Are you tired of reading student prose that fails to capture the imagination? Have you had enough of the same worn-out similes and metaphors that do nothing to enliven the mind? This lesson focuses on encouraging students to write fresh and original descriptions that will stoke readers’ curiosity and capture their imagination. Make sure you share this goal with your learners! From a reading of this popular poem by Craig Raine, students use his striking and unusual descriptions to create their own well-crafted paragraphs. This lesson was originally created to prepare students for the imaginative / creative writing section of the IGCSE exam, but it can be used to inspire writing that jumps off the page at any level. I have personally used this in KS3 and KS4 with great results every time. As students submit their writing after this lesson, I actually look forward to seeing how shifting their perspective allows them to create truly different, engaging writing. The resource includes: -full teaching notes -a copy of the poem (for classroom use only) -an accompanying set of slides (in PDF form) -game instructions and materials to get students thinking out of the box (a mental 'warm up' for writing) -5 examples of original, imaginative writing inspired by this lesson (from my students) -my ongoing support! Please remember to leave feedback as I work continuously to improve my resources. Follow me to receive updates as I post new products at Reach High. Keywords: poetry, poem, martian, postcard, lesson, printable, ppt, presentation, teaching notes, instructions, guidelines, creative, imaginative, writing, igcse, ks3, ks4, ks5, raine, mixed ability, SEN, ESL, EAL, photocopiable, printable Image credit: Laura Faraci of The Noun Project

Develop reading skills, get your students discussing passionately and improve their capacity for learning - what's not to love? A perfect resource to develop your students' thinking skills any time. BONUS MATERIAL ADDED August 2016: An 'I Have Who Has?' activity to review key vocabulary in the article. This can be used in subsequent lessons to help students remember definitions. This bundle will grow over time, so grab it now before the price increases with each addition! OVERVIEW This lesson starts with an anticipation guide, and students reflect on their own beliefs about intelligence and learning. Following this, students read an original 2-page article on how the brain develops. It includes: * Information on intelligence as something to be developed, rather than fixed * The role of mindset in learning * The power of ‘yet’ They have a double-sided sheet to complete as they explore the text which practices: citing evidence; finding the main idea; recognising cause & effect; identifying the importance of a section as part of a whole; and synthesis. Discussion task cards have been provided as a follow up to the reading, so students can develop their ideas. Finally, students are asked to reflect on how this learning might impact their attitude and actions, setting specific goals to improve their learning. (A FREE optional resource comparing the brains of zombies and humans (Zombie Brains versus Human Brains) can be downloaded from my store, for those using this resource with my other zombie-themed lessons.) In the same way you might use a magazine or newspaper article for any grade level, this text is flexible in terms of who can access it. The online Lexile Analyzer gives an estimated reading score of 940L (based on the first 2 paragraphs only) and readable.io gives an average grade level of 9.1. In reality, I have used this with able and engaged 7th years; my 6th form students really enjoyed the article - and ensuing Socratic Seminar - that we held. Enjoyed this? Follow me to get notifications of other metacognitive English lessons. Keywords: learning, brain, metacognition, yet, mindset, Dweck, intelligence, resilience, reading, speaking, listening, CCSS, discussion, start of year ***All new products are launched with discounts for at least the first 48 hours! Interested? Just follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

This is for use with or without my World Mythology materials. All the activities in this unit have the aim of introducing students to the world of mythology, starting with Greek myths and moving on to explore myths from around the world. The story has been reproduced here in printable format with the kind permission of E2BN with whom all rights reserve. Image credit: John Melven from The Noun Project Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help!

Save lots of $$$ with this bundle containing ALL my zombie-themed resources to date. As I add resources, the price rises so grab it now to get these - and all future additions - without having to pay a penny more! Take a look at the individual previews to see what's included: ** ADDED APRIL 2017** Zombie Apocalypse Reading Task Cards (Citing Evidence & Supporting Ideas) SET 2 * Zombie Apocalypse Reading Task Cards (Citing Evidence & Supporting Ideas) SET 1 * Zombie Apocalypse Writing Prompt Task Cards * Zombie Apocalypse Writing Prompt Task Cards * Zombie Apocalypse - Let Me In! * Zombie Apocalypse Figurative Language in Songs Who is this for? I am used to teaching mixed-ability middle-school classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I avoid gory images and explicit mention of weapons such as guns.) Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

