Welcome to Mused Minds, I'm a middle school specialist with a focus on literature, language, and social studies/humanities. My teaching journey has taken me across South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, where I've embraced diverse classrooms in international schools, implementing the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Cambridge curriculum.
Welcome to Mused Minds, I'm a middle school specialist with a focus on literature, language, and social studies/humanities. My teaching journey has taken me across South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, where I've embraced diverse classrooms in international schools, implementing the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Cambridge curriculum.
This is a fun way to incorporate pair or small group work when teaching IELTS speaking part 1. There are a wide range of topics which could come up in part 1 and the game is easily adaptable for any ESL classroom.
A resource that is perfect for pairwork. Student interview and record each other’s responses. This resource also gives students the opportunity to practice cohesive devises. There are two surveys on each A4 sheet.
There are two choice boards in this set. They are specifically designed for students who are studying the IGCSE ESL syllabus. One is more general and one is very focused on exam preparation. Students choose activities to work on for the day/lesson. There is a range of skills and activities, some tasks are integrated skills. Teachers will need to use Flipgrid as well as Readworks for some of the activities, these are both free and easy to set-up. Teachers will still need to check in and chat to students before and after activities. Some activities are digital and some are analog, but these can be adapted based on your students’ needs.
A worksheet to practice changing and recognising patterns in word forms for the IGCSE ESL topic of food. Students are given an example and then some related word. There is space for them to also choose their own words and then practice using the different word forms in sentences.
This resource can be used by language teachers and is suitable for students starting the IGCSE ESL course. The worksheet has a reading about strange foods which also introduces food adjectives and methods of cooking for vocabulary development. There is a comprehension task based on the reading as well as a vocabulary categorisation task. These are followed by 2 more personalised tasks where students need to use the vocabulary in their own way by 1) Creating their own sentences; 2) Describing a strange food from their home country by drawing and labelling.
This resource includes a PPT complete with two multi-page worksheets, in total this lesson can cover about 4 hours worth of work. The learning objectives are:
To learn specific vocabulary in order to accurately describe a graph and its trends.
To consider different forms of the keywords.
To analyse a model graph summary and identify key features.
To apply new vocabulary to describe a given graph.
To apply all skills to research, identify data, plot a graph and write about it.
The worksheets include vocabulary activities, supported writing practice and a model text which students need to analyse.
This is a one lesson PPT that covers the IGCSE ESL Speaking exam comprehensively. It is complete with slides on the format, structure, topics, tips and practice tasks for students. The resource has teachers notes built into the ‘notes’ sections under the slides. Everything your students need to know about the exam is here. This can also be used for IELTS students who are preparing for part 3 as some of the speaking strategies are similar.
This resource is designed to enhance your students’ understanding of historical fiction as a genre and develop their analytical skills while reading any historical fiction text. This resource can be used in a variety of ways and is suitable for individual or group work.
Aimed at middle school students, the slides include tasks for literature groups centered around a topic for each week. The interactive slides are editable and ready to print, allowing you to tailor the content to your teaching needs. The slides include literature circle tasks, creative task cards and quick write prompts, encouraging students to think critically about the themes, characters, and historical context of the book. Whether you are teaching in person or online, our resource is the perfect tool to help your students dive deeper into the world of historical fiction.
44 slides of Christmas fun.
INCLUDES:
3 full lessons (speaking, vocab and idioms) complete with multi activity worksheets (word searches, writing exercises, BINGO and more)
2 vocabulary games to play as a class - 25 slides of games in total
This resource is directed at older teens who have an English level of A2+, however small adaptions would make it useful for everyone. I have even used some of the activities with my tutor class in the morning times before lesson.
Teachers directions and suggestions in the notes, but slides are easily adaptable to fit changes.
This lesson is designed to review the IGCSE ESL exercise 5 gap fill activity. However, it could be used for IELTS listening review too as many of the tips and strategies are applicable.
This is a lesson complete with:
learning objectives
teachers notes in the bottom of the slides
an accompanying worksheet with answers
The lesson focuses on analysing the question with a specific focus on identifying word classes, synonyms and distractors. Students are encouraged to discuss and key ideas are posed as questions to help students remember.
This is a resource which could be used over 2-3 lessons. It focuses on the topic food and travel and specifically practices reading comprehension skills as well as introduces adjectives for food and cooking methods in context. There is a lot of opportunities for personalisation and this resource can be adapted to be used over more lessons. I used it with an IGCSE ESL class, but would suit any English Language Learning class.
