin, writes about his observations and feelings during the course of the 108 minute journey into space from launch to landing. This example demonstrates features of a diary and acts as a recount of the event including personal feelings, quotes and points of view.
Useful in the lesson for pupils to use to identify features and structure of diary writing or as a Recount Checklist activity.
Can be used in cross curricular History topics on Famous People, Space or Journeys.
KS2 Geography – Discover the Arctic Circle powerpoint lesson of 24 slides.
Learning Objectives
I must find the Arctic in my atlas.
I must recognise the symbols for the points on a compass.
I should identify the lines of latitude and longitude on a map or globe.
I should explain the term ‘Arctic Circle’.
I could describe where the Arctic Circle is in the world using geographical vocabulary and name some places located there.
The lesson uses pupil starting points and encourages partner and group discussion. Written tasks are built into each stage of the lesson following a discussion task, map or globe work. The introduction asks pupils to describe the arctic landscape and arctic animals using a selection of photographs. They use this information to build up a picture to guess the place –the Arctic!
The lesson moves onto a simple explanation of latitude and longitude and the points on the compass. Pupils will need a map or globe to explore the tasks fully and identify the Arctic Circle.
There are 2 YouTube links – a latitude and longitude song (great fun!) and a short clip about Arctic wildlife which could be used as a starter for a follow up lesson.
There is a simple optional assessment task at the end of the lesson.
KS2 set of 2 differentiated Geography physical features of the Arctic worksheets.
Worksheet 1 – Match the key physical feature vocabulary (ocean, coastline, sea ice, river, mountain, glacier, iceberg) to the photographs.
Worksheet 2- Cut out and stick physical descriptions (as worksheet 1) next to the photographs.
Useful for Geography topics on ‘Water’, ‘Glaciers’, ‘Explorers’, ‘Arctic’.
EYFS/ Reception 6 PE/ Gymnastics lessons on theme of Travel. Each lesson is a step by step guide and includes key question, learning objectives (Key skills), timings, warmup, games, main teaching point, small apparatus handling with young children, apparatus work and cool down.
Lesson plan includes a blank column so you can put in your own clock times to keep track of lesson pace. This set of lessons focuses on introducing YR pupils to formal PE lessons in a large space and concentrates on space, awareness of others, safety and travel. Small apparatus used – mats, hoops, benches.
Lesson 1&2
Key skills: Familiarisation with space.
Awareness of obstacles and other children.
Safe handling and introduction to apparatus.
Respond to ‘stop’, ‘turn’, ‘change direction’ signals.
Travel in three main ways.
Travel on feet/feet and hands.
Lesson 3
Travel on feet/feet and hands and carry out a simple sequence with repetition and stillness.
Lesson 4
Respond to signals. Introduce ‘forwards’, ‘backwards’, ‘close to the floor’
Practise simple 2 part travel sequence which includes ‘stillness’.
Lesson 5
Introduce positional vocabulary ‘on’, ‘through’, ‘in between’.
Practise simple 2 part travel sequence using positional vocabulary which includes ‘stillness’.
Lesson 6
Respond to signals. Practise ‘forwards’, ‘backwards’, ‘close to the floor’.
Practise positional vocabulary ‘on’, ‘through’, ‘in between’.
Refine simple 2 part travel sequence using positional vocabulary which includes ‘stillness’.
Japan Series of 5 KS2 power-point Geography lessons.
Each lesson is broken into short focused activities. There are opportunities for pupils to recall prior learning, participate in a short quiz, take notes from a YouTube clip, scrutinise and compare population graphs and weather charts(included on slides), research native animals and use maps and atlases to locate Japan’s key cities and geographical features. Each set of slides contain images to help pupils ‘get a feel’ for the geography of Japan as well as simple cultural information such as greetings in Japanese at the beginning and end of lessons.
Great to link with cross curricular topic such as Asia, Manga and art projects, Olympics 2020 in Tokyo etc.
Lesson 1
Learning Objectives
I must find Japan in my atlas.
I should recognise some of the features of Japan.
I could describe where Japan is in the world using geographical words
Lesson 2
Learning objectives
I must be able to spot the main features of Japan.
I should find and label the features on my map.
I could write a description about two features.
Lesson 3
Learning Objectives
I must identify the two main climate zones in Japan.
I should explain the seasonal changes and temperatures.
I could interpret the climate data and the differences in temperature each season.
Lesson 4
Learning objectives:
I must explain the definition of the term ‘population’.
I should interpret the topographic map and identify the challenges for living in Japan.
I could compare population graphs and explain reasons for population problems Japan faces now and in future years.
Lesson 5
Learning Objectives
I must identify some features of natural beauty in Japan.
I should identify and research some of the animal, fish and birds which come from Japan.
I could describe where the animals live and why they thrive well in a specific habitat in Japan.
KS2 Diamond Ranking activity: Planning for a Mountain Expedition. Blank diamond ranking template and four different sets of activity cards for pupils to discuss in groups of three or pairs.
Set 1 What are the most important survival items to pack for a mountain expedition?
Set 2 What is the most important equipment to pack for a mountain expedition?
Set 3 What are the most important clothes to pack for a mountain expedition?
Set 4 What are the most important health items to pack for a mountain expedition?
Pupils discuss the merits of each item in a set and rank them from most to least important by sticking them on the blank template. Can be used to develop understanding and promote key vocabulary in Geography or History topics on ‘Explorers’, ‘Everest’ , ‘Antarctica’, ‘Mountains of the world’ etc.
KS1 & 2 Diamond Ranking activity: Keeping safe in the sun. Blank diamond ranking template and a set of 9 activity cards for pupils to discuss in groups of three or pairs.
