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Spagbag

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A teacher and tutor with more than thirty years' experience working in both mainstream and independent schools. I have an Honours degree in English Literature and Linguistics from UEA and have written a dissertation about encouraging children to write. I am a mother of three and interested in all things green. I am in the process of setting up my TES shop and hope to launch my "Spagbag" resources which are suitable for both Primary and Secondary aged pupils.

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A teacher and tutor with more than thirty years' experience working in both mainstream and independent schools. I have an Honours degree in English Literature and Linguistics from UEA and have written a dissertation about encouraging children to write. I am a mother of three and interested in all things green. I am in the process of setting up my TES shop and hope to launch my "Spagbag" resources which are suitable for both Primary and Secondary aged pupils.
30 common spelling mistakes and quiz
jlimbjlimb

30 common spelling mistakes and quiz

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This Power Point resource show cases the dirty thirty : the thirty most common spelling mistakes. Pupils are given five at a time to try and memorise and then insert them into sentences to show they understand their meaning. Tips are given along the way as to how to remember tricky spellings whilst also encouraging the students to share their own techniques for better spelling. A useful resource to drop into lessons to check spelling abilities at every stage of the education journey.I include one of my popular quizzes which will aid revision of spelling grammar and punctuation. Answers are provided for ease of marking. Ages 10+
writing to entertain
jlimbjlimb

writing to entertain

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This animated Power Point examines different kinds of texts and literary techniques that are used to entertain us. Pupils are given examples of short and long sentence structures which achieve different effects. They are also shown examples of different techniques which appeal to different senses. Alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia appeal to our sense of sound whilst similes, metaphors and personification often rely on a visual impact. The use of first, second and third person narrators is also covered. Short poems which can entertain us by means of shape and sound effects are included too. Lastly, students are asked to consider what kinds of literature they enjoy the most and to suggest favourite authors or genres to others in order to inspire further reading beyond the bounds of the curriculum. Extracts in this resource are by J.K.Rowling and Charles Dickens. Suitable for ages 14+
How to structure a short story. Descriptive writing and quiz.
jlimbjlimb

How to structure a short story. Descriptive writing and quiz.

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This animated Power Point draws inspiration from the 500 words short story competition and Mary Poppins in equal measure. The story unfolds of Mrs. Brownley who , when trudging home one stormy night, finds a discarded umbrella and is whisked away on the breeze . Pupils read the short story and then are invited to write one of their own using their knowledge of setting and characterisation. Pupils are asked to consider how the tension will build towards a climax and how their story will reach a satisfactory conclusion. They are asked to empathise with their character's situation and to focus on the detail in their observations. Ideas are given paragraph by paragraph on how to structure their writing and how to improve its quality using devices such as similes , metaphors and personification. This resource is intended to inspire creative writing and is suitable for ages 10+
quiz: spelling, punctuation and grammar
jlimbjlimb

quiz: spelling, punctuation and grammar

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This resource is one in a series of similar quizzes which test various aspects of spelling , punctuation and grammar. This one focuses on of/off and where/wear and we're as well as other homophones. Pupils need to insert commas where needed, use prefixes to form opposites and invent examples of their own. They are given a weirdly worded passage featuring Joe who finds spelling difficult. All answers are provided at the end. This resource can be easily dropped into a revision session and will enable students to review their own mistakes, without the need for lengthy marking. Used on a regular basis, these quizzes will help to raise standards in SPaG. I include an activity which encourages pupils to write an informal letter to Joe and also a further worksheet which looks at questions and statements and asks pupils to utilise a range of punctuation in their own descriptive writing. Suitable for ages 10+
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness book review and mindfulness resource
jlimbjlimb

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness book review and mindfulness resource

