Thanks for stopping by my shop. I am an experienced chartered primary teacher who has taught predominantly in Scotland. I also taught in England, Australia and in the Middle East. I produce a range of quality resources that provide depth and breadth. These resources should enhance the learning experience of pupils. There are many opportunities for active learning as well as structured tasks that consolidate and reinforce knowledge and application. Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by my shop. I am an experienced chartered primary teacher who has taught predominantly in Scotland. I also taught in England, Australia and in the Middle East. I produce a range of quality resources that provide depth and breadth. These resources should enhance the learning experience of pupils. There are many opportunities for active learning as well as structured tasks that consolidate and reinforce knowledge and application. Enjoy!
The imaginative poem ‘The Magic Box’ by Kit Weight provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate, perform and compose a fantasy poem. These resources are presented beautifully to also evoke an individual written response from the learners.
THE LEARNING INTENTIONS INCLUDE:
to read, appreciate and perform a fantasy poem
to compose verses based on the model poem
to include descriptive and imaginative vocabulary within their verses
Within the pack:
Presentation A provides an initial starting point to read, appreciate and perform the poem.
It leads the learners through each verse and encourages them to appreciate the rich language of the poem. A web link is provided for learners to see and hear the original poet perform the poem.
It also provides visuals to help the learners understand and analyse the composition.
The initial written task is to compose 3 verses based on the model - learners concentrate on feelings, creatures, the natural world - What would they put in their box?
Presentation B provides an opportunity to concentrate on the final 3 verses of the model poem - the ‘impossible things’ verse, what their box is made of and where they will travel in their box.
I have provided opportunities for children to work with their talking partners to support their composition.
The final result should be very individual poems structured on the original poem.
A word mat is also provided to aid composition , a separate copy of the poem for annotation as well as a planning sheet. Within this presentation, there are slides that the teacher can use with interactive pens for shared writing to further support differentiation and an assessment checklist.
I have also provided a simple comprehension task which can be used to aid comprehension of the model poem if required. There are many opportunities for incidental learning e.g. grammar and word choice, particularly adjectives, powerful verbs, similes and alliteration.
Additional Tip : Print off nets of cubes and cuboids ( photocopiable card ) and ask children to decorate their magic boxes, then assemble them.
I hope your learners enjoy the poem and activities and would be delighted if you left feedback.
N.B. Ideally these resources should be used over several days
This resource is intended to develop descriptive writing, in particular -settings. It aims to inspire confidence and motivate pupils as writers. It is intended for KS2 / Primary 4-7.
A selection of different visuals, model paragraphs and planning formats are provided. Specific language devices are covered such as similes and metaphors. A video link is provided to enhance understanding of similes and metaphors in imaginative writing.
The introduction is thorough and allows the teacher to :
USE EFFECTIVE MODELS
a structured approach is achieved by providing ‘5 sentence’ descriptive model paragraphs to explore typical features of the descriptive genre
ENCOURAGE STRUCTURED PLANNING
simple planning grid is provided that encourages pupils to generate effective vocabulary before sentence construction
The continuation requires the pupils to generate 5 sentence paragraphs, either in collaboration or individually, using high quality images that evoke imaginative and descriptive language.
This resource can be used or adapted in a variety of ways:
Introduction to descriptive writing - settings
‘Short burst’ writing tasks
As an additional resources to develop effective writing using figures of speech e.g. similes, metaphors
It is easily editable and further images may be used to complement topics if required.
This comprehensive PPt allows children to craft paragraphs following a 5 sentence challenge format. It deals with description of a variety of scenes and characters.
It follows a tight planning structure to build confidence and quality of description. The graphics are colourful and engaging with supportive vocabulary that can aid more reluctant writers.
The slides can be easily edited to include other graphics which might enhance a topic or a novel study.
Learners can be initially supported through the writing process and many will then embrace the planning and writing more independently.
Although vocabulary is provided as an aid, learners can add their own alternatives. Teachers can also use the provided word banks as a prompt to encourage expansion of word choices.
There is a self edit grid provided on the planning sheet. I welcome feedback.
‘Who lives here?’ PowerPoint introduces a ‘conversation’ poem about the creatures and habitat of the rainforest.
It provides a structured step by step lesson to support composition.
It also allows reinforcement of parts of speech, particularly verbs and prepositions.
Extended poetry task also provided for variety and possible differentiation.
Several verse examples are provided for clarity.
Rainforest booklet is provided for children to write their final draft for display or poetry portfolio.
‘Rainforest List Poem’ PowerPoint continues with a poetic theme and uses a simple format to motivate composition. This clear, concise and colourful presentation leads the learners step by step through the composition of a list poem based on a ‘rainforest’ theme. There is a grammar element throughout with an emphasis on nouns, adjectives and ‘ing’ verbs.
I find a poetic context an effective way to embed incidental grammar teaching.