This is a pack which consists of the following:
A PTT complete with:
learning objectives
Teacher notes in trainers notes section of the slides
Speaking, Reading and text analysis activity.
Mini-project using the vocabulary and keywords learned in the lesson complete with the success criteria needed.
The accompanying worksheets has:
A reading about strange foods
Comprehension questions
A vocabulary categorisation activity
Sentences writing practice with new vocabulary
Space for drawing and labelling a students own example of a dish using the vocabulary.
Answer key
Elevate your students’ understanding of poetry with this comprehensive Poetry Keyword Flashcards! Tailored specifically to poetry terms and literary devices relevant to analyzing poetry, this resource is designed to be versatile and engaging.
With a set of keyword and matching definition cards, students will dive deep into the world of poetry as they explore and master important concepts. These flashcards can be used in a variety of ways to suit your teaching style and classroom needs.
This sit includes:
teacher instructions and suggestions for games/ activities
56 keyword cards + 56 definition cards
Enhance your students’ comprehension of poverty and development keywords with these keyword matching game cards! Crafted specifically to teach crucial terms and concepts pertinent to social studies, specifically the topic of poverty and development, this resource is pivotal in aiding middle schoolers’ grasp of essential vocabulary.
With a collection of keyword and corresponding definition cards, students will be empowered to explore and solidify vital concepts. These flashcards offer versatility and engagement, catering to various teaching styles and classroom requirements.
This set features:
Teacher instructions and diverse suggestions for games/activities
48 keyword cards + 48 definition card
Presenting the Ultimate Kids Planner and Journal: Tailored for Empowering Students with ADHD and Supporting Neurodiversity.
Crafted with Care for Educators and SEN Coordinators: Designed to cater to the distinctive needs of neurodiverse students who may encounter challenges with organization and self-confidence. Our Kids Planner and Journal extends a helping hand on their path towards mindfulness, structured planning, and enhanced self-belief.
Cultivating Mindfulness: Every week commences with thought-provoking cues for cultivating gratitude and art-based affirmations to aid in emotional expression. The week culminates with a space for reflection, encouraging students to revisit their experiences.
Weekly Mindful Approaches: Each week, students are introduced to captivating strategies to navigate the twists and turns of life while fostering a clear and focused mindset.
Streamlined Weekly Insights: The concise weekly overviews provide a glimpse into their objectives, undertakings, and aspirations for the upcoming week. Abundant room is allocated for recording crucial information, with the flexibility to emphasize specific aspects for each week.
Weekly Goal Establishment: Empower your students to set and accomplish their individual goals. Our planner offers a dedicated area for them to dream ambitiously, plan thoughtfully, and commemorate achievements, no matter how small.
Daily Routine Checklists: Bid farewell to disorganized routines and extend a warm welcome to daily triumphs. The planner’s ADHD-friendly checklists ensure students adhere to their schedule and proficiently tackle each task, day by day.
Space for Daily Prompts and Annotations: With a designated area for daily prompts and annotations, students remain attuned to their objectives. Whether it’s a gentle reminder or a creative brainstorm, our planner preserves their ideas within arm’s reach.
Weekly Contemplation: Champion progress and development through weekly introspection. Students cultivate an appreciation for their accomplishments, fostering a sense of fulfillment and elevating self-esteem
Enhance your IGCSE ESL Summary Task skills with our comprehensive 3-lesson series! This engaging series is designed to master the IGCSE ESL Summary Task and includes:
35 PowerPoint Slides
Detailed review of the assessment criteria
Step-by-step 5-stage approach to the task
Practice in identifying and highlighting keywords
Instruction on effective paraphrasing, complete with examples
Peer assessment task using a suggested past paper and mark scheme
Independent task with self-reflection, applicable to any past paper (links provided in the slide notes)
Don’t forget to check the slide notes for direct access to the past papers.
Introducing the Revolution Role-play - a dynamic and engaging resource designed for humanities, social studies, or individuals and societies classes - aimed at students between 13-16 years old. This resource includes everything you need to set up a fun and interactive role-play that explores the themes and events of social change.
This resource includes ready-to-print cards (in google slides format) and a teacher guide which includes suggestions for set-up, a range of reflection prompts, challenges to introduce during the role-play, and follow-on activities that will deepen your students’ understanding of the issues and dilemmas that arise in times of social change.
Included:
1 google slide with printable cards (16 roles included) - these are totally editable so that you can adjust for your classroom context. The slides also include a section for the teacher on: teacher set-up guidelines, suggestions, additional prompts, reflection activities and potential follow-on activities.