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This animated PowerPoint consists of 25 slides and is intended to accompany the reading of Patrick Ness’ novel, A Monster Calls. Students are asked to consider what constitutes a nightmare and how our senses can feed into our subconscious mind. They are required to consider elements of a Gothic novel and how atmosphere is created both in terms of the words and the illustrations here. What is the significance of the ancient yew tree and how does this relate to modern day cancer treatments? Pupils are asked to list what they can glean about the major characters and to examine where their own sympathies lie. Finally they are required to write their own review of this memorable novel and are invited to do their own independent research about Herne the Hunter and the techniques the illustrator used to ensure this novel became a multi-award winning one. I include a resource about mindfulness as a tool to help with anger issues and difficult emotions which Conor might have benefited from as he coped with losing his mother. Also included are other word documents which display information about the mythology of the Green Man and a poem which is a call to the Green Man, which will be useful when discussing wider symbolism and environmental issues.There are worksheets on which pupils can record character sketches for both major and minor characters within the book, as well as explore Conor’s emotional struggle in graphic detail. Suitable for ages 12+
Albatrosses, Attenborough and the problem of plastic waste
jlimbjlimb

Albatrosses, Attenborough and the problem of plastic waste

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This animated Powerpoint presents pupils with information about the wandering albatross and the problems it faces with fishing boats and plastic waste. Pupils will learn about this endangered bird with its enormous wing span and how it glides across the Southern Ocean for huge distances in search of food. Pupils are asked to consider the challenges this creature faces in its quest for food and hear David Attenborough's warning about pollution in our seas and oceans as brought to our attention in the Blue Planet series. Students are asked to create their own eye catching poster and to use their persuasive writing skills in order to redress the problem of plastic waste. I include a puzzle entitled Planet Patrol concerning conservation issues as an added extra. All answers are provided.A word document is also included concerning the problem of plastic waste and includes some advice from Greenpeace. Pupils are asked to contribute their own ideas by adding to the list. These resources are intended to promote discussion and will encourage independent research and further investigation. Suitable for ages 8+
Concrete and abstract nouns
jlimbjlimb

Concrete and abstract nouns

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This animated power point looks at the difference between concrete and abstract nouns and asks students to identify both kinds within sentences. Pupils are required to sort out abstract nouns into two groups: emotions and things we understand. They are invited to discuss why certain abstract nouns do not fall into either category. This resource will be useful when revising nouns of all sorts. I include a general spelling, punctuation and grammar quiz in which abstract nouns feature in one section. All answers included. Suitable for ages 10+
Writing to argue : are you in favour of animal testing?
jlimbjlimb

Writing to argue : are you in favour of animal testing?

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This Power Point contains ten slides reminding pupils how to write an argumentative response. The use of rhetorical questions, statistics, emotive language and logical structure are encouraged amongst other techniques. Finally students are required to produce either a leaflet arguing against animal testing or a letter supporting testing cancer drugs on rats. I include a resource which includes mixed grammar revision and an opportunity to describe a favourite animal or pet. This resource is suitable for pupils aged 12+
spelling, grammar and punctuation quiz
jlimbjlimb

spelling, grammar and punctuation quiz

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This Power Point tests knowledge of there and their, knowledge of speech marks and commas , homophones, the use of prefixes to form opposites, alphabetical ordering, identifying deliberate mistakes and much more. Pupils are required to perfect a weirdly worded passage. Answers are provided. This resource is suitable for ages 10+ and is ideal for revision purposes.
Descriptive writing and figurative language including pathetic fallacy
jlimbjlimb

Descriptive writing and figurative language including pathetic fallacy

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This animated Power Point discusses how descriptive writing is used in travel brochures and autobiographies to describe places and events. Extracts are taken from works by J.K.Rowling, Anthony Bourdain , Susan Hill and Mary Shelley and pupils are asked to focus and discuss how techniques such as similes, metaphors, personification and pathetic fallacy are used for effect. Students are reminded to use Point, Evidence and Explain when commenting about an author’s writing. Finally, pupils are asked to match examples of figurative language to explanations and examples. They are required to provide examples of their own such as a metaphor to describe the moon or alliteration to describe a ticking clock in an examination. Worksheets are available show-casing these extracts which could be used alongside or separate from the Power Point. This resource is suitable for 14+ years (one of the extracts is quite graphic and describes the slaughter of a pig)
Alliteration and onomatopoeia
jlimbjlimb