‘Would You Rather...?’ questions prompt students to evaluate options and make choices, so they are useful for encouraging critical thinking skills. To make this thinking visible, students can share their justifications or reasons for their choices. Some cards result in lots of laughs and some in furrowed brows, but they all generate lots of discussion! +++WAIT! Did you already pay for my Greek Mythology Bundle? If so, this item is included so just go to your 'My Purchases' page and re-download the bundle to get this for free!+++ This resource contains 36 unique ‘Would You Rather...?’ cards based on Greek Mythology. They reveal the values and events of many myths, and are a great introduction or review of the stories. Print the cards onto thick paper before dividing them into 4s. I recommend you use the ‘fit to page’ option, but if you have any difficulties, please get in touch with me - roamingteacher@gmail.com Try this! Place the cards face down in a pile in front of a team of students. They take turns to lift a card and discuss the options, before explaining what they’d choose and why. Try this! Put students in pairs. They turn over a card and write down their choices with reasons. They also try to predict what their partners would do and get extra bonus points if they can work out the reasons too. Try this! The teacher reads a card aloud and students move to one side of the room or the other, depending on their response. They then discuss why they have chosen that option with those around them. Try this! Once students understand the concept, ask them to create their own cards using the template provided at the end of the pack. ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!*** If you are looking for more mythology resources, you might be interested in: ***NEW! (Added March 2017) Greek Mythology Bundle (Still Growing!) Or you can buy items separately: * Myth Quests 1 * The Olympic Games * Demeter & Persephone: The Story * Icarus & Daedalus: The Story * The Minotaur: The Story * The Olympian Gods Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help! Keywords: mythology, discussion, cards, Greek, fun, activity, task cards, questions

This bundle contains most of the Greek Mythology products from my store. I intend to keep adding products as they become available, so buying the bundle now means you never again pay for any items added (as the price rises). This money-saving bundle contains: ***NEW! (Added March 2017) Myth Quests 1*** ***NEW! (Added March 2017) Greek Mythology: Would You Rather...? Cards*** * The Olympic Games * Demeter & Persephone: The Story * Icarus & Daedalus: The Story * The Minotaur: The Story * The Olympian Gods Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts off for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

This lesson would be perfect for a substitute teacher as all student instructions are included. Focus on public writing and speaking skills with this zombie-themed task. These materials set up a scenario where students' survival depends on how well they can present their arguments. If you are using my other 'zombie' materials, this activity fits well with the reading and writing tasks. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I do my best to avoid gory images.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * full teaching notes * task instructions * task preparation materials * rubric (editable version included) * link to speech sample video (downloadable) * links to additional useful resources Interested in other zombie-themed resources? Click on my store for more zombie bargains. Follow me to get notifications of new products and promotions. Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help.

This is a lesson I use at the start of my mythology units to engage the class and get them enthused about our area of study. The materials herein may be used in mixed ability classes; I have used it with such groups including EAL and SEN learners, but much of it is open-ended meaning it is rigorous for all. All the activities in this unit have the aim of introducing students to the world of mythology, starting with Greek myths and moving on to explore myths from around the world. Included in this pack are 2 activities, based on Greek Mythology. The first is a cloze worksheet with instructions to develop effective search skills. The second is a set of activity ideas for setting up your own 'in house' Olympics. Timing will very much depend on the students you are working with but I usually allow at least 1.5 hours, assuming that students will be in teams for the Olympics and everyone will select their events. In this download, you will find: -teaching notes -a printable worksheet -an answer key -instructions for setting up your Olympic event Image credit: Theresa Stoodley from The Noun Project Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help!

Looking for a way to develop your students' reading, while having fun - look no further! These cards have 12 short texts for students to really drill down into the skills they need to become excellent readers. Students love zombies and this, along with my other themed resources, keeps them smiling through the whole unit. I've used this with secondary (middle school) students who tell me they really enjoy these short activities to focus on particular skills. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I avoid gory images and explicit mention of weapons such as guns.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * ideas on how to use the task cards * 12 different tasks at different levels, focusing on individual skills * answer sheet for students to record their responses (optional double-sided printable) * suggested answers Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help!

After much testing and refining, it's finally here! Gorgon Quest sees your students set out on an adventure as a team, to defeat the Medusa. They can test their knowledge of Greek Mythology (or any other content you choose). My students love this game and the more they play it, the deeper their learning goes. They will need all their wits about them if they are to succeed. Please note this is a cooperative (not competitive) game where the students all work together to succeed. The concept of cooperative gaming really appeals to me and you can find out why on my blog here: http://bit.ly/togetherbetter Included in this pack: * Greek Mythology Quiz Cards BUNDLED IN THIS RESOURCE FOR A REDUCED PRICE - LIMITED TIME ONLY! * Teacher guidance notes * Gameplay instructions for students * Item tokens * HP scoresheet * A3 printable game board All game components can be printed in colour or black and white as you prefer. If you are short on time, there is no need to cut anything out - alternative instructions are included, so this can be a print-and-go activity too. Interested in other mythology-themed resources? Check out my store for more teaching materials. Icarus & Daedalus: The Story The Minotaur: The Story The Olympian Gods Greek Mythology Quiz Cards Greek Mythology: Would You Rather...? Cards Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!*** Keywords: greek, mythology, boardgame, board, game, fun, printable, activity, quiz, cards

