How to write a biography. Upper KS2. Set of five complete lessons with all worksheets and pupil resources. Includes a Biography checklist, sample biographies about Queen Victoria and Nelson Mandela, a blank biography spider-gram, blank planning templates (scaffolded) and a fact sheet about Mary Anning. The series of lessons include opportunities for pupils to give peer feedback and analyse two sample biographies. I have used these with Y5 and Y6 and have also extended the unit to include famous people which the children asked for or who we were covering in topic work eg Louis Pasteur, famous explorers/sports achievers. Learning objectives. Lesson 1 • To explain what a ‘biography’ is in my own words. • To name people who have had a biography written about them. • To list the features of a biography. • To identify the features in a short biography of a famous person. Lesson 2 • To explain what a ‘biography’ is in my own words. • To recall the features of a biography. • To plan then write a biography about someone in my family and use the checklist to include the main features. • To give helpful feedback to my partner. Lesson 3 • To read a biography about Nelson Mandela. • To use the Biography Checklist and identify whether the main features have been included in the biography about Nelson Mandela. • To identify areas where the biography could be improved. Lesson 4 • To choose a famous person for a biography. • To plan your ideas on a writing frame and listen to the feedback about the features from your partner. • To write an interesting biography which includes all of the main features. Lesson 5 • To use the factsheet about Mary Anning, taking out information which would be interesting in a biography. • To write an interesting biography about Mary Anning which includes all of the main features of a biography.

Earth Day KS1 and KS2 Assembly. A simply written whole school assembly to cover the main aspects of Earth Day which can be used in the days preceding or on 22nd April. A short video link (on last slide) can be easily slotted into the assembly if you chose. Power-point of 24 slides which include: Suggested music, video clip and hymns. Date of Earth Day (22nd April). How Earth Day began and the UN choice of Earth Day as the signing of the Paris Agreement. The issues of waste pollution and the impact on the planet. Earth Day projects and the importance of trees. Fossil fuels and the impact of global warming. What can we do? Some suggestions. An Eco champion – Greta Thunberg. ‘A poem for climate change’ (Can be read aloud) and a link to the ‘paper’ animated version (BBC). Final prayer. Optional video clip of David Attenborough ‘BBC Planet Earth celebration’. Links well with topics on environmental issues, climate change, global warming, people who make a difference, current world climate issues.

Tim Peake: Famous person fact sheet. Includes key events and important stages in the life of the British astronaut, broken into short easy to read sections with pictures and photos. I have used this with pupils in Years 1-4 to help them retrieve information / develop their knowledge to write about a famous person in a range of genres (newspaper report, biography, letter or diary writing, fiction, non-fiction etc). I have also used it with a guided reading group and a set of questions linked to the topic followed up with a written comprehension exercise.

Geographical features cards. Set of 60 cards depicting a physical geographical feature (natural and human) and a beautiful photographic image. The cards can be used to encourage recognition of the features. Pupils can use them as a sorting exercise or as a paired or group ‘guessing game’. Can be placed in the class library area or the ‘Early Finisher’ box/tray. A double set of cards (laminated) can offer pupils opportunities for fun games such as Snap and Pairs. I have used these to help pupils develop work on features eg: writing a factual or descriptive piece about a feature or set of features or a researched paragraph about current issues relating to a geographical feature eg: coastal erosion on Norfolk coastline, how the Grand Canyon was formed. Can be used by Y2 -Y6 upwards. Useful for topics on Geography, Climate and Weather, Coastal erosion, UK etc.

Day of the Dead Mexican pp lesson with activities and worksheet resources. Learning objectives I know what’ El Día de Los Muertos’ means in English. I can say which language it is translated from and where the celebration originates. I know where Mexico is located on a map. I can explain the features on the Mexican flag. I can name the objects placed on the Day of the Dead altars. I can explain the symbols and rituals carried out by the Mexican people on the specific celebration days. I can describe how sugar skulls are made and why they are important. I can write a non-chronological report using my knowledge about ‘The Day of the Dead’ celebration. Includes six pupil worksheets, opportunities for partner work, simple map task and links to You Tube clips about the celebration and how to make ‘papel picado’. Great KS2 lesson as a stand-alone or as part of a series of lessons with a cross curricular topic eg Mexico, Aztecs, Halloween, Celebrations etc

Behaviour for Learning pupil self-evaluation template. Suitable for Primary/Secondary. Pupilscan identify their strengths and areas for development in individual lessons, specific subjects or over an identified timescale. This template makes it easy for pupils to identify ways to improve their behaviour for learning in lessons and with groups and set realistic targets. Can be used as part of a single lesson or at the end of a series of lessons. Also suitable for PSHCE/Tutor time, behaviour management reviews or for SENCOs or TAs to support pupils with SEN. Can be used as a record to monitor pupil progress over an academic school year and share with parents.

George Stephenson Famous person fact sheet. Includes key events and important stages in their life broken into short easy to read sections with pictures and photos. I have used this with pupils in Years 1-4 to help them retrieve information / develop their knowledge to write about a famous person in a range of genres (newspaper report, biography, letter or diary writing, fiction, non-fiction etc). I have also used it with a guided reading group and a set of questions linked to the topic followed up with a written comprehension exercise.

