This engaging and informative lesson helps students to demonstrate a clear understanding of the setting in ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ - The Secret Annex. Students explore the language used by Anne Frank in her description, explore the annex for themselves on a virtual tour, and then write imaginative and original descriptions based on what they have seen and read. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Empathising with the Frank family's situation by discussing the idea of displacement; - Reading and understanding extracts from the opening section of Anne Frank's Diary, in which Anne describes the annex; - Information gathering on each of the rooms in the annex through observing a virtual tour; - Linking information and using imaginative thoughts to produce detailed, original, and imaginative descriptions of rooms in the annex; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Information Gathering Template; - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Link to a virtual tour video (you will need internet access to view); - Writing to Describe Helpsheet; - 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 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task. 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 and engaging comprehension activities for use throughout the reading of R.J. Palacio’s 'Wonder.’ Teachers have found them particularly useful in comprehension or guided reading sessions. They are perfect for aiding the progress of children towards meeting the KS2 expectations within the new National Curriculum framework. Children love learning from these resources, whilst they are also of great use to teachers, as 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 children gain a deep understanding of the text. Activities within the booklet include: ‘An Interview with Auggie’ - to enable students to demonstrate that they can: ‘Understand what is read by drawing on information from more than one paragraph, identifying key details that support the main ideas, and using quotations for illustration;’ ‘Palacio’s Description’ - to enable students to demonstrate that they can: ‘Explain meanings of words that they know and ask the meaning of new words. Link the meaning of new words to words that they already know;’ ‘Julian Alban’s and Summer’s Character Profiles!’ - to enable students to demonstrate that they can: ‘Understand what is read by drawing on information from more than one paragraph, identifying key details that support the main ideas, and using quotations for illustration;’ 'Figurative Language in ‘Wonder’ - to enable students to demonstrate that they can: ‘Discuss and evaluate how authors use language, including figurative language, to create an impact on the reader.’ Plus many, many more activities (the booklet is 21 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).

In this engaging and informative lesson, students make clear and insightful interpretations of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson – the chief protagonists in Arthur Conan Doyle’s 'The Sign of Four.' In particular, students learn about their key characteristics, mannerisms, appearance, and interactions of others – and relate these to ideas of societal expectations of the time. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Inferring and deducing what the novel may be about, from clues in the title; - Reading and understanding chapters 1 and 2, and demonstrating understanding through answers to comprehension questions; - Establishing the key character traits of Holmes and Watson, including their appearance, mannerisms and personality, using precise and relevant textual evidence; - Analysing how each character is presented in the opening two chapters; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 1 and 2; - Holmes Character Profile (and PDF); - Watson Character Profile (and PDF); - 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.

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 enables students to make clear and insightful links between Arthur Conan Doyle’s 'The Sign of Four' and its historical context of 19th Century London. In particular, students learn about the Jack the Ripper murders and subsequent attitudes towards the police, before considering how these ideas are reflected through Athelney Jones in the novel. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Researching the context of 19th Century London, such as the Jack the Ripper murders and attitudes towards the police; - Reading and understanding chapters 5 and 6, in which Athelney Jones makes his appearance; - Identifying and analysing the language techniques used by Doyle in describing Athelney Jones; - Analysing Doyle's intentions in presenting Athelney Jones in such a manner; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 5 and 6; - Athelney Jones links to context worksheet; - Researching Context worksheet - 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 the researching activity. 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 enables students to make clear and insightful links between Arthur Conan Doyle’s 'The Sign of Four' and its historical context of 19th Century London. In particular, students learn about the Jack the Ripper murders and subsequent attitudes towards the police, before considering how these ideas are reflected through Athelney Jones in the novel. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Researching the context of 19th Century London, such as the Jack the Ripper murders and attitudes towards the police; - Reading and understanding chapters 5 and 6, in which Athelney Jones makes his appearance; - Identifying and analysing the language techniques used by Doyle in describing Athelney Jones; - Analysing Doyle's intentions in presenting Athelney Jones in such a manner; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 5 and 6; - Athelney Jones links to context worksheet; - Researching Context worksheet - 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 the researching activity. 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 structural features within The Sign of Four. In particular, students analyse Jonathan Small’s testimony in chapter 12 of the novel, before linking this to the idea of a fitting resolution within the narrative structure model. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Reading and understanding chapters 11 and 12, in which Jonathan Small gives his testimony; - Sequencing and storyboarding the events of Jonathan Small's life; - Identifying and analysing the structural stages of narrative structure, and applying this to The Sign of Four; - Understanding how readers at the time would react to the depiction of Jonathan Small; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole Lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Paper Copies of Chapters 11 and 12; - Storyboard Template (and PDF); - Narrative Structure Template (and PDF); - 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.

