Category Archives: Primary

Primary

Coping with the sheer variety of pupils’ emotional and behaviour problems.

It’s long been recognised that every child is different.  We’ve analysed just over 5000 cases showing the variety of referral conditions for Play Therapy.

The top 10 conditions account for 43% of all referrals out of 327 different ones presented – so Pareto’s law does not apply!

Family relationship difficulties 6.77%
Attachment Issues 6.57%
Anger management 6.21%
Domestic violence – experience of
 5.05%
Anxiety disorder
 3.75%
Bereavement Close Relatives
 3.36%
Social relationships difficulties 3.28%
Lack of self-esteem 3.12%
Autistic spectrum disorder 2.98%
Adjustment Issue – with anxiety 2.40%

Does this match your school’s experience?

Play Therapy UK registrants are trained to cope with this complexity of issues, achieving a positive change of between 77% and 84%.  Not perfect but pretty good.

Find your nearest PTUK therapist:  www.playtherapyregister.org.uk

More information:  www.playtherapy.org.uk

Email me personally at jefferyht@yahoo.co.uk for details of our trainee placement service which provides play therapy for a year at a negligible cost.

Kind regards

Jeff Thomas – Registrar Play Therapy UK

Primary

Inspirational Classrooms by Enchanted

A classroom should be an inspiration, a place that stimulates a child’s desire to learn and develop. Enchanted Creations’ themed inspirational classrooms offer a completely bespoke theme, inside and out.

The concept designs, unique to your school, are completely free. Why not ask Enchanted to take a look at your classroom needs and let us design something special for you.

If you need a new classroom(s) drop us a line at brad@enchantedcreations.co.uk or call 01844 343106.

Enchanted classroom Enchanted classroom
Enchanted classroom

Enchanted Creations. Designers and manufacturers of incredible classrooms and play equipment.

Head Teacher comment: “you don’t find companies like Enchanted anymore, amazing, all schools should know about you…”

If you would like to know more, please call 01844 343106 or email brad@enchantedcreations.co.uk

Primary

Tackle key issues in a week

What can you really achieve in a week?

Teachers want to keep developing and updating their professional knowledge, but it is often hard to fit this in alongside teaching, planning, marking and, ideally, enjoying some well-deserved down-time.
As busy professionals, when faced with a difficult problem, most teachers also prefer useful advice in the form of workable strategies they can try, rather than lengthy theoretical analyses of the issues.
A solution that fits with the way teachers work and helps them to keep up to date in a manageable way is needed. And if the teacher feels they are making progress in seven short days, so much the better!
We are delighted to announce a brand new series, Getting it Right in a Week, aimed at teachers in the classroom, and designed to help you and your colleagues master key topics in 7 days.
These books are concise and accessible but still take a critical approach. They provide a straightforward, practical collection of suggestions and strategies that can be quickly studied, tried out and evaluated for their usefulness. Each book is grounded in evidence but understands how teaching works in reality. The first titles in the series cover behaviour management, lesson planning and mentoring.
You can learn more about this series on our website – just go to http://www.criticalpublishing.com/getting-it-right-in-a-week. If you click on the Behaviour Management title you will be able to download a free sample chapter.
If you have any questions or queries about Getting it Right in a Week please do call 01727 851 462 or email di@criticalpublishing.com
Di Page
Critical Publishing
 
Primary

What is the most effective way of helping children improve their concentration, become more creative, and grow in confidence?

By and large it is the people who excel at creativity, who can concentrate, and who exude confidence, who develop the most effective social skills.  And ultimately it is people with such abilities and skills who succeed in our society today.

But, of course, creativity, confidence, and concentration cannot be taught in isolation – they have to be taught through something else.  And with years of work in the field, we strongly believe we know exactly how to enhance the concentration, creativity, and confidence of virtually all children in a school, within a week.

The route we use is storytelling.

Of course we know that there are many children who will proclaim that they can’t tell or write stories.  However the reality is that the more stories we can encourage the children to create, the better the stories become, the more literacy is enhanced, the more confidence grows, and the more creativity is stimulated.

In short, learning how to create and weave stories delivers the very skills that permeate through all aspects of both school life and life in the adult world.

To aid the development of these three vital skills we have created a series of three one-hour workshops for KS1 pupils and five such workshops for KS2 pupils which enable the children to learn what makes a great story and how they can create one themselves. ​

This dynamic programme from Snail Tales involves having a storyteller working in your school for one week. During this time he/she will not only undertake the storytelling project, but also take one or two assemblies, work with EYFS children, and undertake a one hour CPD session with your colleagues after school.

