From Sherlock Holmes to Mary Poppins, some characters stay with readers far beyond the final page. This bundled lesson guide will help your students to master the techniques required to create memorable and complex characters. Your students will learn to: Bring characters to life using key details that contribute to their experience and journey. Create a storytelling style that fits their unique characters. Keep their character’s journey at the heart of their narrative. Avoid the mistakes that turn readers off. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources include Range of activities Visual character prompts Examples of characterisation Discussion starters Comprehension questions Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks!

With the right tools, your students can write confident and compelling narrative pieces. These lessons apply secrets from a master storyteller to build on existing skills, adding a dynamic story telling element. Your students will learn how to - • Develop a solid plot structure. • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • Get tools to keep their stories clear and on track. • Discover how to use a writing prompt to find their starting point. • Remove the fear from the thought of writing a whole story. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Time Allowance 1-2 lessons Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story prompts Story planner for students (2 pages) Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks

There’s nothing quite like staring at a blank page. These bundled lesson plans apply secrets from master storytellers as students discover techniques to conquer those first line blues. They will learn to - Grab the reader’s attention from the very first line and hold onto it. Review the first lines of famous novels and develop their own style. Saturate their stories with atmosphere and meaning. Write to inform and entertain. And be ruthless about the editing process. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links

We’ve all read great stories that end in a rush, and others that should have ended sooner. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to help students discover how to write effective story endings. They will learn to - • Review the closing lines of famous novels and develop their own style. • Use a great piece of advice from Pixar Story Artist, Emma Coates. • Try out expert techniques to bring their stories to a close. • Stay motivated, right to the end. • Know when it’s time to simply let go. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

Dive into these 5 Senses lesson plans, packed with playful activities, as you head to the beach. Children can enjoy the story Hello Ocean by Pam Muñoz Ryan. You can almost feel the salt spray on your face and smell the musky scent of ocean in the cool morning air in this great example of the 5 Senses in writing. Then it’s time to eat… Resources include Full Lesson Plans including 12 Activities Printables and Worksheets Story ideas Excerpt from children’s story Ellie Sparrow and the Great Fire of London Online resource links Activities Comprehension, speaking and listening, memory game, diary writing, drawing / painting, research and design Learning objectives English • listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers • give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings • use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, • imagining and exploring ideas • listening to and discussing a wide range of poems, stories and non-fiction at a level beyond that at which they can read independently • making inferences on the basis of what is being said and done • predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far • sequencing sentences to form short narratives • re-reading what they have written to check that it makes sense • discuss what they have written with the teacher or other pupils • develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by: writing narratives about personal experiences and those of others (real and fictional) writing about real events Art • use drawing and imagination to develop their ideas • use tone, pattern, line and shape in pictures.

How do I write a good 5 Paragraph Essay? How does my thesis statement relate to the body of my essay? What about the conclusion? Here are practical answers; an antidote to anxiety in the classroom. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - • Create a robust Thesis Statement that sets them up for success. • Write Body Paragraphs using proven Point, Evidence, Analysis structure. • Edit ideas so that they have time for analysis. • Practice planning using a workable structure. • Stay motivated, right to the end. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this pack Confidence building activities Mini and comprehensive writing / planning activities Examples of Simple to Advanced Thesis Statements Examples of Simple to Advanced Body Paragraphs Sample templates to build essay structure

How do I give a presentation? How do I learn to attend an interview, communicate effectively and grow in confidence? Here are practical answers; an antidote to anxiety. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - • Know the difference between ineffective and successful presentations. • Discover and see what stress and nerves do to the body. • Develop ways to turn pressure to their advantage. • Introduction to presentation skills in the context of business / marketing. • Acquire practical skills that make for effective presentations. • Stay motivated, right to the end. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this pack Confidence building activities Discussion starters Expert advice and tips Examples of presentations (good & bad) Handouts Online resources Games

With the right plot, your students can write confident and realistic narrative pieces. Using these bundled lessons your students will discover techniques to help them write stronger, more authentic stories. They will learn to - • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • Find great stories in the places they may least expect them. • Understand the importance of having a secret story that drives their characters. • Create tension for the reader by escalating the stakes in their story. • Discover what heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali said about defeat, and how it can help more than they think. Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story Mountain Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Online resource links Story Planner Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Thank you!

With the right plot, your students can write confident and realistic narrative pieces. Using these bundled lessons your students will discover techniques to help them write stronger, more authentic stories. They will learn to - • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • Find great stories in the places they may least expect them. • Understand the importance of having a secret story that drives their characters. • Create tension for the reader by escalating the stakes in their story. • Discover what heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali said about defeat, and how it can help more than they think. Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story Mountain for Advanced Climbers Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Thank you!