Looking for a way in to a unit on the spy genre? Look no further than this short fun activity that asks students to use their critical thinking skills to work out a logic puzzle. Which agent should be assigned each of the items available? Only by using skills of inference and deduction will your agents succeed! This is a useful starting activity that will see your students have lots of fun. Use it as an individual or team-building discussion task. I offer this for free, so please remember to leave feedback once you've had time to evaluate the activity. If there are any issues, let me know and I'll be happy to address them. Questions or comments? Get in touch: roamingteacher@gmail.com

Looking for a way for students to add some sophistication to their writing? Look no further. Carol Jago in her book ‘Classics in the Classroom’ argues that all students should be given the chance to experience classical literature, not just the deemed-as-gifted few. Using this resource, you can support your learners in accessing often-dense classic texts so they can extract vocabulary and techniques to experiment with in their own writing. In so doing, they not only get inspiration for their own writing but can start to appreciate the rich language that deserves the title of ‘classic’. A useful resource at any secondary level, this will be particularly helpful for KS3 students who need to be challenged, as well as KS4 and KS5 writers. Depending on the texts you choose, the activity itself could be used with almost any age, including primary and adult learners. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions for how to improve this resource, or leave comments below if you are happy with what you see. To be kept updated of when I add new resources, just click on my name and then click the ‘follow’ button.

Save $$$ with this bundled pack to get you started on your spy genre unit, or simply to practice some critical thinking. Contained are engaging activities for reading, writing, speaking and listening. All are designed to engage students and link their thinking to previous knowledge (activate their schemata). Included: * Assassination Puzzle - The Spy Files * Observation Aptitude Test - The Spy Files * Equipment Assignment Logic Puzzle - The Spy Files * Know / learn / do grid (for students to activate their schemata and have voice and choice; exclusive to this pack) * Spy reading (getting started with literature circles or reading groups; exclusive to this pack) * Debrief (i.e. guided reflection writing; exclusive to this pack) The challenges demonstrate the need for them to really engage their brains, and put emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and THINKING. They also reflect the type of challenges protagonists in spy stories face, and how things can be far from what they seem before analysis. I have used this with mixed ability classes, including ‘gifted’ students, those with special educational needs and those with English as an additional language – all (except the most extreme cases) can take part and contribute to feel they have had their say in their learning. Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

Mrs Midas by the UK's poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, is one of my all-time favourite poems. Taking the Greek myth of King Midas, Duffy's poem is from the perspective of the never-before-heard-from Mrs Midas. I am very happy to finally have this engaging pack ready to share. This poem is recommended for highly-capable upper middle schoolers and high schoolers. Read it here. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes including EAL and LS students. Download this resource to receive 24 thought-provoking prompts to encourage comprehension and analysis of this brilliant text. Also included are lots of ways to use the cards to ensure you have plenty to choose from in finding the right fit for your classes. Within the materials, you will also find alignment to CCSS, GCSE and A-Level. It was first used with IBDP students, and is easily adapted for IBMYP too. Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use year on year. Looking for more highly engaging resources? Check out these packs for more figurative language and analysis ideas: * Exploring Texts Using Hyperlinks with Thinglink * Zombie Apocalypse Figurative Language in Songs Or how about a money-saving bundle to save you time AND $$$: * Mindset, Intelligence & The Power of 'Yet' * Greek Mythology * Gorgon Quest: Cooperative Greek Mythology Board Game * Zombie-Themed Pack * Agent Activation Pack Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for at least the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

A simple ZERO PREP 2-page task. Students start by checking their comprehension of some key language and then choose the correct answer from 2 options and then view the animation to check their responses. I've used this with mixed ability classes, including SEN and EAL. Why? It focuses their attention while they're watching and allows me to check their comprehension of the story. Use this: - at the end of a Peter Pan unit - for a cover lesson - after / before students tackle the original text Keywords: Peter Pan, movie, film, worksheet, prediction, comprehension, fun Image credit: Natsuko Suzuki ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

Designed for use online with Google Drive. Can be used with Google Classroom, OneDrive or offline with PowerPoint. See how these notebooks can be used on my Youtube channel here! LOVE THE IDEA BUT WANT A DIFFERENT STYLE? No problem! This file

