This detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for students learning or revising David Almond’s ‘Skellig’. It contains comprehensive sections on: Context; Chapter by Chapter Summary (with quotes); Main Characters; Themes; Almond’s Language Devices; Almond’s Influences. Key words and ideas are underlined for easy reference. 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 engaging and informative lesson helps students to make detailed interpretations about two of the main characters in David Almond’s Skellig: Michael and Mina. In particular, students comprehend the character traits of the two characters, before analysing the development of their relationship over the course of the story. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Defining and exemplifying the key character traits of both Michael and Mina; - Reading and tracking Michael and Mina's relationship development throughout the story; - Analysing how and why Michael and Mina's relationship becomes so strong by the end of the story; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Character Profile Sheets - Michael and Mina (pdf and word); - Relationship Development Graph (pdf and word); - 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 7 class, 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 enables students to understand how the lead protagonist of J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry himself) develops as a character throughout the narrative. In doing so, students learn the key structural features of the ‘Bildungsroman’ genre, and apply these to the different stages of development that Harry experiences. They then go on to design their own Bildungsroman storyboards! The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: Comprehending how Harry is initially introduced to the reader; Reading extracts from Chapters 2, 10 and 17 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, identifying how Harry’s character develops; Analysing how the story fits the structure of a Bildungsroman novel, and tracking Harry’s development through the stages; Creating a storyboard for their own Bildungsroman novel; Self assessing their learning attempts. Included is: Whole lesson 30 slide PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; Collated paper extracts of Chapters 2, 10, 17 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; Harry’s development tracking template; Create your own Bildungsroman novel storyboard template; -Comprehensive lesson plan. All resources are provided in Word (for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure formatting remains fixed between different computers). There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7/8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 3 and 10 with some adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Simon Armitage’s love and relationships poem ‘Mother, Any Distance.’ 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 detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for students learning or revising Ted Hughes’ war poem 'Bayonet Charge.’ It contains comprehensive sections on: Context; Line-by-Line Analysis; Poetic Devices/ Language Devices; Themes; Form/Structure; Poems for Comparison; The Poet’s Influences. Key words and ideas are underlined for easy reference. 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).

Two free, original, child-friendly limericks - one about an extremely timid brown bear, and the other about the most mischievous chimp in the jungle! Both sheets contain a few comprehension questions. Perfect if you're looking to help your children get to grips with the form and structure of limerick poems. These limericks are a part of a wider collection of limericks found in the 'Ludicrous Limericks' lesson pack (for 2 pounds) or with an anthology of 20 other animal limericks and comprehension activities in the 'Crazy Animal Limericks' (3 pounds). Many Thanks!

This engaging and informative lesson enables students to understand the key techniques used by J.K Rowling in her story opening of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.' In particular, students comprehend the plot and information in the opening chapter of Harry Potter and analyse what makes the opening effective, before utilising this understanding to compose their own imaginative story opening. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Collectively defining the features of effective story openings; - Reading the opening to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, identifying the story opening techniques and comprehending the key events and information in the chapter; - Analysing the effectiveness of each of Rowling's story opening techniques; - Creating their own engaging story openings, utilising story opening techniques effectively and imaginatively throughout; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - The opening chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (freely available online); - Effective Story Openings analysis template; - Teacher answer sheet; -Comprehensive lesson plan. All resources are provided in Word (for easy editing) and PDF (to ensure formatting remains fixed between different computers). There are also opportunities for group learning, speaking and listening, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. I originally used these resources with year 7/8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 3 and 10 with some 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 Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' 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: 19th Century Britain' - 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;' - 'Dickens' Description' - to aid students with 'Analysing a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features, and evaluating their effectiveness and impact;' - 'The Ghost of Christmas Past' - 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 fun and informative lesson helps students to understand two of the key themes throughout David Walliams ‘Billionaire Boy:’ money and happiness. Students explore Joe’s happiness, before then producing their own writing to argue piece on the topic of whether they believe money can buy happiness. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Considering what they would buy if they were a billionaire, and detailing this through a mind-map! - Reading and understanding extracts from the opening section of Billionaire Boy, in which Joe's wealth and unhappiness is detailed; - Identifying and analysing Walliams's use of devices to demonstrate Joe's unhappiness; - Writing their own arguments (using a help-sheet and model examples for influence) about whether they think money can buy happiness; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - 'Joe's Unhappiness' Worksheet (and answer sheet); - Selected extracts - Billionaire Boy; - Writing to Argue Help-sheet; - Billionaire Mind-Map (and PDF version); - 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 7 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 3 and 9 with some adaptations. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This 16-page resource booklet contains a wide range of challenging and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of Beatrice Garland’s power and conflict poem 'Kamikaze.’ 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 detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for students learning or revising Beatrice Garland’s power and conflict poem 'Kamikaze.’ It contains comprehensive sections on: Context; Line-by-Line Analysis; Poetic Devices/ Language Devices; Themes; Form/Structure; Poems for Comparison; The Poet’s Influences. Key words and ideas are underlined for easy reference. 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 engaging and informative lesson enables students to make insightful and developed interpretations regarding ‘The Ghost of Christmas Present’ in ‘A Christmas Carol.’ In particular, they explore the key messages about generosity and human kindness that Dickens aims to get across through his portrayal of the ghost. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Reading and understanding the key plot elements of stave 3 - in which The Ghost of Christmas Present appears; - Identifying and exemplifying the key features of the ghost, including its appearance, actions, and mannerisms; - Analysing the extent to which the ghost represents Dickens' message about generosity; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Extract - Stave 3 of A Christmas Carol; - Features of The Ghost of Christmas Present Worksheet (and completed answer sheet for teachers); - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. This was originally taught to mixed ability year 10 groups, but can easily be differentiated for groups of different ages and abilities. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson enables students to make insightful and developed interpretations of Dickens’ use of allegory throughout ‘A Christmas Carol.’ In particular, they explore how Dickens utilises various characters and events to reveal hidden meanings about selfishness, greed, and hidden ugliness in Victorian society. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Defining the key term ‘allegory’ and establishing the key message of Dickens’ allegory; - Reading and understanding the selected extracts to determine how Dickens’ characters are allegorical; - Demonstrating an understanding of the allegorical meanings of individual events and scenes in the novel, through a fun interactive game! - Analysing the extent to which the allegory is effective in presenting Dickens hidden message; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Selected extracts demonstrating Dickens’ allegory; - Features of Dickens’ Allegory Worksheet (and completed answer sheet for teachers); - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. This was originally taught to mixed ability year 10 groups, but can easily be differentiated for groups of different ages and abilities. 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 'Skellig.' Round 1. The characters in Skellig Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Skellig 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 informative lesson, students make clear and insightful interpretations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s use of language throughout 'The Sign of Four.' In particular, students analyse how Doyle uses metaphor, alliteration and pathetic fallacy to describe the journey Holmes and Watson take across the dreary streets of London in Chapter 3. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Define and exemplify a range of language devices, including pathetic fallacy; - Reading and understanding chapters 3 and 4, in which Holmes, Watson, and Miss Marston travel across London to meet Mr Thaddeus Sholto; - Identifying and analysing the language techniques used by Doyle in describing the London streets; - Analysing Doyle's intentions in using each of the language features, and considering the effect that these have upon the reader; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 3 and 4; - Cards for the Card-Sorting Activity; - Language Techniques Worksheet (and Teacher Answer Sheet); - Essay Template; - Detailed Lesson Plan There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. These resources were originally taught to GCSE students, but with subtle adaptations they have also been used with both younger and older (up to A Level) students. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

