Lesson: Exploring the Four Seasons (KS2)
This engaging lesson, Exploring the Four Seasons, is tailored for Key Stage 2 students and lasts for 50 minutes. The primary objective is for students to identify and describe the four seasons and their unique characteristics. By utilizing a variety of hands-on activities, this lesson not only enriches students’ understanding of nature but also fosters creativity and collaboration.
Why Children Will Love This Lesson
Kids will be captivated by the interactive learning experience. The Seasons Photo Gallery Walk allows them to visually explore diverse seasonal imagery, sparking curiosity and excitement. In small groups, students will discuss and identify the seasons represented in the photos, promoting teamwork and communication. The highlight of the lesson is the Season Collage Creation, where students use colored paper, scissors, and markers to creatively express their understanding of the weather, plants, animals, and activities associated with their assigned season. Presenting their collages offers a chance to build confidence and enhance public speaking skills.
Benefits for Teachers
Educators will find this lesson plan highly beneficial due to its clear structure and flexibility. It caters to various learning styles, ensuring all students can engage meaningfully. The inclusion of 20 TOK KS2 questions about seasons encourages deeper inquiry and critical thinking, fostering rich classroom discussions. Teachers can assess student understanding through observation during activities, ensuring that concepts are grasped effectively. Additionally, the extension activity discussing how seasons differ worldwide broadens students’ perspectives, enriching their educational experience.
In summary, the Exploring the Four Seasons lesson plan provides a fun and educational way for students to connect with the natural world while equipping teachers with valuable resources for effective instruction.
Keywords and Hashtags:
#ExploringSeasons #SeasonsEducation #KST2 #InteractiveLearning #CreativeCollage #VisualLearning #NatureStudy #Teamwork #CriticalThinking #EducationalResources #LessonPlans
Explore the Meaning and Traditions of Christmas with Engaging Resources
This comprehensive resource titled “Christmas Resources Updated” is designed to enhance classroom discussions and activities surrounding the festive season. Educators can utilize this document to explore various aspects of Christmas, from its symbols and traditions to the significance of family and giving. The resource includes thought-provoking questions that encourage students to reflect on their understanding of Christmas and share their personal experiences.
Key Highlights:
Understanding Christmas: Students are prompted to define Christmas in their own words, discuss its importance, and explore how it is celebrated around the world. This fosters cultural awareness and appreciation for diverse traditions.
Christmas Symbols and Traditions: The document delves into common symbols of Christmas and encourages students to explain their significance. It also invites them to consider how traditions may vary across different cultures, promoting global understanding.
Creative Writing Prompts: With photo prompts and writing tasks, students can engage in creative, factual, and descriptive writing related to Christmas themes. This enhances their writing skills while allowing them to express their thoughts creatively.
Family and Community: The resource emphasizes the importance of family during Christmas and encourages discussions about how families celebrate together, as well as the spirit of helping others during this time.
Christmas Music and Food: Students can explore popular Christmas songs and traditional foods, discussing how these elements contribute to the festive atmosphere and cultural significance of the holiday.
Reflecting on Christmas: The document encourages students to reflect on their own Christmas memories and wishes, promoting personal connections to the holiday.
This resource is perfect for teachers looking to create an engaging and meaningful Christmas curriculum. By discussing these topics, students can gain a deeper understanding of the holiday’s significance, traditions, and values, making Christmas a time of learning, sharing, and community.
Utilize this treasure trove of Christmas-themed questions and activities to create a vibrant and inclusive classroom environment that celebrates the spirit of Christmas!
Are you teaching students about different materials? This pack of 30 different photos shows a wide range of different common materials. This material photo pack presentation will make an excellent starting point for different discussions.
This pack contains a 31 Teaching Activity Teacher Guide using these photo flash cards. These activities are quick and fun to do and will improve both your students’ memory and vocabulary skills.
You could look at it directly as a presentation and discuss the different materials being shown in each of photos.
You could print off and laminate the photos to make an interesting, eye-catching display about different materials.