Use these cards to check your students' knowledge of the Greek myths. It can be used before a unit to see what they already know (as answers are on each card), or after a unit to see what they've retained. WAIT! Did you already pay for my Greek Mythology Bundle? If so, this item is included so just go to your 'My Purchases' page and re-download the bundle to get this for free! This item is also available in Gorgon Quest Greek Mythology Cooperative Board Game BUNDLE In this pack, you'll find: * 24 Q&A format cards* * 24 multiple choice format cards* * 24 ‘Battle’ cards (more challenging) * teaching suggestions for how to use the cards *Note that these question sets are the same; only the format differs. In total, there are 48 unique question cards. Interested in other mythology-themed resources? Click on the 'Mythology' category in my store for more mythology teaching materials. The Minotaur: The Story The Olympian Gods Greek Mythology Quiz Cards Greek Mythology: Would You Rather...? Cards Gorgon Quest Greek Mythology Cooperative Board Game BUNDLE Any issues, comments or questions please get in touch; I'm here to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!*** Keywords: mythology, quiz, cards, Greek, fun, activity, task cards, questions

With this 11-minute commentary on Carol Ann Duffy's brilliant poem 'Mrs Midas', you can save your voice while still ensuring your students develop their skills with a solid analysis of the poem. With no less than 5 different ways to use this resource, you can bring in elements of rigour and creativity to best suit your particular students, while scaffolding their understanding and minimising their fear of poetry. Mrs Midas by the UK's poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, is one of my all-time favourite poems. Taking the Greek myth of King Midas, Duffy's poem is from the perspective of the never-before-heard-from Mrs Midas. This poem is recommended for highly-capable upper middle schoolers and high schoolers. Read it here. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes including EAL and LS students. Within this resource, you will find: * download link to the MP3 audio file with illustrated instructions * printable transcript (2 pages) * teaching notes and ideas for activities to accompany the audio * link to downloadable, print-friendly PDF of the poem Looking for more highly engaging resources? Check out these packs for more figurative language and analysis ideas: * Exploring Texts Using Hyperlinks with Thinglink * Zombie Apocalypse Figurative Language in Songs Or how about a money-saving bundle to save you time AND $$$: * Mindset, Intelligence & The Power of 'Yet' * Greek Mythology * Gorgon Quest: Cooperative Greek Mythology Board Game * Zombie-Themed Pack * Agent Activation Pack Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note via roamingteacher@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for at least the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***

After much testing and refining, it's finally here! Gorgon Quest sees your students set out on an adventure as a team, to defeat the Medusa. They can test their knowledge of Greek Mythology (or any other content you choose). My students love this game and the more they play it, the deeper their learning goes. They will need all their wits about them if they are to succeed. Please note this is a cooperative (not competitive) game where the students all work together to succeed. The concept of cooperative gaming really appeals to me and you can find out why on my blog here: http://bit.ly/togetherbetter Included in this pack: * Greek Mythology Quiz Cards BUNDLED * Teacher guidance notes * Gameplay instructions for students * Item tokens * HP scoresheet * A3 printable game board REDUCED PRICE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY!. GET THIS RESOURCE NOW FOR 50% OF THE USUAL PRICE! All game components can be printed in colour or black and white as you prefer. If you are short on time, there is no need to cut anything out - alternative instructions are included, so this can be a print-and-go activity too. Interested in other mythology-themed resources? Click on the 'Mythology' category in my store for more mythology teaching materials. Icarus & Daedalus: The Story The Minotaur: The Story The Olympian Gods Greek Mythology Quiz Cards Greek Mythology: Would You Rather...? Cards Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!*** Keywords: greek, mythology, boardgame, board, game, fun, printable, activity, quiz, cards

The first set of these cards was so popular with my students that I've made another. Here again, you will find 12 attention-grabbing reading extracts on the topic of zombies. Crossing a range of genres and practising various specific reading skills, these cards are sure to hook your teens' interest. These may be considered slightly more challenging than Set 1, but I have used both sets successfully with the same students. I've used this with secondary (middle school) students who tell me they really enjoy these short activities to focus on particular skills. I am used to teaching mixed-ability classes with EAL students and all my students can rise to this challenge, from those who are below to those who are above grade level. (Please check suitability of the topic for younger students, although I avoid gory images and explicit mention of weapons such as guns.) Produced on printer-friendly paper, these task cards are sure to be a resource you use time and time again. Included: * 12 different tasks at different levels, focusing on individual skills * answer sheet for students to record their responses (optional double-sided printable) * suggested answers This product is CCSS-aligned but would complement any reading skills development. ++This product IS included in my Zombie-Themed Mega Bundle++ If you like this, you might be interested in my other zombie-themed resources for reading, writing, speaking & listening: * Zombie Apocalypse Reading Task Cards (Citing Evidence & Supporting Ideas) SET 1 * Zombie Apocalypse Writing Prompt Task Cards * Zombie Apocalypse - Let Me In! * Zombie Apocalypse Figurative Language in Songs Questions or comments? Please feel free to drop me a note below. I'm always happy to help! ***All new products are launched with discounts for the first 48 hours! Interested? Just click on the star above to follow me and get notifications for when this happens!***