With the right tools, your students can write confident and compelling narrative pieces. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, Students will discover how a character’s flaws or mistakes can become the engine for an electrifying plot. Your students will learn to - • Craft compelling, honest, potentially hilarious characters using techniques including psychology. • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • See that it’s good for a story when nothing goes according to plan. • Add a rough edge to the over-perfect characters that can make a story too obvious. • Use a secret weapon when they are looking for character inspiration. Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension activities Mini and Comprehensive writing activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Plus Bonus Antihero poster Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

Ray Bradbury’s advice on how to write confident and compelling narrative? “Let the world burn through you. Throw the prism light, white hot, on paper.” With the right tools, your students can write narrative pieces that blaze. In these lessons they’ll gain the skills to become highly attuned to the world around them, develop their voices and create their best work. They will learn how to - • Identify and develop strong ideas that add heat to a story. • Use popular song lyrics to find story ideas. • Beat writer’s block. Discover the technique that award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin uses to make a great start, every time. • Craft compelling stories that are relevant and timeless. Time Allowance / Key Stage 3-4 lessons KS3 Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story prompts Images Quotes and song lyrics Story planners for students (2 pages) Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks!

Ray Bradbury’s advice on how to write confident and compelling narrative? “Let the world burn through you. Throw the prism light, white hot, on paper.” With the right tools, your students can write narrative pieces that blaze. In these lessons they will turn life’s strangest moments into a dramatic story. They’ll gain the skills to become highly attuned to the world around them, develop their voices and create their best work. They will learn how to - • Identify and develop strong ideas that add heat to a story. • Use popular song lyrics to find story ideas. • Beat writer’s block. Discover the technique that award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin uses to make a great start, every time. • Craft compelling stories that are relevant and timeless. Time Allowance / Key Stage 3-6 lessons Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story prompts Images (copyright free) Quotes and song lyrics Story planners for students (2 pages) Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks!

Your students can have lots of fun creating compelling settings for their stories. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, Your students will learn to: • Understand how settings can act as secondary characters in their stories. • Use 5 senses as a secret weapon to uncover great ideas for a story. • Learn how to structure their story for success. • Bridge information with imagination to create fantastic fiction. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

Your students can have lots of fun creating compelling settings for their stories. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, Your students will learn to: • Understand how settings can act as secondary characters in their stories. • Use 5 senses as a secret weapon to uncover great ideas for a story. • Learn how to structure their story for success. • Bridge information with imagination to create fantastic fiction. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to help students discover how to review and edit their stories. They will learn to - Let the mess out and fix problems later. Throw away anything that isn’t plot. Improve any confusing bits / plot holes. Fix spelling, punctuation and grammar. Uncover their stories in a new and improved way. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing and Editing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Online resource links Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

From Sherlock Holmes to Mary Poppins, some characters stay with readers far beyond the final page. This bundled lesson guide will help your students to master the techniques required to create memorable and complex characters. Your students will learn to: Bring characters to life using key details that contribute to their experience and journey. Create a storytelling style that fits their unique characters. Keep their character’s journey at the heart of their narrative. Avoid the mistakes that turn readers off. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources include Range of activities Visual character prompts Examples of characterisation Discussion starters Comprehension questions Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks!

With the right tools, your students can write confident and compelling narrative pieces. These lessons apply secrets from a master storyteller to build on existing skills, adding a dynamic story telling element. Your students will learn how to - • Develop a solid plot structure. • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • Get tools to keep their stories clear and on track. • Discover how to use a writing prompt to find their starting point. • Remove the fear from the thought of writing a whole story. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Time Allowance 1-2 lessons Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story prompts Story planner for students (2 pages) Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks

With the right tools, your students can write confident and compelling narrative pieces. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, Students will discover how a character’s flaws or mistakes can become the engine for an electrifying plot. Your students will learn to - • Craft compelling, honest, potentially hilarious characters using various writing techniques. • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • See that it’s good for a story when nothing goes according to plan. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Plus Bonus Antihero poster Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

Realistic dialogue elevates and sharpens any story. With this bundle of lessons your students will discover how and why conversations can drive their plot forward. And, what characters think or don’t say can reveal even more. Your students will learn to - Explore what informs and motivates their characters’ dialogue. Recognise and avoid common pitfalls when framing conversations. Look for authenticity in the way their characters speak. Punctuate and format correctly, before they start tearing their hair out! Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

Realistic dialogue elevates and sharpens any story. With this bundle of lessons your students will discover how and why conversations can drive their plot forward. And, what characters think or don’t say can reveal even more. Your students will learn to - Recognise terrible dialogue in books and movies and discover fixes. Explore what informs and motivates their characters’ dialogue. Recognise and avoid common pitfalls when framing conversations. Look for authenticity in the way their characters speak. Punctuate and format correctly, before they start tearing their hair out! Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links