The old problem of the farmer/goat/cabbage and wolf brought to you in technicolour. Students work in teams or pairs to solve the problem and work out the best way to present their solution to the class. Works well as a starter for lots of objectives.

A set of slides providing creative writing/speaking/drama based stimuli. Can be used over KS3 and 4.

Illustrated slide-show of the poem. Animated. Has a greater impact this way. Could be shown with appropriate music.

' A little Learning is a dangerous thing..' Students assess their colleagues' ability to answer some basic questions.....urban myths. Answers provided and plenty to do. Could stretch over many lessons. Why not involve research ?

Students explore the wonderful world of the pun and create a piece of writing based on a genuine headline. Imagination and humour needed. Essentials are all here.

Lesson introduces conventions and starts students off writing their plan including conventions. Structured for low ability but useful as a framework for other levels.

Two lessons covering ' I am a parrot' by Grace Nichols. Worksheet included and lesson two guides students to create their own poem. Adaptable.

Intro to the classic short story. Story and questions attached. Keep the light on.

Animated and illustrated slide show of the poem. Useful for revision or introduction to the poem

Lesson asks students to describe strange trees using similes, adjectives and metaphors. you'll need to adapt to the age group. Totally different but obvious, when you think about it !

Part two of two. Students discuss whether they have achieved/want to achieve. Could they add/subtract from the list ? Plenty of scope for discussion/adaptation.

Not my idea, but I use this with low ability, reluctant readers. Works wonders. Rules on the slides and texts/novels/plays etc work well with this game. Classes practically begging to read aloud after one lesson of this !

Introduction to Mercutio's Queen Mab speech. Speech attached. Context explained: Elizabethan thinking on dreams. William Shakespeare&'s Romeo and Juliet.

Gives students a broad intro to the basic changes in our language with links to how each stage sounded. Worksheet focusses on Middle English vocabulary.

Students view slides and decide how poor literacy impacts on the public. They correct the errors and decide if being literate and accurate has an impact on how they are perceived by others. ALL ERRORS ON THE SLIDES ARE DELIBERATE ! See also PART TWO.

Lesson explores the Joint Enterprise Laws in the UK and asks what is fair and unfair in the world of young people and their decision making. Includes very sobering message from the Police and prisoners. Adaptable, but go through lesson before showing to students. If you use, give your views :)

Lesson explores the answer to this question and includes an extract from The Great Gatsby to test the students' interpretation skills.

Students compare two eye-witness accounts and answer questions on how atmosphere is conveyed. worksheet and extracts included.

All you need are the contents of your handbag/pockets/ and perhaps one 'odd' object. tickets/receipts are also useful. Stick them all on a photocopier and press A3. Students can work in pairs to solve the mystery.

A Ppt illustrating the poem by Duffy. Includes questions, activity and homework.