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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.
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+
Revision mix : spelling, punctuation and grammar.
jlimbjlimb

Revision mix : spelling, punctuation and grammar.

(0)
This resource has three revision mixes of grammar and punctuation exercises as well as three worksheets on homophones. These could be used for general revision purposes or set as homework tasks. Pupils attempt to improve sentences and make them more interesting, substitute more powerful verbs, identify prepositions etc. They are required to write descriptive paragraphs such as describing a friend, an ideal bedroom or a favourite animal. Colour synonyms need to be sorted into groups. The intention here is to widen and improve vocabulary choices. Suitable for ages 10+
semicolon and colon revision practice
jlimbjlimb

semicolon and colon revision practice

(0)
This resource revises the use of the colon and semicolon. Pupils are reminded how each are used and then given a series of sentences in which they need to insert the necessary punctuation. Sometimes they decide between the two. Lengthy, complicated lists are also given so that pupils need to decide how to break them up with semicolons. The sentences should be written out as the subject material is useful for revision regarding history, geography, literature, poetry and world religions. I include a more general spelling, punctuation and grammar quiz which features semi-colons in one of the sections.I also include a worksheet which will promote the use of a wider variety of punctuation and offers an opportunity for pupils to describe a person they admire. All answers included. Suitable for ages 12+
comprehension: hard work pays off in the end (with answers)
jlimbjlimb

comprehension: hard work pays off in the end (with answers)

(0)
This resource is a story about a King who does not listen to his adviser's words, whilst watching a spectacle involving a talented magician. The adviser proves in the end that through sheer hard work and consistent effort, he deserves his freedom from the dungeon. He uses his own words to prove a point. Pupils answer questions involving retrieving information from the text, making inferences, explaining writer's choices and composing an extended answer advising a friend who is struggling with their schoolwork. This is a resource which would be useful at this time of year when trying to encourage a good work ethic and improve performance. Answers and mark scheme are included. Suitable for ages 7+
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+
comprehension based on broomstick games and persuasive writing
jlimbjlimb

comprehension based on broomstick games and persuasive writing

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This resource looks at ancient broom-stick games around the world and asks students to read the information collated from Kennilworthy Whisp’s Quidditch Through the Ages and then answer a series of questions. The students will need to compare and contrast games from different parts of the globe as well as the different qualities of broomsticks which were invented as a consequence of partaking in the games. Finally students are asked to invent their own broomstick, think of a catchy name for it as well as describe its outstanding features. All answers are provided. This resource will appeal to Harry Potter fans particularly and is one of many Potter-themed resources which can be found in my shop. Suitable for ages 8+
Fantastic Beasts Bundle 2
jlimbjlimb

Fantastic Beasts Bundle 2

7 Resources
This Bumper Bundle of Fantastic Beasts contains seven resources full of magical creatures and more besides. There are quizzes, campaigns and comprehensions to keep Potter fans reading , writing and exploring in the weeks ahead. Ideal for revision of informative and persuasive writing skills. Answers are provided for each resource. Suitable for ages 10+
The development of the racing broom information and comprehension
jlimbjlimb

The development of the racing broom information and comprehension

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This resource outlines the development of the broomstick as an instrument for racing. The information is taken from Kennilworthy Whisp's Quidditch Through The Ages. Pupils can see how the various models of racing broomstick have developed through the ages from the humble Oakshaft to the Twigger 90, each model has its qualities and flaws outlined for all to see. Pupils compare and contrast between the broomsticks in order to glean enough information to answer the questions relating to each text. Two texts and differentiated questions are supplied with answers provided for both. Pupils are invited to go on and invent their own racing broomstick and build on the qualities of the Nimbus or the Moontrimmer, thinking of a catchy name for their own creation. This resource will appeal to Quidditch players of all ages.
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.
quiz: spelling, punctuation and grammar
jlimbjlimb

quiz: spelling, punctuation and grammar

(0)
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+
quiz : spelling, grammar and punctuation revision
jlimbjlimb

quiz : spelling, grammar and punctuation revision

(0)
This resource tests knowledge of past and passed, to/two and too, apostrophes, homophones, adding prefixes to form opposites and much more besides. This is one of many quizzes to be found in my shop, which , when used on a regular basis will help to raise standards of spelling, grammar and punctuation. Pupils are presented with a passage which they need to perfect featuring Joe whose spelling leaves a lot to be desired. All answers are provided at the end so this resource can be dropped into a revision session easily and students will be able to identify areas which need improvement. I include a worksheet to provide opportunities for further development. Suitable for ages 10+
Persuasive speeches including Yes We Can speech by Obama featuring Dizzee Rascal
jlimbjlimb