The students could also take the laminated photos and sort them into different sorts of materials. The students can then discuss how they decided on each type of material.
*** Now including PowerPoint Presentation - full of additional activities! ***
Book 1 I See Sam is the first book in a 52 book series from . We offer a range of different version of this book (Book 1 I see Sam), so that everyone can make full use of these fabulous books. I have a long list of different teaching resources I could add to make this series really exciting for kids. I am planning to provide lots of free resources, as well as some paid-for items. If you like my resources, please share them with others.
Story Summary:
In his encyclopedia, Mat the Rat discovers a picture of a real lion and learns many things about lions. Mat sees what a real lion looks like, where he lives and what he eats. Mat is so excited that he wants his friend Sam, who is a lion, to read about the lions too.
New Sounds in Book 1
/a/ /m/ /s/ /ee/
New Words
I, see
Sam
The books should be read in order, because the sounds and words in each book build upon those learned in previous books. It is important that students master each book before moving on to the next.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at least 5 times in Book 1 I see Sam in which it first appears and 5 more times in the next 10 books.
Book 1 I see Sam has questions at the end to help students to deepen their knowledge about the story. In addition, as I was experimenting with my own son, I discovered by creating simple certificates for every book he successfully read, he became a wonderfully motivated reader.
Of course, what works well for my son, might also work for your child, and so I thought I would add the same certificates to each reading pack to help motivate every child to reach their real potential.
Book 3 See Sam
*** Now includes a PowerPoint Presentation of the Book!!!****
I have added lots of new and exciting teaching ideas to get more out of every book.
As well as the book, you should also always use these highly motivational reading certificates. In my experience, children enjoy reading and collecting these certificates. It is also a nice way of showing their parents that their students have become active readers!
See Sam is the third book in the series of beginning readers. The students start to read a longer story. Sam falls down a hole and Mat rescues him. I think this would be perfect for anyone wanting to do role playing with the class.
New Word in Book 3:
am
Phonics sounds explored: short /a/, /m/, /s/, long /i/, long /e/
The books should be read in order, because the sounds and words in each book build upon those learned in previous books. It is important that students master each book before moving on to the next.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at least 5 times in the book in which it first appears and 5 more times in the next 10 books.
Story Summary:
Sam the Lion is reading a book while walking towards a hole. He ignores his friend Mat the Rat, who is trying to warn him. Sam disappears. Mat is not sure what has happened and yells for Sam. Sam yells back from down in the bottom of the hole. Finally, Mat rescues Sam with a lowered shovel.
Unlock the power of imagination in your classroom with our captivating collection of Our World Visual Story Prompts! This essential resource is perfect for educators looking to inspire creativity and enhance writing skills across various subjects. These stunning images showcase diverse locations from around the globe, making it an invaluable addition to any curriculum.
Why Should Teachers Buy Our World Visual Story Prompts?
Engaging Discussions: Utilize the photos as a starting point for classroom discussions, allowing students to explore and analyze different cultures and environments depicted in each image, fostering global awareness.
Interactive Storytelling: Print and laminate the photos to create an eye-catching set of story prompts. Students can select five images to weave into cohesive narratives, enhancing their storytelling abilities.
Creative Writing Opportunities: Use the prompts to inspire various writing styles, including creative, factual, and descriptive writing, allowing students to express their thoughts and ideas in unique ways.
Visual Learning: Incorporate visual aids to support diverse learning styles, helping students who may struggle with traditional text-based prompts to engage more fully with their writing.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Integrate geography, art, and language arts by exploring the significance of each location, encouraging students to research and connect their writing to real-world contexts.
Confidence Building: Empower students to share their stories and ideas with their peers, promoting self-expression and boosting their confidence in writing and public speaking.
By investing in Our World Visual Story Prompts, you enrich your classroom resources and ignite students' passion for storytelling and creative expression. Inspire a love for writing and global exploration today!
Test Your Research Skills with The Great Big Yellow Banana Quiz!