There are more details of the project, along with comments from teachers who have already been involved in the project on our website, as well as an online booking form and other information. ​

Or, if you have an immediate question, please do either:​

 

Primary

How Stewie Scraps inspires reluctant readers to read

What is the single most effective way to inspire a love for reading among reluctant readers?

Inspiring a love for reading among your pupils can be as simple as finding the right book.

Which is why Brilliant Publications has published Stewie Scraps – a series of six adventure stories that will appeal to all readers of both sexes, with gripping storylines and simple language to make them particularly suitable for use with reluctant readers.

Stewie Scraps is a likeable character and an unlikely hero who is great at making things. Children will love Stewie’s amazing technological creations – all made from bits and bobs from his dad’s junk shop.

Books in the Stewie Scraps series include: Stewie Scraps and the Easy Rider, Stewie Scraps and the Giant Joggers, Stewie Scraps and the Space Racer, Stewie Scraps and the Star Rocket, Stewie Scraps and the Trolley Cart and Stewie Scraps and the Super Sleigh.

For more information and a sample chapter from each book, visit: http://www.brilliantpublications.co.uk/book/stewie-scraps-series-pack-333

You can order the Stewie Scrap series for £19.95 in a variety of ways, including:

  • by visiting the website
  • by phone on 01449 766629
  • by fax on 01449 768047
  • by email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
  • by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.

website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 768047

Primary

What is the best way of being aware of the personal and social issues being faced by those we teach?

With many children their behaviour tells us much of what we need to know about their lives. Indeed it is their behaviour that makes us aware of any problems that they might be suffering.

But there is no doubt that observation alone won’t always alert us to the fact that some of the children we teach may be lacking in their understanding of certain key issues of their emotional, personal, and social experiences.

Do they really understand the dangers of mimicking the behaviour they might see in their older brothers and sisters? Is anyone engaging in self-abuse who has slipped beneath the radar? Are there neighbourhood issues that the school is not fully aware of?

A knowledge of these and related issues can make the work of the school much more effective, as you and your colleagues can learn more about the children’s lives and about the dynamics existing in each class.

We can, for example, begin to see if those attending the school are getting suitable breakfasts. We can see if the children who are not met by parents feel safe on their way to and from school.

Of course, if your colleagues try to ask such questions in class, it can be hard to get answers from the very people whose answers might be the ones they most need to hear. Which is why many schools are turning to an alternative way to get this information.

This alternative approach involves using questionnaires covering the well-being and health of pupils. Such a questionnaire can identify the reasons for behaviours and provide a rich source of information that can be used to explore underlying influences.

In short, the professionally structured questionnaire allows us to learn far more about the behaviour and emotions of those we teach than is possible in any other way.

Youcansay has worked with hundreds of schools across the UK in providing and analysing questionnaires which help classroom teachers and senior management in schools learn far more about those they teach, than can otherwise be achieved.

To see more information on our Well-being and Health Questionnaire which could be run in your school please click here

If you would like to talk about the questionnaires, their benefits and how they work please do call us on 0118 978 1078, you can also contact us by email service@youcansay.co.uk

 

Primary

Circus Workshops, Entertainment, and more for 2017

We’ve been having a very festive circus time here at Fantastiko but don’t just take our word for it…

“My favourite thing was….EVERYTHING, because it was absolutely amazing!” Emily, Emsworth Primary School.

“Thank you Drew! It was the best fun I’ve ever had” Luke Cambridge University Primary

We wanted to wish you a very happy new year and let you know about what’s available in 2017.

Fantastiko circus workshops are brilliant fun, educational, and all inclusive (for all ages and abilities).  They give pupils the opportunity to experience something unique and gain confidence from learning new skills and taking part in challenging and engaging activities, delivered in an exciting and nurturing formula.

We bring everything you need from excellent facilitators, masses of equipment and we even have tents and entertainers if you want the complete circus package.

We respect that schools and children are different so as well as our standard packages we also create bespoke days and events dependent on your requirements, pupils and budget, therefore, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your enquiries.

Whether enhancing a key stage topic or as a full day event for the whole school our circus workshops are an unforgettable experience for your pupils. From ‘Taster’ experiences, Circus Science sessions, to developing performances and longer schemes of work with 20 years experience we pride ourselves on giving a professional yet personal service.

As a special Christmas gift we are offering a 10% discount and 100 FREE CERTIFICATES for all bookings in 2017 – We like to recognise achievement and the certificates can be personalised for each pupil to take home.

We also have a range of discounts and deals on our circus packages (workshops/tent/entertainment) brilliant for school fetes and events especially during the summer term.