Persuasive speeches including Yes We Can speech by Obama featuring Dizzee Rascal

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This resource includes an animated Powerpoint showcasing how to make an effective speech in five steps. Pupils are reminded about the features of persuasive writing using the AFOREST mnemonic. Students are required to make their own effective speech choosing to put themselves forward for the roles of Head Boy or Head Girl in the form of Ronald Dump or Angela Smirkle. Moreover there is an extract from Obama's famous Yes We Can speech which could be used as an example of persuasive writing. It uses repetition and a growing crescendo of rhetorical devices to make a point about the divisions in America. There is an extract form a Jeremy Paxman interview with Dizzee Rascal regarding the Presidential election in 2008 and a reminder of spoken language features. Ideal for Black History month and beyond. Suitable for ages 12+
newspaper article about hoodies and chavs comprehension and writing activity
jlimbjlimb

newspaper article about hoodies and chavs comprehension and writing activity

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This resource is a newspaper article about police endeavours to control groups of teens gathering in public places. There are questions related to the article and students are asked to write their own response to a government policy to ban unsupervised youngsters from gathering together in groups in public spaces. This is intended as a means of revising features of an article in the tabloid press and analysing loaded language. Students are asked to highlight features within a short example of an article written for a magazine discussing what life is like for a teenage girl in the 21st century. Ideal for revision purposes and will promote further discussion. Suitable for ages 12+
spelling / punctuation and grammar revision quiz and informal letter writing
jlimbjlimb

spelling / punctuation and grammar revision quiz and informal letter writing

(0)
This resource tests knowledge of apostrophes, proper nouns and prefixes. Students will need to apply their skills to decipher Joe's writing and correct his mistakes. This resource can be dropped into a revision session and can be easily tweaked. All answers are provided, so students can identify their own errors and address them. This is one of many quizzes to be found in my shop which, if used regularly, will improve standards of spelling and grammar. I include a worksheet encouraging informal letter writing. Suitable for ages 10+
Descriptive writing adjectives and adverbs
jlimbjlimb

Descriptive writing adjectives and adverbs

3 Resources
I have bundled together three resources which will be useful when studying descriptive writing and the revision of adjectives and adverbs in particular. Suitable for ages 10+
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+
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+
quiz including homophones, pronouns and semi-colons
jlimbjlimb

quiz including homophones, pronouns and semi-colons

(0)
This is one in a series of similar quizzes testing various aspects of grammar, punctuation and spelling to be found in my shop. In this one students need to decide between homophones to complete sentences, to choose between I and me, to insert semi-colons and to form opposites by adding a prefix. They will encounter Joe whose spelling needs a little more attention in order for his words to make sense. All answers are provided . Used on a regular basis, these quizzes will help to identify and eliminate those errors which need addressing. Suitable for ages 10+ I include an extra resource to enable students to display their knowledge of punctuation.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation practice for SATS
jlimbjlimb

Spelling, grammar and punctuation practice for SATS

(0)
This Powerpoint is one in a series of quizzes which helps students get to grips with grammar. This one looks at apostrophes, speech marks, tenses,using prefixes to form opposites and homophones. There is a passage including deliberate spelling mistakes which students can attempt to correct themselves.All answers are provided for ease of marking and sections can be easily modified for differing abilities. I include a further resource where students can display their knowledge of punctuation marks. Suitable for ages 10+
Spelling and grammar quiz with punctuation pyramid .
jlimbjlimb

Spelling and grammar quiz with punctuation pyramid .

(0)
This Power Point quiz revises plurals, commas, apostrophes for contractions, adverbs and capital letters. There is a passage for the audience to decipher featuring Joe which has lots of deliberate spelling mistakes in it.Joe prefers watching his favourite football team on TV rather than completing his homework. Pupils have the opportunity to write about their favourite sport or activity whilst demonstrating their knowledge of a range of punctuation marks. This is just one in a series of similar quizzes which can be found in my shop and which , when used on a regular basis , will help to raise levels of achievement. I include a word document which could be used as an extension task where pupils are asked to demonstrate their use of a variety of punctuation marks. All answers are provided for ease of marking. Suitable for ages 10+