Alliteration and onomatopoeia

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This animated Power Point discusses alliteration and onomatopoeia and asks pupils to identify these techniques within extracts from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as well as other sources. Pupils are given phrases which they need to sort and also decide on an example which shows both these devices. Students learn that writers will try to appeal to different senses in descriptive passages and this resource focuses particularly on the sense of sound. Students are given a provocative image and are required to describe it using both techniques. This resource will be useful when encouraging descriptive writing and identifying techniques authors use to build characters and settings. Suitable for ages 10+
identifying sentence form and structure: statements, questions, commands and exclamations!
jlimbjlimb

identifying sentence form and structure: statements, questions, commands and exclamations!

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This animated Power Point comprises twelve slides and analyses statements, questions, commands and exclamations. pupils are asked to consider how these kinds of sentence are used in articles, reports, reviews and persuasive texts. Examples are given of how authors might vary the length of their sentences to convey the passing of time or because they are trying to appeal to different audiences. Pupils are shown how , by rearranging the order of words in a sentence, greater emphasis can be placed on a particular phrase. They are reminded to not only identify such techniques but also to analyse and explain the effect on the reader.Students are required to discuss two texts; one extract from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the other is an advertisement for a Lunchtime Laughter Club. I include a resource in which the onset of an anxiety attack is described in detail and the situation escalates to feeling out of control. Suggestions for a longer written task are given where pupils are required to describe a difficult situation such as the first day at a new school, or the moment you realise something embarrassing is circulating on social media. Suitable for ages 12+
Anti-bullying : Friend or foe comprehension, quiz and writing activity
jlimbjlimb

Anti-bullying : Friend or foe comprehension, quiz and writing activity

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This animated Power Point comprises a fun quiz where the audience choose between three options as to how to help a friend in a tricky situation. A short story follows about Amy who struggles to make friends at school. Comprehension questions are included which ask the students to think about Amy's words and actions and what she could have done differently. Students are asked to think about a time when they have responded well in a challenging situation. Finally the students are required to choose between two options to write about: what qualities do they look for in a friend? Is there a member of staff they admire and who has given them some good advice when trying to solve a problem at school? This resource could be used all year round but would be particularly useful during anti-bullying week and would and help pupils to consider how we are all different and yet all equal. Words which have -ie in the spelling are included and pupils are required to put them in sentences to show their meaning. This resource would be ideal to use if friendship problems are an issue and could be used as a starting point for wider discussion. I include a supporting word document which could be used as a homework task or alongside the Powerpoint. Suitable for ages 7+
SATS revision : spelling, punctuation and grammar quiz
jlimbjlimb

SATS revision : spelling, punctuation and grammar quiz

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This Power Point tests knowledge of plurals, contractions, commas, using prefixes to form opposites, verbs and adverbs and much more besides. There is a weirdly worded passage for pupils to decipher and put their spelling skills into action. This is one in a series of quizzes which can be found in my shop. These quizzes will test knowledge and understanding of all aspects of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Answers are provided for ease of marking and sections can be easily differentiated. I include a resource to promote informal letter writing and another resource which will be useful for punctuation practice and descriptive writing. Suitable for ages 10+
informative writing on the dangers of global warming
jlimbjlimb

informative writing on the dangers of global warming

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This Power Point uses persuasive writing techniques to inform us of the dangers of global warming. Pupils are asked to retrieve information and identify specific techniques from the text in a series of related questions. They are asked to design a poster outlining four simple things we could do to slow down global warming. Anagrams of key words from the text need to be solved. Useful links are given to promote further investigation. This resource will support research about pollution, global warming and climate change. Ideal for promoting discussion and independent research.I include a word document about polar bears and how they are adapted to the Arctic environment. Pupils are asked to consider the dangers polar bears face and to question whether global warming is the only issue. Is there more we could do to help them?Moreover, I include a Planet Patrol puzzle which contains over twenty interlocked words concerning conservation issues which could be easily differentiated according to ability. All answers provided. Suitable for ages 10+
Jellyfish and sea turtle facts and information on plastic pollution
jlimbjlimb