This fun and informative lesson helps students to understand the descriptive language techniques used by Roald Dahl in his descriptions of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean in ‘Fantastic Mr Fox.’ In particular, students analyse how Dahl's language is used to create imagery, before designing and describing their very own mean farmers! The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Completing a card-sorting activity to define and exemplify each of the descriptive devices; - Reading and understanding extracts from the opening of Fantastic Mr Fox, in which the farmers are described; - Identifying and analysing Dahl's use of language devices throughout the description of the farmers; - Writing their own language device-filled descriptions of their farmers, with support from a clear template; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Language Analysis Worksheet (and answer sheet); - Selected extracts - Fantastic Mr Fox; - Cards for Sorting Activity; - Planning Template (Word and PDF); - 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 3 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 1 and 8 with some adaptations. 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 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.

This fun and informative lesson helps students to understand the narrative structure used by Roald Dahl throughout ‘Fantastic Mr Fox.’ In particular, students identify the features of each stage of the narrative structure within the story, before recreating sections of the structure themselves! The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Taking part in a fun group quiz to recap on the key elements of the plot leading up to the ending; - Reading and understanding extracts from the ending of Fantastic Mr Fox, answering comprehension questions to demonstrate their understanding; -Understanding features of narrative structure and applying the plot of Fantastic Mr Fox to the individual elements; -Recreating elements of the plot, using their understanding of the stages of narrative structure; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Storyboard Template (and PDF version); - Selected extracts - Fantastic Mr Fox; - Recreations Template (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 3 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 1 and 8 with some adaptations. 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!

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to understand the key features of the social and historical context of Anne Frank’s Diary, through learning about The Holocaust and Nazi-occupied Europe in the 1940s. Furthermore, students learn to identify and analyse features of context within specific sections of Anne Frank’s Diary - making appropriate links between text and context. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Understanding the key features of the Holocaust through watching and comprehending an informative (and age-appropriate) video; - Reading and understanding extracts from the opening section of Anne Frank’s Diary; - Linking their understanding of social and historical context to what they read in the text; - Analysing how the horrors of the Holocaust are evident through Anne’s account of her family’s experiences; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Linking Text to Context Worksheet (and answer sheet); - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Link to an engaging and informative video (you will need internet access to view); - 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 mixed-ability year 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

This engaging and informative lesson helps students to demonstrate a clear understanding of the descriptive language used by Anne Frank in her ‘Diary of a Young Girl.’ Students explore how Anne uses techniques such as varied vocabulary, personification, and metaphors to describe scenes and events to the audience. Students also have a go at using their own imaginative language devices through their own diary entries. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Completing a card-sorting activity to define and exemplify each of the descriptive devices; - Reading and understanding extracts from a section of Anne Frank's Diary, in which Anne describes her fear during a bombing, and her anger with her fellow annex inhabitants; - Identifying and analysing Anne's use of language devices throughout the extract; - Writing their own language device-filled diary attempts, with support from a helpsheet and a model example; - Self assessing their own learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Anne's Language Devices Worksheet (and answer sheet); - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Cards for sorting activity; - Writing to Describe Helpsheet; - 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 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 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 helps students to understand the key characters and relationships in the secret annex in Anne Frank’s Diary. Students explore extracts from the text, video evidence, and their own research findings, to demonstrate a clear understanding of each of the occupants’ key characteristics and traits, in addition to their relationships with Anne and one another. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: -Remembering each of the occupants of the house, and recalling what they know about them; - Reading and understanding extracts from Anne Frank's Diary, in which Anne describes each of the people in the house and explains what she thinks of them; - Watching and comprehending a powerful video of Otto Frank discussing his relationship with Anne; - Researching one inhabitant in more depth, using a helpful research template; - Writing an explanatory piece about the life of one of the inhabitants of the annex; - Peer assessing each other's learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Research Template - Selected extracts - The Diary of Anne Frank; - Link to an engaging and informative video (you will need internet access to view); - Writing to Explain Helpsheet - 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 8 class, however colleagues have used them for between years 5 and 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that internet access/ use of research mechanisms is required for the introduction task and the model examples. All images are licensed for commercial use, and image rights are listed on the last page of the presentation.

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 clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about Charles Dickens, particularly those completing a history study of ‘Significant Individuals.’ It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in His Life; Important Vocabulary; Charles Dickens Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. 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.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about J.K. Rowling, particularly those completing a history study of ‘Significant Individuals’, or those finding out about prominent authors as a part of their English learning. It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in Her Life; Important Vocabulary; J.K. Rowling Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. 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.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about Maya Angelou, particularly those completing a history study of ‘Significant Individuals’, those learning about prominent authors, or those studying the impact of civil rights activists. It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in Her Life; Important Vocabulary; Maya Angelou Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. 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.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about Geoffrey Chaucer. It is particularly useful for those completing a history study of ‘Significant Individuals.’ It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in his Life; Important Vocabulary; Geoffrey Chaucer Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. 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.