Dive into the delightful world of bananas with The Great Big Yellow Banana Quiz – Fun Facts about Bananas 3! This fun and educational quiz is designed to challenge your knowledge about the world’s favorite yellow-skinned fruit while engaging your curiosity.
Example Questions Include:
What color are ripe bananas?
a) yellow
b) white
c) green
d) red
What color are unripe bananas?
a) green
b) orange
c) yellow
d) red
Complete the gap - “The most popular type of banana in the world is called the __________ variety.”
a) Regal
b) Cavendish
c) Brazilian
d) Atlantic
This worksheet is not only packed with engaging questions, but it also includes a teacher answer sheet for easy reference, making it a perfect resource for classroom activities or at-home learning.
Whether you’re a banana enthusiast or just looking to expand your knowledge, The Great Big Yellow Banana Quiz – Fun Facts about Bananas 3 is sure to provide an enjoyable and educational experience. Grab your copy today and see how much you really know about this beloved fruit!
Book 2 Sam is the second book in the series of beginning readers out of a total of 52 books.
This is just the start of an exciting, growing reading scheme. If you click here, you can buy my I can see Sam flashcards and display board - it is a great of way of filling a whole wall with both their favourite I can see Sam characters, along with all the different words they will be covering in the series.
Reviewed Sounds in Book 2
/a/, /m/, /s/, long /e/, long /i/
Review Words
I, see, Sam
Story Summary:
Mat the Rat gives Sam the Lion a cape and a crown. When Sam wears them, he thinks he can do anything he wants. He sees a calf and decides to play “bullfighter.” It is Sam, however, who gets caught in the cape. Mat helps untangle Sam, and Sam once more is king of the jungle.
The books should be read in order, because the sounds and words in each book build upon those learned in previous books. It is important that students master each book before moving on to the next.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at least 5 times in the book in which it first appears and 5 more times in the next 10 books.
The original book was in the public domain, but I have worked incredibly hard to clean the images and make the teaching resources relevant to modern students.
Book 11: Sam Sat
New Word
sat - Decodable
Plot Summary
Mat has finished making a canoe and wants to try it
out. Sam wants to try it out, too, but when he tries to
sit in the canoe, it tips over. Mat and Sam fight over
the canoe and they both end up in the water. Mat and
Sam finally solve the problem by having Mat sit on
Sam’s head.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 10 Sis
New Word
is - /i/ /s/
Plot Summary
Sis the Snake is asleep on a hollow log when Mit
the Chimp awakens her. Mit has an apple which he
teases Sis with and then the chase begins. Over and
through the hollow log they both go until Sis is tangled
in a knot. Mit kindly untangles her and then they sit
together sharing the apple.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 7 Meet Mit
New Word
meet Long /e/
Plot Summary
One day Mit discovers Sam taking a nap. Mit wants to
introduce himself formally to Sam and tries to awaken
Sam. When Sis comes along, they both try to rouse
Sam, but Sam sleeps on. Sam finally does wake up,
but he is in a very grumpy mood — at least until he
meets Sis.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 8 See It
New Sounds
/n/
New Words
in - short /i/ /n/
it - Short /i/ /t/
Plot Summary
Mat, Mit, and Sis are playing ball on a very hot day.
They suddenly see a shady place and decide to play
where it’s not so hot. Then they discover that the shade
is really the shadow of Will the Elephant. As the sun
goes down, off they all go for a ride on Will’s back.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 9: Sit on It
New Sounds
/o/
New Words
sit - decodable /s/ /i/ /t/
on - decodable /o/ /n/
Plot Summary
Mat is pulling a wagon when he first meets Mit, then
Sis, and then Sam. Each of Mat’s friends wants a ride
in the wagon. Mat gives Mit and Sis a ride, but when
Sam tries to get in too, the wagon breaks and Mat gets
angry. Sam salvages a board from the wagon and
carries the others to the beach on it. There, they all play
in the water on their new “surfboard.”