Although the outcome is a simple list poem, it can easily be differentiated for older learners. This would involve extending each line using e.g. adverbs or an additional clause.
Children are encouraged to compose an opening line, closing line and’ list’ lines inbetween.
The initial presentation provides facts and information about Saint Andrew the Patron Saint of Scotland whose feast day is 30th November. Each slide is clear, colourful and presents information simply to promote discussion.
There are two online links: one that shows a short clip about Saint Andrew’s life with an additional one that links to the lyrics and music of Saint Andrew’s Hymn.
The second presentation has a range of activities to allow choice of task depending on the age range of the learners.
They include:
a word mat to support factual writing about Saint Andrew’s life
a cut and stick activity with sea background for younger learners
a simple handwriting task
a mind map to support writing an extended report on Saint Andrew’s life
a colouring activity
The first presentation is ideal for an assembly to inform and raise awareness about our Patron Saint and to celebrate his feast day. The activities should follow on after the initial presentation has been shown and discussed.
I have also included a few additional jpeg files to show fellow colleagues a more comprehensive preview.
There are 4 presentations in total and each of them provides a simple introduction to data handling for young learners.
They present information in:
block graph form
tally chart form
pictogram form
They are ideal lesson starters as they are clear and concise. They encourage the learners to actively record answers on mini whiteboards. Answers to each slide question follows on to provide immediate correction as the learners show their whiteboard answers. This ensures whole class/group engagement in the task, as well as providing immediate teacher assessment. It is easier to see who is managing the task well and those who are struggling to interpret the charts etc. The emphasis is on interpreting simple data. There is added challenge when children are asked to analyse and identify the most popular or least popular item as well as comparing two different items.
These presentations offer the children some raw data that they haven’t collected themselves. This can be useful: the teacher knows that everyone has the same information without worrying about the accuracy of recording methods. So, the children can focus on analysis rather than collection at this stage.
I have found this approach an ideal introduction. Children are more confident when they are asked to interpret data more independently.
I have uploaded several jpg files so teachers can peruse the resources more comprehensively.
I hope that your children enjoy these active tasks. I would be delighted if feedback was provided.
A Variety of Literacy Tasks based on a Pirate Theme.
Word mat provides useful words and phrases to support writing tasks.
Pirate Character Description Sheet with Writing Prompts and Graphics
Island Setting for a Pirate Adventure with further writing prompts
Simple Drawing Tasks
Label a Pirate
Sentence Strips
Mapping Task
Pirate Spelling - Whiteboard Tasks
A great additional resource to support and enhance a pirate topic. I would be delighted to receive feedback.
A comprehensive pack of resources - non-chronological report writing
These resources include a:
1st presentation that introduces the general features of report writing in a colourful, child friendly format that clearly leads the learners through the signposts of the genre.
2nd presentation that continues with the assessment of reports including online link and differentiated checklists - peer and self editing.
Additional resources provide:
1) A clear concise and interesting model report on Egypt for learners to read, discuss, analyse, highlight and 'pull apart' - active learning.
2) An annotated report to provide the teacher with the main teaching points of the model report.
3) A colourful word mat with sentence starts and vocabulary to support report writing.
4) A mind map for the planning stage which is partially completed to support learners ( can be easily edited to provide less support).
5) Word strips with facts about Egypt - ideal for 'cut and stick' activities ( learners can categorise facts under headings in a carousel type activity)
This detailed pack of resources will support the learners thoroughly from the initial lesson on the structure of a report through assessment ,the analysis of models and finally to a finished piece that can be assessed and celebrated.
This pack contains 3 colourful , clear and concise PowerPoint presentations that deal with:
introduction to similes
silly similes
writing a simile poem
more challenging similes and adjectives with visual prompts
There are several follow up tasks:
completing similes
colour matching similes
choosing the best simile ending
choosing the best simile adjective
silly similes
This pack of resources are a valuable addition to basic core materials.
I would be delighted to receive feedback.
This bundle composes of 3 attractive , colourful PowerPoint presentations.
PowerPoint 1 & 2
Christmas Spelling & Nativity Spelling provides:
active tasks with key words clearly and thematically displayed
spelling words embedded in sentences so children can experience words in context
writing sentences activity to reinforce learning
easily editable presentation for further spelling tasks
PowerPoint 3
Christmas Maths provides :
opportunity to calculate subtraction sums ( clearly and thematically shown)
answers displayed for immediate correction and assessment
easily editable presentation for further maths tasks
Three enjoyable and seasonal lessons which your classes will actively enjoy whilst practising their spelling and maths skills.
This pack contains 3 colourful and engaging Ppt presentations:
Multiplying by 2
Multiplying by 3
Arrays and Positioning - draw and calculate
The presentations provide opportunities for children to engage in active learning regarding the introduction of tables as well as opportunities to pictorially represent multiplication arrays.
They help consolidate the basic understanding of multiplication and can be easily edited to provide variety of tasks.
