This engaging and informative lesson enables students to understand the language features used by Michael Morpurgo to depict the horrors of war in Private Peaceful. In particular, students analyse the effectiveness of his similes, metaphors and personification (amongst other devices) before creating their own descriptive device-filled writing! The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: - Defining and exemplifying range of different descriptive techniques; - Identifying the descriptive language techniques in use in an extract from Private Peaceful (the section in which Tommo and his comrades are gassed); - Analysing the effectiveness of Morpurgo’s descriptive language, considering the effect on the reader; - Creating their own descriptive passages, using each of the descriptive language devices effectively; - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - Cards for the card-sorting activity; - Descriptive language essay template; - Extract from Private Peaceful; - 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 year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between years 3 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 enables students to understand the key features of the historical context of World War I, in order to gain a clearer of understanding of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. In particular, students learn about the key features of World War I (including the role of horses) before linking their understanding of historical context to different extracts from the text. Finally, they analyse Morpurgo’s key intentions/messages in including such ideas within his novel. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which children learn through: Researching and understanding key information about World War I, including how it was initiated, the role of horses, life in the trenches, and going ‘over the top;’ Linking the key features of context to sections of the text; Reading selected extracts from the text, in order to link ideas regarding context and text together; Analysing Morpurgo’s key messages and ideas in through his depiction of the historical context; Creating their own anti-war propaganda posters, detailing what war was really like for young soldiers; Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts; Included is: Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; Research Template; Selected extracts (from chapters 2, 4, 7 and 8); 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 year 7 and 8 classes, however colleagues have used them for between year 4 (advanced) and year 9 with minimal adaptations. Please note that students will need internet access for the research introduction task. 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 ‘Private Peaceful.’ Round 1. The characters in Private Peaceful Round 2. Quotations from the text Round 3. Settings and Objects Round 4. Themes in Private Peaceful 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 lesson aims to help students to build their skill at inferring and deducing the hidden meanings in texts, whilst also providing students with valuable SMSC messages about the horror of the Holocaust. Students also hone their skills of writing to argue, utilising information that they gain from reading extracts of John Boyne’s ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.’ Informative and engaging, this lesson follows a clear and logical learning journey. Students learn to: - Define key terms related to reading between the lines of a text; - Consider the concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ using the poem ‘Vultures.’ Use this knowledge to consider the actions of those involved in the Holocaust; - Read extracts from The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas; - Answer a range of questions designed to demonstrate students’ ability to infer and deduce the hidden meanings in texts; - Write an argumentative letter from Bruno’s Grandma to his father, using a writing to argue help-sheet; - Peer-assess each others’ learning attempts. Included in this resource pack: A comprehensive, whole-lesson, visually engaging PowerPoint presentation, which guides the teacher and learners through the lesson, a writing to argue help-sheet, a copy of the poem ‘Vultures,’ extracts from ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ and teacher guidance notes. All images are cited at the end of the PowerPoint presentation, and are licensed for commercial use.

Within this varied, interesting, and engaging lesson, students aim to build their knowledge of two of history’s most famous explorers: Christopher Columbus and Ibn Battuta. Students utilise their independent learning skills to research the two travelers, utilise map-reading and geographical skills to improve their knowledge of their journeys, and draw comparisons and contrasts between the two. The lesson follows a clear and logical learning journey, which requires students to: - Consider the skills and characteristics required to be a learner, and apply them to real life contexts; - Share what they already know about the two explorers, and use their curiosity to devise new questions about them; - Employ their independent learning skills to find out the key events and journeys in the lives of the two explorers; - Plot the locations of their expeditions on a world map, and consider questions about their journeys based upon what they see; - Compare and contrast the key features of each explorer, using connectives and key facts; - Peer assess each others’ learning using the simple but appropriate success criteria. Included in this lesson are: - Comprehensive, informative, whole-lesson PowerPoint presentation; - Helpful recording template for the research task; - World map for tracking their expeditions, with questions as an extension task; - Helpful and thorough teacher guidance/ lesson plan document, to assist implementation; - Cut-out copies of the learning objectives, to save time in the lesson. All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on the final slide.

