‘In the jungle lives a __ snake’ - is the outline of this poem format, but the gap for description extends through the whole of this long, twisty snake. This creative writing task is suitable for pupils in and around upper KS1. It offers the secondary - and entertaining - challenge of trying to write at different angles, turning the paper around as need be. The fun of writing in a snake and, beyond that, within a jungle scene, will further motivate young writers. Stimulate ideas and descriptive words before giving out this sheet, through related activities, such as enacting snakes, discussing pictures of them and handling a toy one. Prompt for a wide range of words, including familiar and less usual ones. Here are a few suggestions: long, twisty, looping, slithery, sliding, slippery, scaly, patterned, stretchy, poisonous, venomous, scary, dangerous, shy, hungry, fast, creepy, coiling, smooth, slimy, dry, quiet.

Phonics and reading support is offered in this enjoyable game. Children have to read or sound out the listed words to sort Mr Mix-Up’s house and garden items for him. Each identified item can be linked (by line or arrow) to either house or garden, as appropriate. The list contains 1- and 2-syllable words of varying difficulty, but the fun of the game will spur on any strugglers. Younger and older children will also it, older ones perhaps being inspired to create their own versions. Colouring opportunities too.

Woods are fascinating places, especially at twilight, when it starts to twitch with furtive activity and colours fade and blend mysteriously. Your children may spot an owl, a robin, a fox, a hedgehog, a rabbit and two squirrels amongst the moonlit branches of this wintry wood. The hand-drawn scene will inspire ideas and language for writing, also guiding artwork, promoting an appreciation of the natural world, celebrating leaf colour, illustrating the concepts of evening, night skies, autumn and winter, and providing discussion spurs for your class.

These four fascinating castle photographs will bring your history or castle project alive for your class. They were taken in Caerphilly Castle, south Wales, and show the Welsh flag, castle doors, windows and an arrow slit. They could be used in conjunction with my castle poetry-writing frames and rhymes.

Bring atmosphere and detail to your medieval history topic with this fascinating peep into a deserted (almost) castle. Ignite the imagination of your students, whatever age, with this eye-drawing picture in black and white (drawn with computer software). I originally drew it as an illustration to accompany a poem of mine for a children’s poetry book, now out of print. Now use it to fire ideas for poetry-writing in primary schools.

Which words fit the topic? that’s the simple challenge here. Children have to read a selection of words to work out which apply to the given category (e.g. colours) and which ones don’t. There are 4 of these challenges, spread down the page, with colour variation for clarity and added fun. Able readers can complete these independently, linking or ticking relevant words with a pencil; less confident readers will need support (either one-to-one or group). Some words may be instantly recognisable, such as ‘red’ or ‘hot’, but others will need to be sounded out. Ideal for phonics learning and reading practice.

This fascinating castle picture will lure your emergent readers into sounding out the ten words that describe it. The bright, bold lettering is easy to clear and attractive, and the words are intriguing, yet simple, comprising: old, cold, dark, big, grand, still, spooky, crumbly, stony and webby. Fun and motivating for older readers too; also for younger children to look at. Handy for quick revision, testing and general reading practice. Also supports castle and history studies.

Robins, squirrels, hedgehogs and other woodland animals feature on this cheerfully-illustrated poem - or creative writing sheet, spurring young writers to think up describing words, action words and a simile to fill the gaps in the given verses. Recommended for Yrs 2-4 (UK), ages 6-8 approx. See my other two versions, mid-level and easier, for younger or less confident writers. This resource supports nature, animal and environmental studies, while developing writing skills and firing imagination and creativity.

Inspiring spring writing frames, illustrated, in 5 grades. Opportunities to describe different young animals, as well as daffodils and more, with similes invited and space for individual input. Prepare by taking children outside on a fine spring day and sharing experiences and observations. Talk about the soft, fresh, fragrant air, the bright, cheerful daffodils, the busy, nesting birds, the budding leaves and crisp, green grass. Look out for buds, insects, squirrels, birds of all kinds, and any other flora or fauna around. Be the different young animals yourselves, and the budding trees, swaying gently in the breeze. Be birds, butterflies, squirrels and frogs. Have fun! Invite similes when helping children describe spring features. Lambs are as white as what? Wedding lace? Fluffy clouds? Snowdrops? Daffodils are as yellow as the sun, sunspots, corn, buttercups, lemons. SEE MY OTHER SPRING SHEETS TOO.

Football poetry support! A list of 14 rhyming couplets about playing football, for teachers and pupils. Use as prompts to spur further ideas or incorporate favourite couplets into a class rhyme. Humour, excitement, tension and exhaustion all roll about together in the mud here, with positive messages for losing teams too. The sheet is illustrated with girl and boy footballers of different ethnicities, with space for further little sketches around the verses.

The Thrill of December - this is the title of my uplifting, 4-verse poem for children and their teachers. Enjoy the magical images, the rhythm and rhyme, the sparkle and glow of natural, outdoor Christmastime in this upbeat poem. Discuss, share similar experiences, add a verse of your own. Poem written by me, a published children’s poet.

Christmas Lights poetry writing and colouring sheets - 3 graded variations for Reception to lower Juniors. Colour similes and description called for, with gaps to fill, e.g. - "Christmas lights are ____ and ____. They can be red, like ____ " Harder and simpler versions included. Fun, creative, educational, stretching literacy skills, imagination, colour awareness and pencil control, also teaching about Christmas celebrations and the dark winter nights.

This cat poem is fun and child-friendly. Follow this restless cat around the house, checking its food dish, checking window view, zipping upstairs for a look-around, then at last remembering the cosy sofa - ideal for a snooze! This poem will inspire discussion, language-stretching, creative writing, drama, art, and physical movement, also nurturing animal appreciation.