Take a look at our website for further and more detailed information.

www.circusworkshops.biz

Prices from £190 for half days

Lisa or Drew will talk you through all the options and our simple booking process. Call or email us now on:

Contact: info@circusworkshops.biz Tel: 
Mobile: 07539 229256

Primary

Achieving one to one tuition

The most effective way of helping children with poor literacy is one-to-one tuition. But how do we do that?

For most of us, we can’t offer one-to-one tuition to the children we teach – at least we can’t for more than a small amount of time each week. The resources just aren’t available. Or, at least they have not been in the past.

But some schools are offering exactly this: one-to-one tuition for the children who are slipping behind in literacy, and all within the school’s budget. They achieve this by using a program which rapidly locates the child’s literacy issues, and then directs the child to an engaging set of activities which will remedy the misunderstandings that have been identified. Once rectified, they advance to the next skills set.

Thus the child gets the individual attention he/she needs; attention which is directed one hundred percent to the child’s level of literacy in a way that they find utterly rewarding and engaging.

Because the level of literacy is so accurately reflective of each pupil’s unique ability, each individual gets the feeling of success and progress, rather than any feeling of failing or falling short of the level achieved by others.

At the same time, you are now free to work with other children in your group. Indeed you can rotate the children: some receiving directed help online, others engaged in class activities with you.

The program in question is Core5 from Lexia, a program already in use in over three thousand schools.

I would like to offer you the chance to try it for yourself. Then, if you feel the program is of interest to you, your classes can have access to it for 30 days without any payment or commitment, starting on a date suitable to you.

To read more, and to take up the opportunity of seeing the program in action, click here. There is no registration, no form filling – you can just try the program. (Do remember to have the sound turned on before you start!)

You can also apply for a 30 day free trial of the program by clicking here. Or if you want more information please do call 0191 482 1939, or email info@lexiauk.co.uk

I hope you will find this approach interesting and consider joining the many other schools now using Core5 as their prime method of raising literacy standards across the school.

Kind regards,

Rob Kay
Software Consultant

Primary

Step-by-step instructions on how to make Christmas stockings, Christmas wrapping paper, greetings cards, and gift boxes

Ensuring that your pupils are meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum in their lessons in the lead up to Christmas can become somewhat of a challenge, not least because it can be near impossible to adapt many of the NC requirements to the theme of Christmas.

Fortunately, 100+ Fun Ideas for Art Activities introduces a wide range of art skills which link well with the 2014 National Curriculum and offer step-by-step instructions for making Christmas stockings, Christmas wrapping paper, greetings cards, and gift boxes.

Furthermore, there are several other art activity ideas in the resource which can easily be adapted to the theme of Christmas, such as decorating glass jars and painting to music, to name a couple. To see the full contents page of 100+ Fun Ideas for Art Activities, click here.

For more information about 100+ Fun Ideas for Art Activities (including sample pages) visit http://www.brilliantpublications.co.uk/book/100-fun-ideas-for-art-activities-9

You can order 100+ Fun Ideas for Art Activities for just £13.99 in a variety of ways, including:

  • by visiting the website
  • by phone on 01449 766629
  • by fax on 01449 768047
  • by email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
  • or by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.

website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 768047

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Primary

Vandal Proof Lockers at no cost to the school

 

Staylock Ltd manufacture, supply and install vandal resistant school lockers.

 www.staylock.co.uk

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GENERATE INCOME FOR YOUR SCHOOL WITHOUT ANY CAPITAL OUTLAY?

WHILST PROVIDING SAFE STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN’S BELONGINGS

 

Install our vandal resistant lockers with 10 year guarantee maintenance provided.

All sizes manufactured and bespoke options.

Choice of locking options – keys, padlocks, code locks

With our all-inclusive low cost rental plan, ensuring no hidden or unforeseen cost to the school during the rental period, and with contributions from parents from as little as 50 pence per week generating a four figure income for the school!

FOR FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY AND DISCUSS ADDITIONAL SCHOOL INCOME

Call 01253 733049 or 07899911302

Email  sales@staylock.co.uk

www.staylock.co.uk

Primary

How do you make the most of your interactive whiteboard technology to aid teaching and learning?

How do you support the busy teacher when delivering the curriculum?

Ready to use interactive whiteboard lessons and activities… designed, aligned and written by Primary School teachers.