I have provided a link for the 2 and 3 times tables songs to reinforce the stations of the tables.
I welcome feedback and hope that your classes enjoy the resources as mine have.
These resources deal with both seasons: Autumn and Winter.
The engaging, colourful PowerPoint presentation introduces each season clearly with opportunities to gain knowledge, reflect and complete a variety of accompanying tasks. There are also online links provided to consolidate and enhance the learning and appreciation of our natural world.
I have provided worksheets ( Microsoft Word) that are linked to each task.
The tasks include:
design an autumn outfit
use ‘autumn’ colours to shade a variety of leaves
label a bear
classify animals that migrate/adapt/hibernate
label winter animals
enjoy an autumn poem and answer questions ( oral or written response)
listen to a wonderful winter story and reflect on characters and actions
follow an online tutorial to draw a winter tree ( easy version)
the last slide provides online links to videos which will further enhance the children’s knowledge of seasonal changes. These can be used as a starter /plenary or a teacher may choose to show segments of the videos.
4 sets of resources that cover the transition from autumn to winter.
Lots of opportunities to gain insight about these wonderful seasons.
Resources include:
relevant facts to enjoy
cut and stick activities
matching tasks
early sentence construction relating to the seasons
online links to relevant seasonal stories
poems to share and enjoy
drawing tasks
introduction of seasonal vocabulary
active learning
winter word walls, handwriting,winter writing tasks
winter key words task ( mini whiteboards),
‘Jack Frost’ poem ,
winter weather cut and stick task,
winter clothes drawing and labelling task,
Further literacy tasks based on animals of the Arctic.
It contains:
factual passages about 4 Arctic creatures -
Snowy Owl
Arctic Fox,
Polar Bear
Arctic Wolf
There are:
grammar tasks about each creature,
writing tasks about each creature.
All of these resources are ideal for a winter themed topic.
I have included simple tasks for learners who need more support as well as more demanding tasks for learners that enjoy challenge.
Enjoy!
Two Packs included are intended to develop inferential skills in both reading and writing.
Pack A - 'Read between the Lines' incorporates :
15 differentiated passages
Literal and Inferential questions
True/False and ‘Don’t Know’ statements
to encourage close reading, skimming and scanning for details and reading for meaning.
Pack B - 'Over to You!' incorporates:
18 differentiated story starts - opening passages
‘Openers’ word wall
Prompts to encourage ‘quality ‘writing
Writer’s craft editing sheet to encourage continuation of events, characters and setting.
It is intended to provide writers with an initial start and to help develop a continuation of the writer's craft.
Ideal as a ‘short burst’ writing task or can be used for more extended writing tasks.
This unit explores the traditional tale: The Elves and the Shoemaker with online links as well as a comprehensive range of literacy tasks for your learners.
It contains:
speaking and listening tasks
reading the narrative
syllable tasks
handwriting tasks
sentence construction /ordering tasks
an art task
as well as oral retelling of the narrative.
A word wall is provided which can be used for further vocabulary development.
It places literacy within a meaningful context and allows plenty of incidental learning to take place.
A series of Mental Maths PowerPoint Presentations which can ideally be used as starter activities or plenaries. They focus mainly on numerical calculation within 100 and provide a 'quick fire' activity to promote mental recall. Children use mini whiteboards to record answers and each presentation provides answers which children can mark immediately as they proceed through the tasks. . Tasks include: adding, subtracting and fact families. There is an emphasis on presenting maths language in different forms like: add, count on, increase, plus, subtract, minus etc. There is no preparation required and the slides are easily edited to provide further practice.
This pack contains a comprehensive presentation of the narrative/legend 'The Pied Piper'. I have included thumbnails that show some of the tasks included as well as the complete presentation.
It details the complete story with illustrations and teaching notes provided for each slide. It has sound effects as an additional feature.
Within the presentation there are a variety of literacy 'follow on' tasks that learners could complete after familiarisation with the story and related vocabulary. The tasks are varied with active learning ,some written outcomes as well as speaking and listening outcomes. This story is like most fairy tales a wonderful experience for children to revisit the past and has magic and mystery within. My learners have always thoroughly enjoyed it and it is wonderful for discussion because of the unique and unexpected ending. Whiteboard 'quick fire' tasks are within the PowerPoint as well as some online links for further exploration.
Poem is annotated to illustrate the poetic techniques used such as - alliteration, metaphor and simile.
It provides an easy to follow guide for the teacher to discuss the poem .
The children go on to compose about this subject or other subjects using the exemplar as their guide.
This is a detailed PowerPoint about online blogs
LEARNING INTENTIONS are:
to learn about the various types of blogs on the Internet
to learn how to post to a blog appropriately
to define selected vocabulary connected with blogs
to independently post a review of a book on a book review blog site
I have uploaded several jpg files so teachers can see the resource more comprehensively.
Enjoy with your classes.
I would be delighted if you leave feedback.