Jellyfish and sea turtle facts and information on plastic pollution

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This resource includes some facts about jellyfish and an interesting newspaper report about a sea turtle who manages to eat a jellyfish without suffering any bad consequences. Pupils are invited to investigate further by finding out more information about these two wonderful creatures and what they like to eat. Simple instructions on how to draw each creature are given. Ideal when studying seas and oceans and when encouraging independent investigations of marine animals. I include a word document about the problem of plastic waste in our seas and oceans . Pupils can read the article and discuss ways in which they can take some responsibiliity for this growing problem. Ideas from Greenpeace are put forward and students are required to contribute more of their own suggestions. Suitable for age 7+
Dragon breeds 2 save the Swedish Short-Snout campaign
jlimbjlimb

Dragon breeds 2 save the Swedish Short-Snout campaign

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This animated Powerpointresource portrays three of the pure bred dragon breeds taken from Newt Scamander's latest edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and asks pupils to compare and contrast between the three. Having read the informative texts, the students are required to retrieve relevant information to answer a series of questions. Finally they are required to launch a campaign to save the most endangered of the three dragons featured here: the Swedish Short-Snout. Pupils must put their persuasive writing techniques to the test and add weight to their arguments by designing an eye-catching poster. Reminders are given about how to make a persuasive speech. Answers are provided. This activity will appeal to Potter fans of all ages and will promote wider reading and further investigation into mythological creatures.The resource is presented both as a Powerpoint and as an accompanying word document.
Dragon breeds similarities and differences information text
jlimbjlimb

Dragon breeds similarities and differences information text

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This animated Powerpoint resource bases its information on Newt Scamander's special edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and compares and contrasts three pure bred breeds of dragon namely the Antipodean Opaleye, the Ukrainian Ironbelly and the Hungarian Horntail. Pupils are given a series of questions to answer based on this information and asked to compile an eye-witness report for The Ukrainian Daily Herald of an Ironbelly swooping over the Black Sea with disastrous consequences for the occupants of an unsuspecting sailing ship. All answers are provided together with orders of merit upon completion of the task.Students are given reminders about how to organise their information effectively. Fun activity for Harry Potter fans revising comprehension skills , report writing and independent reading.Students also get to devise their own dragon names! Suitable for ages 8+
Formal letter writing (dragon breeds 3)
jlimbjlimb

Formal letter writing (dragon breeds 3)

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This resource is presented as an animated Powerpoint and in word format and takes inspiration from Newt Scamander’s fifty-second edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It showcases the native British breeds of dragon , namely the Common Welsh Green and the Hebridean Black. Pupils scour the information comparing and contrasting the physical attributes of these magnificent creatures in order to answer a series of questions. The answers are provided. Finally, they put their letter writing skills to the test by applying for an apprenticeship as a dragon trainer based in the Outer Hebrides under the auspices of the MacFusty clan.Pupils are reminded of the conventions of formal letter writing. This is an activity which will appeal to Harry Potter fans and is one of three similar resources which can be found in my shop, each with different extended writing options. Suitable for ages 8+
Informative and descriptive writing: hurricanes
jlimbjlimb

Informative and descriptive writing: hurricanes

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This animated Power Point collates several pieces of writing about hurricanes. There are informative texts, diagrams, eye-witness reports as well as poems about hurricanes. There are before and after descriptions as well as a transcript of a public radio announcement broadcast before a hurricane strike. Having absorbed and discussed the varied texts, students are then given the option of writing either a news report, an appeal leaflet or a poem inspired by this fascinating phenomenon. I include a resource about wild wind which would be useful when discussing poetry and in particular personification. Suitable for ages 10+