Pupils discuss the merits of each item in a set and rank them from most to least important by sticking them on the blank template. Can be used to develop understanding and promote awareness in the sun through cross curricular topics such as ‘Summer’, ‘Seaside’, ‘Outdoors’ and PSHE. Works well as a pre sports day or outdoor visit activity.
Bundle of 5 items including KS1/Y3 Powerpoint lesson (s) of 37 slides on the topic ‘Norman castles’.
KS1/Y3 Powerpoint lesson (s) of 37 slides on the topic ‘Norman castles’.
Learning Objectives:
To use the correct historical vocabulary when talking about the features of a castle.
To compare the similarities and differences between motte and bailey and stone built castles.
To identify William the Conqueror , where he came from and his link to castles.
To use my knowledge about castles to make my own information book.
The slides are easy to follow and devised to encourage partner/trio discussion and collaboration through key questioning and small group activities. Slides 2-4 use pupil knowledge as a starting point assessment through a reflection activity. Slides 5-11 focus on William the Conqueror and include a paired map activity using atlases. Slides 12-20 look at early motte and bailey castles and include a short clip from Youtube. Included is a simple DT planning sheet for pupils to design then build a motte and bailey castle. Slides 21-23 encourage pupils to consider the purposes of castles in war and peace time. Slides 24-32 can be used as a castle features class quiz or a paired assessment. Slides 33- 36 look at famous castles belonging to Normans. The final slide offers a suggestion for making a ‘castle’ booklet or scrap book.
KS1 &2 Attack or Defend Medieval Castle Activity: 12 battle statements to classify under ’attack’ or ‘defend’ on the activity board. Pupils work in small groups or pairs to discuss and categorise the statements. A fun activity to help pupils improve historical vocabulary and understanding of the methods of defence and attack strategy. Can also be used as a plenary to assess pupil knowledge following a topic on Medieval Castles.
KS1 & 2 Set of 32 Quiz questions about Medieval Castles.
32 differentiated questions (and answers!) to challenge and develop pupil knowledge about Medieval castles. Each question card is differentiated with a star symbol (1 star = easy, 2 stars = harder, 3 stars= difficult) so pupils can answer at their knowledge level. Useful as a lesson starter or plenary of for a small group activity.
KS1 & 2 Label the Knight’s armour and Label the Castle (2 worksheets)
Two separate worksheets to enable pupils to match the historical medieval vocabulary to the correct part of the picture. There are nine items of armour to label on the Knight and 9 parts of to label on the castle. The vocabulary list is included beneath the picture on each worksheet for pupil use. This is a useful activity to assess pupil knowledge of historical vocabulary at the end of a mini topic.
A blank project book is included for pupils to develop their knowledge in this topic.
Series of 6 Y2 and KS2 powerpoint lessons on the topic of Easter. Each lesson includes the timings for each activity at the top of each slide. There are opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively in every lesson and record and share their ideas and knowledge.
Lesson 1: (30 mins) focuses on celebrations and Easter as a celebration and begins with an initial assessment based on pupil starting points. Pupils work in small groups of 2 or 3 and create a Spider diagram and Mind Map to record their knowledge. There is an opportunity for group feedback at the end of the lesson.
Lesson 2: (30 mins) focuses on the Easter story told through a link to a story on YouTube. The pupils raise questions about the story and have a P4C debate. There are Teacher notes on slides 10,11 and 12 to help shape the debate session.
Lesson 3: (30mins) focuses on Holy Week through images and key questions on each slide. There is a short YouTube clip on how to make a Palm cross.
Lesson 4: (40 mins) focuses on Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper. There is a 20 min research activity based on the painting ‘The last Supper’. Pupils will need access to books about this subject and the internet. There are opportunities for pupils to explore responses and feelings to different aspects of the story leading onto the Resurrection. A template on slide 27 can be printed for pupil recording.
Lesson 5: (60 mins) focuses on the Christian symbol of the cross with a 45min Hot Cross Buns baking activity which can be either as a Teacher demonstration or as a group task.
Lesson 6: (40 mins) focuses on how Easter is celebrated today and explores some of the traditions such as Easter Bunny, lambs, chocolate eggs, daffodils etc. There are key questions for pupils to discuss in small groups and an end of unit assessment using all the information they have learnt in lessons 1-6 in the design of an Easter poster.
The final slide offers an additional Easter creative activity for pupils to follow instructions to make an Easter sheep for a card or a display. ( I used activity with the class when a group was completing research (Lesson 4) and a group were making Hot cross Buns (from Lesson5) with a Teaching Assistant).
KS1&2 Easter story sequencing activity.
Learning objective: To sequence and retell the Easter story in order.
Pupils cut out the images and descriptions and sequence the story onto a storyboard template. There are three templates attached which support differentiation and reading levels. HA template is numbered only and pupils order the story into the numbered boxes. MA is differentiated using key words from the main text in the numbered boxes. LA order the story into the numbered boxes with the support of key sentences which they can match to the main text.
KS1 & 2 Set of 5 Easter instructions.
Learning Objectives:
To read and follow the instructions accurately and in the correct sequence/order.
To recognise the features of instructions (What materials are needed, method, using an imperative (bossy) verb, sequencing actions and numbering each stage in order, using diagrams and pictures).
Five DT activities for pupils to read, understand and make. The activities include : Paste egg bunny, Easter basket, spring daffodil, Easter nests, pompom chick.
Use as an introduction to work on instructions to encourage pupils to observe the features in a fun way or as a format to help pupils scaffold their own instructional writing.