Check out this specially-created lesson plan all about exploring the characteristics of a good friend, and help children make the most of their peer group. In this lesson, the activities encourage children to recognise what makes a good friend and to realise when a friendship may not be beneficial. Children will also be given the tools to celebrate people’s differences and similarities, and discuss how to make new friends. Help equip your pupils with some valuable life skills by using this resource in your classroom.

These relationship lessons will help families cope with daily pressures, and schools deliver teaching on relationships and physical and mental health. The new teaching pack is being released during Family Action’s 150th anniversary year, which it is marking with a campaign to get people talking about the everyday pressures on families. Family Action’s research shows that relationships and health were two of the top five pressures adults said were common in their close family. The Family Action Schools’ Pack is designed for use with upper KS2 pupils (Years 5 and 6), but can be used with younger pupils at a school’s discretion. It consists of the following content: An introductory assembly with accompanying PDF slides (this can be used across KS2) A follow-up history lesson using original source materials to examine aspects of Victorian family life, and to draw parallels with pressures on family life today Three follow-up PSHE lessons examining family diversity, exploring family relationships and the pressures that can impact on these, and developing healthy ways in which to manage feelings and behaviour and maintain happy and healthy family relationships

Revisit and reflect on the events and news stories of this year with our First News Quiz of 2018. The quiz is divided into seven sections - UK News, World News, Science, Animals, Arts & Entertainment, Crazy But True and Sport - with eight multiple choice questions in each. This is an ideal activity for the last week of term, get your pupils into teams and find out who are the news champions of the year.

Help to improve literacy and reading skills with this reading comprehension looking at the history and practices of Ramadan. Pupils are asked to read an article about Ramadan and then answer questions on the information they have just learned. There is then a group activity to bring the whole class together at the end of the lesson. This resource includes a detailed sheet of example answers for teachers. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving literacy in the classroom.

Help to improve literacy and reading skills with this reading comprehension looking at the origins of Easter and different Easter traditions around the World. Pupils are asked to read an article about Easter and then answer questions on the information they have just learned. This resource includes a detailed sheet of example answers for teachers. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

Help to improve literacy and reading skills with this reading comprehension looking at the origins of Easter and different Easter traditions around the World. Pupils are asked to read an article about Easter and then answer questions on the information they have just learned. This resource includes a detailed sheet of example answers for teachers. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

Help to improve literacy and reading skills with this reading comprehension looking at Easter Around the World and other recent news stories. Pupils are asked to read an article about Easter traditions in different cultures and then answer questions on the information they have just learned. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

This upper KS3 comprehension takes a look at what it means to grow up and the science behind puberty. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

Spark a discussion in your classroom with this KS3 Debate discussing whether eSports should be part of the Olympics. First News debates use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each debate is written by education experts and breaks down an issue so that your pupils can have an informed opinion. First News debates are excellent for debate practice, vocabulary, exam preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

This upper KS2 comprehension takes a deep dive into the history of votes for women in the UK, using this source as a way for pupils to improve literacy and vocabulary. It includes comprehension questions written by education experts alongside a detailed answer sheet for teachers. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3.

Develop your pupils’ vocabulary with this entertaining KS3 crossword. The UK is on the verge of a recycling crisis, as authorities figure out how to deal with a Chinese ban on imports of plastic waste. Boost your your class’ vocabulary and understanding of recycling, sustainability and waste management with this First News puzzle! First News comprehensions are excellent for vocabulary development, exam preparation, and comprehension. First News puzzles use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each puzzle contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and an engaging crossword that encourages vocabulary development in your pupils. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

Develop your pupils’ vocabulary with this entertaining upper KS2 crossword. Pupils at a school in Hampshire were raising four pigs that were due to made into meat but, after a petition from a vegan parent, the pigs have been given away. Your pupils can learn more about meat production and improve their vocabulary with the puzzle. First News comprehensions are excellent for vocabulary development, SATS preparation, and comprehension. First News puzzles use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each puzzle contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and an engaging crossword that encourages vocabulary development in your pupils. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

Develop your pupils’ vocabulary with this entertaining Level One puzzle. Pupils read two news story concerning recent engineering innovations and then complete a crossword using the vocabulary they have just read in the articles. First News comprehensions are excellent for vocabulary development, SATS preparation, and comprehension. First News puzzles use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each puzzle contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and an engaging crossword that encourages vocabulary development in your pupils. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

This lower KS2 comprehension asks questions about two stories concerning sustainability and recycling. The first story looks at how water refill points could reduce the amount of plastic in the ocean, while the second asks pupils about a generator that transforms dog poo into energy! First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3

This lower KS2 comprehension looks at two incredible science stories concerning fossils in Buckingham Palace and a huge cave on the moon. These stories allow students to work on their reading and literacy skills while getting inspired by science news. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. *First News *reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3.

This lower KS2 comprehension looks at fascination news from the UK and across the world, allow students to work on their reading and literacy skills while getting informed about current events. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3.

This lower KS2 comprehension looks at recent research into left- and right-handed cats and the predatory behaviour of the amazing Pelican Spider. These stories allow students to work on their reading and literacy skills while discovering more about this fascinating area of biological science. First News comprehensions are excellent for guided reading, SATS preparation, and improving critical literacy in the classroom. First News reading comprehensions use current event to make literacy relevant and exciting in the classroom. Each comprehension contains an article taken from First News, the award-winning weekly newspaper for children, and a selection of engaging questions written by education experts. **This is a First News Level One activity aimed at Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4). Each week, First News creates three levels of literacy activities based on news stories: ** Level One for Lower KS2 (Y3 & Y4) Level Two for Upper KS2 (Y5 & Y6) Level Three for KS3.

Spark a discussion in your classroom while improving literacy with this Christmas-themed debate. Discover the history of the British Christmas meal, along with fascinating sprouts facts and recipes. With this knowledge, your pupils can then engage in an entertaining and informed debate to settle once and for all whether Brussels sprouts deserve their place on the festive menu.

This special edition of Look Closer (reading comprehension activity) explores First News' brand new feature, What Did You Do In The War? in which First News readers interview war veterans. This activity explores an interview with Sir Nicholas Winton, an amazing 105-year-old man with an incredible story to tell. Look Closer is an in-depth reading comprehension, or set of discussion questions, focusing on one article or section in the week’s newspaper. As well as engaging pupils in one of the week’s news stories, this activity can be used as an assessment tool.