In this engaging and purposeful lesson, children develop an understanding of who Christopher Columbus was and the impact that he had on the world: In particular, they: -Learn who Christopher Columbus was and what he is known for; -Explain how Columbus’ voyages have impacted the world today; -Evaluate the actions and behaviour of Christopher Columbus. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall of basic history skills, key terms, and the meaning of exploration; -Watching an engaging video (hyperlinked) to gain a base understanding of his life, voyages and achievements; -Answer comprehension questions demonstrating what they have learnt from the video; -Exploring quotations from Columbus’ own account of his voyages, to discover how he mistreated native people in the lands that he explored; -Evaluating Columbus’ impact on the world; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (18 slides), which contains all of the information needed to teach the lesson. Also included are the quotations for the development task - in both Word and PDF format. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in lower KS2 (years 3 and 4) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about Christopher Columbus as a part of their history study of ‘Significant Individuals.’ It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in His Life; Important Vocabulary; Christopher Columbus 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 Oscar Wilde, particularly those studying his works in English or completing a history study of ‘Significant Individuals.’ It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in His Life; Important Vocabulary; Oscar Wilde Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. The resource is designed to be printed onto either A4 or A3, and is provided as both a PDF and a Word version (so that you can edit if you want to). All images are licensed for commercial use.

In this engaging lesson, children develop an understanding of the battles and conflicts fought by the Anglo-Saxons. In particular, they consider weapons and strategies used by Anglo-Saxon fighters and create a timeline of the major battles throughout the Anglo-Saxon period, The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall - gauging what children already know about the Anglo-Saxon era (answers are provided); -Understanding that life in Anglo-Saxon times was harsh and often violent, and that battles and conflicts were frequent; -Studying sources to identify the types of weapons that were used by Anglo-Saxon warriors; -Learning about some of the strategies adopted by Anglo-Saxon armies; -Creating a timeline of the key battles throughout the Anglo-Saxon period (the information about these battles is provided); -Completing their own extended research to find out more about one of the key battles; -Considering how Anglo-Saxon battles helped to shape England; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (22 slides) and the information cards for the timeline activity. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper KS2 (years 5 and 6) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

In this engaging lesson, children are provided with an introductory understanding of the Anglo-Saxons, through learning: -who the Anglo-Saxons were and when they lived; -how they invaded and inhabited England; -the names and basic features of the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge harvesting - gauging what children already know about the Anglo-Saxon era, and gathering what else they would like to know; -Answering recall questions based upon the areas of history that they have learnt previously that are pertinent to this topic; -Defining who the Anglo-Saxons were and when they lived; -Watching an informative video providing some of the basic facts about Anglo-Saxon life, and then answering questions to show their understanding; -Learning about how they invaded England, and after much fighting split the land into seven kingdoms; -Completing a map-based activity to show where the kingdoms were and who lived there; -Completing plenary activities to demonstrate their understanding of each of the concepts learnt in the lesson; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (around 20 slides), the map template (in both Word and PDF) and the hyperlink to the video. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in upper KS2 (years 5 and 6) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about the feudal system of the Middle Ages, and the compiling of the Domesday Book. It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; The Feudal System (and diagram); Important Vocabulary; The Domesday Book; 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 engaging and informative lesson enables students to gain a detailed insight into the social and historical context of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ In particular, students learn about love, class, inheritance, and reputation in the Georgian and Regency eras – key themes throughout Austen’s novel. They then make clear and sustained links between the features of context and the text. The lesson follows a step-by-step learning journey, in which students learn through: - Playing a fun and interactive quiz about the life of Jane Austen; - Completing carousel activities in groups to learn about the key features of love, class, inheritance, reputation, and royalty in the Georgian/ Regency eras; - Linking their understanding of context to the key elements of the text; - Analysing how Austen is influenced by key features of 19th Century life in ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ - Peer assessing each other’s learning attempts. Included is: - Whole lesson PowerPoint - colourful and comprehensive; - All resources for the carousel activities, including sheets needed for ‘Love and Courtship Blind Date’, ‘Social Class Detectives’, and ‘Georgian and Regency Royalty.’ - Analysis template with success criteria for creating well-structured responses; - Comprehensive 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 one of the introduction activities requires internet access. 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 Jane Austen, particularly those studying different authors in English Literature, or completing a history study of ‘Significant Individuals.’ It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in Her Life; Important Vocabulary; Jane Austen Timeline; Answers to the Important Questions; Top Ten Facts. The resource is designed to be printed onto either A4 or 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 Winston Churchill as a part of their history study of ‘Significant Individuals.’ It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in His Life; Important Vocabulary; Winston Churchill 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.