Martin Luther King Famous person fact sheet. Includes key events and important stages in their life broken into short easy to read sections with pictures and photos. I have used this with pupils in Years 1-4 to help them retrieve information / develop their knowledge to write about a famous person in a range of genres (newspaper report, biography, letter or diary writing, fiction, non-fiction etc). I have also used it with a guided reading group and a set of questions linked to the topic followed up with a written comprehension exercise.

Africa today: Series of 6 KS2 power-point Geography lessons. Each lesson is broken into short focused activities. There are opportunities for pupils to recall prior learning, participate in a short quiz, take notes from a YouTube clip, scrutinise and compare population graphs and weather charts (included on slides), research native animals and use maps and atlases to locate Africa’s countries and geographical features. Each set of slides contain images to help pupils ‘get a feel’ for the geography of Africa as well as simple information such as greetings flags of countries in the different regions at the beginning of lessons. Great to link with cross curricular topics such as Continents, Deserts, Weather, Animals, Tourism etc. Lesson 1 There are 4 supporting pupil worksheets with this lesson. Learning Objectives I must find Africa in my atlas. I should recognise some of the countries and features of Africa. I could describe where Africa is in the world using geographical words Lesson 2 Two supporting worksheets and a short class warm up quiz. Learning objectives I can explain the 5 main areas of Africa. I should find and label some of the countries from each region on my map. I can shade a map showing the features of Africa. Lesson 3 There are 2 supporting pupil worksheets with this lesson. Learning Objectives To identify the different climate zones in Africa. To describe and explain the climate found in each zone. To explain the temperature in different locations. To interpret a climate data and temperature chart. Lesson 4 : 1 pupil worksheet and mapwork Learning objectives: I must explain the definition of the term ‘population’. I should interpret the population table and identify the challenges for living in Egypt. I could compare population graphs for Egyptian cities and explain population issues. Lesson 5: 1 pupil worksheet and discussion activities. Learning Objectives I must explain the definition of the term ‘population’, ‘desert climate’ and ‘weather’. I should explain how the geography of Africa determines where people settle. I must be able to say how Africa’s natural resources helps people make a living. I should explain how tourism supports the African people. I could name important African exports. Lesson 6 Learning Objectives One pupil worksheet. Research task with grid and quiz task. I must identify some features of natural beauty in Africa. I should identify and research some of the areas of natural beauty which come from Africa. OR I should identify and research some of the animal, fish and birds which come from Africa.

Sources of Light. KS2 Science power-point of 22 slides (including worksheets). This power-point can be used as a complete stand-alone lesson or as an additional spin off to related topics which encourage the pupils to think about the light sources and reflection. I have kept the information simple with a mix of slides, a reflection investigation and additional linked activities including dictionary definition exercise, a short youtube clip, paired talk activities, 6 worksheets. Learning objectives I can describe a natural and artificial light source and give examples of both. I can explain luminescence and name some living things which glow. I can explain how light travels. I can observe, investigate and use my evidence to say whether surfaces are reflective. Worksheet 1: Sources of light mat. Worksheet 2: Rating the brightness of a selection light sources. Worksheet 3: Natural and artificial light sources. Worksheet 4. Reflective surface writing template. Worksheet 5: Cosmic objects in the Solar System. Worksheet 6: Investigating reflective materials. Each slide includes pictures which illustrate the key learning points. Useful alongside lessons or topics on Light, Physical processes, electricity.

Comedy story template KS1 & 2 Comedy story planning template. A resource for pupils to use to plan their own humorous writing. Includes a bullet point reminder of the rules for writing stories with humour and spaces for pupils to develop character description, setting and plan the structure of their story. Great to use following an writing lesson or drama. Can also be used with topics : Celebrations (eg April Fool’s Day) Famous People, Feelings and emotions.

Brazil today: Series of 4 KS2 power-point Geography lessons. Each lesson is broken into short focused activities. There are opportunities for pupils to recall prior learning, participate in a short quiz, take notes from a YouTube clip, scrutinise and compare population graphs and weather charts (included on slides), research native animals and use maps and atlases to locate Brazil’s key cities and geographical features. Each set of slides contain images to help pupils ‘get a feel’ for the geography of Brazil as well as simple cultural information such as greetings in Brazilian (Portuguese) at the beginning and end of lessons. Great to link with cross curricular topics such as ‘South America’, ‘Rainforests’, ‘Weather’, ‘The Amazon’. Lesson 1 Learning Objectives I must find Brazil in my atlas. I should recognise some of the features of Brazil. I could describe where Brazil is in the world using geographical words. Lesson 2 Learning objectives I must be able to spot the main features of Brazil. I should find and label the features on my map. I could write a description about two features. Lesson 3 Learning Objectives To identify the different climate zones in Brazil. To describe and explain the climate found in each zone. Geographical vocabulary (northern hemisphere, southern hemisphere, equator, Tropic Cancer/Capricorn). To explain the temperature in different locations. To interpret a climate data and temperature chart. Lesson 4 Learning objectives: I must explain the definition of the term ‘population’. I should interpret the population table and suggest reasons for how the physical features affect where people live in Brazil. I could compare population information and explain how the population has changed in Brazil over 50 years.