Discover an enchanting learning journey with the “Greek Mythology Coloring Book.” Engage students in the captivating realm of ancient Greece through intricate illustrations and short paragraphs about each character.
25 Coloring Pages with short paragraphs - perfect for struggling readers or younger middle school students.
Highlights:
Intricate Designs: Students will love coloring detailed depictions of Zeus, Athena, and more.
Mythical Creatures: Spark imagination with centaurs, minotaurs, and sirens.
Educational Relaxation: Blend art with mythology learning, making lessons engaging and inspiring.
Optimal Size: Printable in A4 (8.5 by 11 inch)
All Ages: Ideal for sparking interest in mythology across grade levels.
Experience Ancient Legends: Transform the classroom into an epic learning adventure with our captivating coloring book. Perfect for educators aiming to make history and mythology come alive through artful exploration.
Get ready to celebrate love with this fun stations activity bursting with global love traditions, engaging activities, and deep learning. Look no further than Love Around the World: 5 Stations with Fun Activities - your complete resource for a culturally enriching, heart-warming celebration!
Embark on a journey through vibrant stations, each brimming with creative explorations and insightful discoveries:
Zulu Bead Design: Weave stories of affection into custom beaded bracelets, steeped in cultural symbolism.
Create Your Own Love Celebration: Imagine and design a unique festival celebrating love and togetherness in your own dreamed-up culture.
Research & Teach: Become a mini-cultural ambassador! Unearth a captivating love tradition from another land, research its fascinating details, and prepare a captivating mini-presentation to share your discoveries.
Vocab & Grammar Games: Boost your language skills in a love-themed wonderland! Play fun games and tackle challenging activities to master vocabulary and grammar related to emotions, relationships, and festive spirit.
Welsh Lovespoon Design: Unveil the intricate symbolism of Welsh Lovespoons and craft your own wooden tokens of affection, each carved with meaningful symbols to whisper your heart’s message.
More than just a Valentine’s Day activity, “Love Around the World” is a springboard for:
Celebrating diversity and fostering cultural understanding.
Igniting creativity and critical thinking skills through engaging activities.
Strengthening vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context.
Building confidence and presentation skills through student-led mini-lessons.
Creating a vibrant and inclusive classroom community brimming with joy and shared learning.
Ready to transform your Valentine’s Day and beyond? Download “Love Around the World” today and unlock a world of love, learning, and global connection!
Diversity reigns this Valentine’s Day! Dive into diverse love traditions with Love Around the World: Reading Comprehension and Summary Activities, a captivating resource packed with engaging readings and interactive activities for your classroom. Specifically designed for Middle School Students for use near Valentine’s day.
Go beyond hearts and chocolates! Explore unique cultural expressions of love from 5 different corners of the globe:
Japan: Uncover the intricate dance of “obligation chocolate” and “true feelings chocolate” in this fascinating look at Valentine’s Day traditions.
Wales: Discover the romantic allure of wooden “love spoons,” each carving whispering a secret message of the heart.
Finland: Celebrate “Friend’s Day” with heartwarming activities focused on platonic love and appreciation.
Argentina: Savor the sweetness of “La Semana de la Dulzura” and explore a week dedicated to sharing delicious treats with loved ones.
Brazil: Dance to the rhythm of “Dia dos Namorados,” a vibrant celebration of love under the summer sun.
Each engaging reading comes complete with:
Comprehension and Vocabulary Worksheets: Hone critical thinking skills while building vocabulary through synonym exploration.
Summary Worksheets: Master the art of summarizing key points with a focus on “where, when, and how.”
Also, additional resources included are:
Collaborative Peer Sharing Summary Grid: Encourage active learning and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange - perfect for a jigsaw reading.
Detailed Answer Key: Ensure complete understanding and seamless lesson execution.
But wait, there’s more! This flexible resource can be used anytime, not just around Valentine’s Day! Integrate it seamlessly into units exploring themes of love, culture, and diversity.
Ready to embark on a global journey of love and learning? Download Celebrating Love Around the World today and ignite your students’ curiosity!
This is a three lesson series which reviews the 3 main text types for exercise 6 in the IGCSE ESL reading and writing exam (0510/0511). The resource includes 1 lesson for each type - report, article and review complete with integrated peer discussions, writing practice and reflection tasks. It is complete with teachers notes (in the note section of the PPT) which provides suggestions and alternatives.