In this engaging and informative lesson, students learn to make sustained and precise interpretations of the character of Tonga in 'The Sign of Four.' In particular, students analyse Watson’s account of Tonga’s appearance, mannerisms and behaviours in chapter 10 of the novel, before linking this to notions of the savage cultural ‘other’ that were commonly held during the colonial era in Britain. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Understanding the social and cultural context of Britain's colonial past; - Reading and understanding chapters 9 and 10, in which Tonga makes his appearance; - Identifying and analysing the language techniques used by Doyle in describing Tonga; - Understanding how readers at the time would react to the depiction of Tonga; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 9 and 10; - Tonga - Links to Context Worksheet (and teacher answer sheet); - Essay Template; - Detailed Lesson Plan There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. These resources were originally taught to GCSE students, but with subtle adaptations they have also been used with both younger and older (up to A Level) students. Please note that you'll need access to internet/laptops for opening quiz activity. 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 'Fantastic Mr Fox.' Round 1. The characters in Fantastic Mr Fox Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Fantastic Mr Fox 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!

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 Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Sign of Four.' Round 1. The characters in The Sign of Four Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in The Sign of Four 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 make detailed interpretations about the development of the creature in the garage throughout David Almond’s Skellig. In particular, students comprehend how the character is initially introduced, utilising textual evidence, before investigating how and why the creature transforms throughout the story. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Defining and exemplifying the key term 'prejudice', and noting its dangers; - Reading and comprehending the introduction of the creature through selected extracts; - Tracking how Michael and Mina's nurture and care helps to transform the creature over the course of the text; - Understanding the messages that can be learnt from this in terms of prejudice and not 'judging a book by its cover.' - Creating diary entries detailing the development of the creature; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Development of Skellig Storyboard (pdf and word); - Extracts from Chapters 1-10; - Writing to Describe Help-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 a year 7 class, 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, in-depth lesson enables students to understand how Shakespeare uses a range of colourful and varied language choices to develop the theme of social grace in ‘Much Ado about Nothing.’ Much Ado About Nothing contains some of Shakespeare's most vibrant and interesting language, as characters such as Benedick and Claudio use words to jostle for respect around the noble Don Pedro and Leonato. This lesson explores the devices that they use in order to gain favour with their social superiors. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Defining and exemplifying different language devices, such as similes, metaphors, alliteration, and puns. - Taking part in a fun team quiz to identity the language devices used by the main characters in Much Ado About Nothing. - Understanding the idea of social grace, and learning how it relates to the social hierarchy within the text. - Completing an essay style response in which they consider how Shakespeare uses language to develop the theme of social grace. - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and detailed - just download and teach from it! - Cards for card-sorting activity; - Social grace worksheet; - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive lesson plan. There are also opportunities for group learning, peer assessment, and whole class discussion. This was originally taught to higher ability year 9 and 10 groups, but can easily be differentiated for groups of different ages and abilities.