In this engaging and purposeful lesson, children develop an introductory understanding of what explorers are and how exploring has changed over time. In particular, they: -Define what an explorer is and consider the skills explorers need; -Identify some important explorations from the past; -Understand the factors that have helped to develop exploration. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Knowledge recall of basic history skills and key terms; -Defining what explorers are and considering the key skills and qualities that they need; -Understanding base information about how the earliest humans explored to become natives of different areas around the world; -Considering how exploration was limited before the 1400s; -Considering the technological and societal changes that made wider exploration possible; -Imagining that they were an explorer from this time, and contemplating the different expeditions that they would like to undertake; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (17 slides), which contains all of the information needed to teach the lesson. Also included is the worksheet for the development task - in both Word and PDF format. In the past, I have used this lesson with children in lower KS2 (years 3 and 4) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for students learning or revising knowledge relating to explorers over time. It contains comprehensive sections on: -Explorers Overview; -Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration; -Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and the First Summit of Everest; -Neil Armstrong and the Space Race; -Key Vocabulary; -Explorers Timeline. 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 and are cited on a separate document (included). It is most suitable for students in KS2, but could feasibly be used for slightly older and younger children with only a few tweaks.

This clear, detailed and visually-appealing resource offers a complete reference point for children learning about King John and the Magna Carta. It contains comprehensive sections entitled: Overview; Times in King John’s Life; Important Vocabulary; Magna Carta 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.

In this engaging lesson, children are provided with an introductory understanding of the Romans, through: -Remembering what Britain was like before the Romans invaded; -Understanding the main events of the Roman invasion of Britain; -Understand the key features that made the Roman army strong. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Answering recall questions based upon their knowledge of the Romans so far; -Gathering base information about life in the Iron Age in Britain before the arrival of the Romans; -Gaining an understanding aboutJulius Caesar’s initial attempts to conquer Britain, with reference to an adapted version of his own writings; -Understanding what helped Claudius to eventually conquer large parts of Britain; -Following clear instructions and precise dates to create their own Roman shields; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (23 slides) and the reading (in both Word and PDF) In the past, I have used this lesson with children in lower KS2 (years 3 and 4) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.

This whole class reading session aims to develop children’s comprehension skills whilst simultaneously building their understanding of life in the Roman Army. The resource pack includes the full text (adapted from a BBC Teach article) and all of the activities for the session, which the class are guided through via a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. The reading is followed by a series of activities aiming to develop children’s retrieval, explanation, inference, prediction and summarising skills. It also contains a vocabulary check immediately after the extract is read to clarify any unfamiliar/ difficult language. The tasks are comprised of quick-check questions, solo thinking, pair/ group discussions and deeper thinking activities. The session is best suited for children in lower KS2, although with minor adaptations it could feasibly be used with slightly older or younger year groups. This resource is suitable for home/ remote learning. These resources are also suitable for home/ remote learning.

In this engaging lesson, children develop their understanding of the Romans, through: -remembering the main events of the Roman invasion of Britain; -understanding how features of daily life in Britain changed under the Romans; -exploring sources to further their understanding of life in this period. The learning is guided by a clear and colourful PowerPoint presentation, which guides students through the following step-by-step journey: -Answering recall questions based upon their knowledge of the Romans so far; -Gathering base information about how daily features of life changed in Britain after the Roman conquest, through an informative video; -Checking their understanding through a range of questions about daily life (answers provided); -Exploring a range of sources (including images of Roman pottery, coins, town plans and artworks) to find out more about Roman daily life; -Following clear instructions to design plans for their own Roman towns; -Self-reflecting on the extent to which they feel they have met the learning objective. Included is the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (23 slides) and the source bundles (in both Word and PDF) In the past, I have used this lesson with children in lower KS2 (years 3 and 4) - the key learning is aligned with curriculum expectations for history. All images are licensed for commercial use.