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 4 See Me
New Word in Book 4:
me
The books begin at a very simple level and gradually introduce new sounds and words.
The books should be read in order, because the sounds and words in each book build upon those learned in previous books. It is important that students master each book before moving on to the next.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at least 5 times in the book in which it first appears and 5 more times in the next 10 books.
Story Summary:
Mat the Rat keeps shouting to Sam to look at him, but all Sam wants to do is sleep. Mat finally wakes up Sam by beating a big drum. Sam is very mad and chases Mat away.
This book is part of the SWRL series of books called I see Sam.
Book 5 Mat
The reading certificates really do motivate the class to read the book. The books come complete with guided reading questions.
New Sounds
/t/
New Word
Mat - decodable
Plot Summary
Mat the Rat calls Sam to watch him paint. Sam poses
thinking Mat is painting him. Instead, Mat paints a
picture of himself and proudly shows it to his friend.
Sam gets angry when he sees that the picture is not of
himself. He takes the brush and paints a rat trap over
Mat’s picture. Then Mat gets so angry he throws paint
all over Sam.
Book 12: It Is Ann
New Sounds
/n/
New Words
Ann - Decodable
this - Special Word
Plot Summary
Mat the Rat introduces Ann the Giraffe to the other
animals. Ann has a hat, and the animals all think it
would be fun for Sis to sit in it. When she does, the hat
falls and lands on Mat. Mat cannot see with the hat
over him, but he tries to guess who is standing next to
him. He cannot guess, however, and his friends finally
have to tell him that it is Ann.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 14: Nan and the Man
New Words
a - Special Word
man - Decodable
the - Special Word
Plot Summary
Mit makes a snowman. Nan watches but the snowman
has no face. Nan flies away. She returns with a carrot
for the snowman’s nose, then coal for his eyes and a
stick for his mouth. Then the final touch—a hat! Ann is
angry when she sees her hat on the snowman. Nan
suggests that a bucket can be used instead of the hat.
The bucket makes the snowman complete.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 13: Ann and Nan
New Sounds
/d/
New Words
and - Decodable
Nan - Decodable
Plot Summary
Ann the Giraffe is in the forest wearing a fancy hat with
a flower on it. Ann sits under a tree and falls asleep. Mit
and Nan the Parrot meet in the same tree, see the flower
and discover the hat. They are unaware that the hat
belongs to Ann who remains asleep below. When Ann
awakens, she is startled to see Nan in her hat. Ann gets
her hat back and all the animals nap under the tree.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
Book 45: Mat at Bat
New Words
bat, his, wish, ball - Decodable
Plot Summary
Mat’s team is not doing well in the baseball
game. Mat is very upset after two outs are made
by his team. When he comes to bat, the first ball
goes past him. Mat finally hits the ball over the
fence to win the game.
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
The first book in the series starts with just 3 words: I, see, Sam. Every book or two adds a few words, until by book 52, the readers have read 95 different words. The SWRL Kindergarten Beginning Reading Program was first implemented in U.S. public schools in the early 1970’s. Due to its tremendous success at achieving its goal of teaching young children to read, over the years the program has been copied, edited and/or revised by a number of individuals, institutions, and companies.
Book 46: The Bat Rat
Review Words
bat, his, wish, ball - Decodable
Plot Summary
Mat is at a well and wonders if it is a wishing
well. He makes a wish and throws a coin into the
well. He wishes he could fly. Mat has his wish
and becomes a Bat Rat. Sam and Will the Baby
Elephant come along and make a wish at the well
too. All their wishes come true!
Each new word throughout the program is repeated at
least five times in the book in which it first appears and
five more times in the next ten books.
The first book in the series starts with just 3 words: I, see, Sam. Every book or two adds a few words, until by book 52, the readers have read 95 different words. The SWRL Kindergarten Beginning Reading Program was first implemented in U.S. public schools in the early 1970’s. Due to its tremendous success at achieving its goal of teaching young children to read, over the years the program has been copied, edited and/or revised by a number of individuals, institutions, and companies.