Analysis of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116.

A whole lesson the poem Quickdraw by Carol Ann Duffy. A discussion and analysis of key imagery and writer's ideas. Includes an activity where pupils have to get out of their seats to discuss some of the issues in the poem.

A lesson on the Phillip Larkin 'Born Yesterday' including word associations and analysis of key imagery and a discussion on the ideas in the poem.

A creative writing lesson based on the poem The Deserted House. Resource includes presentation including starter, activities etc, copy of the poem and a lesson plan (this was a an observed lesson which was judged outstanding). Focus for the lesson is on sensory detail and ambitious vocabulary.

A lesson on writing to describe. Includes criteria, model responses, AfL tasks, guided writing activity to allow students to progress.

Lots of ideas for 'bell work', that 2-5 minutes of dead time while you wait for other students to arrive. Great for embedding literacy skills, engaging the class, calming and settling challenging classes, and providing reasons to get to lessons on time!

A unit of work on myths and legends to last around 3-4 weeks. Includes: background to Greek mythology, British and European myths, modern myths and legends, research task, and a creative writing task over several lessons in which pupils create their own myth or legend. Writing skills are built into this., including characterisation, sentence structure, and settings. Darken the classroom, open up the fireside reading animation, and allow pupils to regale the class with their own myths and legends.

Cards that can be cut out and used to practice the full range of punctuation for Level 5-7.

Two lessons in which pupils firstly write out a presentation on what they would like to do/achieve before they turn 30, and then present their ideas to the class. Ideas to get them started are included, planning resources, ideas on how to structure their talk, and a self-assessment form.

A book I've written to be given to all staff and students. Topics include:What is literacy?\tHow to improve your work: responding to feedback\tMaking your writing more interesting: Sentence Variety\tThree tips for improving your writing style\tMaking your writing accurate: Punctuation\tCommas\tSpeech Marks\tColons and Semi-colons\tApostrophes\tMaking your writing flow: Paragraphs\tMaking your work flow: connectives\tHow to develop your answers\tMaking your writing accurate: Spellings\tSpelling strategies\tNine spelling rules to learn\tHomophones\tHomonyms\t25 commonly misspelt words\tHow to improve your work: Redrafting\tHow to improve your word power\tWorn out words\t70 words to sharpen your expression\tCommon literacy errors

A lesson which teaches pupil how to analyse a poem for themselves - the teacher should be doing very little in this lesson. Pupils work in groups: each member of the group is assigned a role. A carousel activity follows, ending with a whole class feedback.

A series of lessons in which pupils use persuasive writing. Pupils are to persuade a group of Hollywood producers to turn the class novel into a blockbuster film. A useful end of topic activity.

A fun and challenging lesson in which pupils use sensory detail and imaginative vocabulary to create their own chocolate poem. Pupils will need a small chocolate bar for this lesson. Drag out the torture - they have to smell the chocolate, then describe it, a small bite, then describe it, and so forth. I have done this many times before, and it has always gone down well. This is very good as a memorable Year 6 induction lesson, or a lesson on creative writing.