Visual timetable cards. Set of 36 of the most commonly used classroom tasks and subjects with simple text and images. Includes individual cards for the 7 days of the week and cards for ‘afternoon’ and ‘morning’. The words on the cards are: Lunch, swimming, wash hands, milk time, circle time, talk and share time, surprise time, Assembly, reading practise, writing practise, handwriting, dance, library, PE and games, outdoor learning, music, playtime, drama, Maths/numeracy, computing, RE, citizenship, learning a language, healthy living, growing things, school visit, topic work, phonics and spelling, baking, design technology, toilet, science, history, art, geography. Useful to help children of most ages and abilities use a timeline to predict and prepare for the order of the daily activities.

Circle Time. Let’s talk! Nursery and Reception Early Years Powerpoint lesson to guide a Nursery and/or Reception group or class through a Circle time introductory lesson. Can be used as one lesson or split into a series of introductions/lesson starters. 26 slides which include sitting arrangements, rules, simple starter questions and examples to share with the children. I have used a teddy bear in the lesson so it would be useful to have a teddy for the children to hold as the circle time progresses. There is a simple ‘I spy’ game including images of Noah’s Ark, a bowl of fruit, vegetables and the seaside. The lesson provides useful prompts to encourage the children to talk, structure answers to questions and offer information about themselves.

KS1 or lower ability KS2 powerpoint. Collective nouns interactive lesson of 17 slides. Each slide supports learning through images and practise examples. Pupils have the opportunity to talk, suggest ideas and create their own descriptions for collective nouns. The final image rounds off the lesson with a paired one minute teach it activity.

A fun resource for pupils to make as a start of term or new class activity to share with friends/teacher and create a colourful display where every child can be represented. I used this template with KS2 pupils but it can also be used with KS1.

Dinosaur comprehension cards. Set of 12. KS1/lower KS2. Each card includes a simple information about a dinosaur and eight questions for pupils to retrieve from the text. Simple layout for pupils to find information easily and an engaging picture of each subject on the card. Can also be used without the comprehension questions as a reference resource for pupils to research a dinosaur independently.

Improving memory skills. Power-point of 54 slides. There are 36 one-a-day memory activities to practise with pupils to improve visual and auditory memory skills. The activities are structured week by week to gradually challenge whilst providing practise. For individual pupils or a small group working with an adult. I have used these activities with children of all ages who struggle to remember/recognise alphabet, phonics, HFW and basic numbers. The activities need to be carried out daily to enable the children to practise and improve. Useful for a TA or SEN TA supporting a group in the classroom. Week 1 & 2: There are six individual picture games (for each week) to help pupils practise retelling a story with picture prompts or from memory. Pupil record grid (for adult use) is included to enable the adult to see the visual memory progress of each child and identify any issues or areas for further practise. Week 3: There are six picture sequence/list activities for pupils to retell a short story with or without picture clues. Week 4: Number sequence recall. Six activities for the adult to use with a child or small group to improve auditory memory skills. Recording sheet for pupil use is provided. Week 5: Colour sequence recall. Six activities for the adult to use with a child or small group to improve auditory memory skills. Recording sheet for pupil use is provided. Week 6: Listen and draw sequence activities. Full instructions for the adult are provided plus a pupil record sheet for adult assessment of pupil progress.

Y 5 & 6 KS2 Christmas Maths Booklet I made this booklet based upon similar Level 4 SATs questions but with a Christmas theme. It is targeted at Years 5 & 6 for practise in the areas below. There are 50 questions altogether in the booklet. Each topic has a learning objective for pupils to match against their targets. The questions are set out in a simple format with spaces for pupils to write answers and show workings and calculations. Christmas pictures are included alongside the questions which are practical and fun. Answer sheet provided at the end of the booklet. Pages 1 &2: Proportion and Ratio. 12 questions. Learning objective: I can solve ratio and proportion questions by working out the relationships between numbers. Page 3: Checking the cost of Christmas (calculations). 3 questions. Learning objective: I can check a calculation. Page 4: Factors and Multiples. 5 questions. Learning objective: I can multiply pairs of factors to make a given number. Page 5: Multiplication and Division. 5 questions. Learning objective: I can use times tables. Page 6: Multiplication and Division. 5 questions. Learning objective: I can multiply and divide by 10 or 100. Page 7: Using a calculator. 5 questions. Learning objective: I can use a calculator to work out calculations and solve problems. Page 8: Christmas Maths: Measurement. 5 questions. Learning objective: I know which units of measurement to use for length, mass and capacity. Page 9: Tables and charts. 2 questions. Learning objective: I can show information in a chart and interpret what that information means. Page 10: Tables and charts. 3 questions. Learning objective: I can show information in a chart and interpret what that information means. Page 11: Number Patterns. 5 questions. Learning objective: I can recognise patterns in numbers and can explain the pattern.