  • Phonics 1, Phonics 2 and Phonics 3 – for the Promethean board and the SMART board. Fully editable. A versatile resource which supports any phonics programme. The resources support Initial Sounds, Digraphs and Phonics to Spelling.
    http://www.edpax.com/phonics/uk/
What are the benefits? The lessons and activities …

  • Promote quality teaching and learning
  • Are easy to use
  • Colourful and fun
  • Incorporate all educational targets
  • Provide depth, breadth, continuity and progression
  • Encourage all learning styles
  • Increase pupil/teacher participation and motivation
  • Maths, Phonics and Grammar fully editable.

Try before you buy?

Download FREE samples at http://www.edpax.com/free-resources/

 

 

Primary

Where do you turn to when you need support?

Tackle key issues in a week

We understand that teachers want to keep developing and updating their professional knowledge, but we also appreciate that it is hard to fit this in alongside teaching, planning, marking and, ideally, enjoying some well-deserved down-time.
As busy professionals, when faced with a difficult problem, most teachers also prefer useful advice in the form of workable strategies they can try, rather than lengthy theoretical analyses of the issues.
Here at Critical Publishing we have been trying to get to grips with this problem and have talked to lots of teachers about the way you work and how we can help you to keep up to date in a manageable way. And we think we have come up with a solution!
We are delighted to announce a brand new series, Getting it Right in a Week, aimed at teachers in the classroom, and designed to help you and your colleagues to master key topics in 7 days.
These books are concise and accessible but still take a critical approach. They provide a straightforward, practical collection of suggestions and strategies that can be quickly studied, tried out and evaluated for their usefulness. Underpinning information is concisely presented as ‘A Spot of Theory’.
Designed to meet the immediate practical needs of experienced teachers and trainees alike, most titles in the series are suitable for all age phases and are available in paperback and Kindle editions. The first titles publish on 17 January 2017 and cover:
  • Behaviour Management
  • Lesson Planning
  • Mentoring
“I love the concept.  I think the ‘chapter-a-day’ approach is innovative and ideal – a manageable way for teachers to take charge of their own CPD.”
“these books will not only appeal to teachers buying them as individuals to develop their own practice, but also to those with responsibility for developing staff teams.”
You can learn more about this series on our website – just go to http://www.criticalpublishing.com/getting-it-right-in-a-week. If you click on the Behaviour Management title you will be able to download a free sample chapter.
And we are offering a special pre-publication offer of 3 books for the price of 2. Just add the discount code IAWL3F217 when you get to the checkout.
If you have any questions or queries about Getting it Right in a Week, or would like details of special bulk prices for orders of more than 5 copies please do call 01727 851 462 or email di@criticalpublishing.com
Di Page
Critical Publishing
Primary

Reducing Unnecessary Teacher Stress

Dear  Headteacher

Many teachers suffer from stress caused by pupils’ disruptive behaviour.  How much does this cost your school each year?

A new approach has been developed to largely solve this problem – The Integrative Holistic model of Play Therapy.  This has been developed in the UK and is now being used in over 1500 primary schools in the UK and 45 other countries.

When therapy is delivered to the standards of Play Therapy UK, between 77% and 84% of the children show a positive change as observed by teachers and parents.

Training for SENCOs, Teachers and Teaching Assistants is available at 13 conveniently located venues in the UK.  Post Graduate awards by Leeds Beckett University.   The training meets the requirements of the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, an independent UK government funded agency.  www.playtherapyregister.org.uk

Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills – 15 days spread over 5 three day weekends to minimise time away from school.

Your investment in this training will soon be repaid by a reduction in the costs of teacher stress.

Find out more about the model, if it’s suitable for your school and our innovative training methods by attending a one day Introduction to Play Therapy Course.

For more information: Email me personally at  mokijep@aol.com

Kind regards

Monika Jephcott – Chief Executive Play Therapy UK

Primary

Classroom collaboration like you have never seen before

How can Nureva™ Span™ improve learning in the classroom?
With the Nureva™ Span™ “all-in-one” platform, pupils can capture their thoughts on a tablet and then share these thoughts on the interactive board – creating an immersive learning environment that will foster group discussion and group learning, and classroom collaboration like you have never seen before.

To see how the Nureva™ Span™ “all-in-one” platform works in a classroom environment, Smarter Interactive has made a video which you can view at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTlyqQMtxYg&feature=youtu.be.

Can we try Nureva™ Span™ before we buy?
You and your colleagues can visit Smarter Interactive where you will be given an extensive demo of the Nureva software. We will also answer any questions that you might have about Nureva™ Span™.

Where can I find more information about the specifications of Nureva™ Span™?
The unique ultra short throw 16:6 projector creates an image of up to 3m wide (you can combine more than one projector to create a 6m wide image) and has an estimated life of 25,000 hours. The Laser Touch module can support up to 10 points of touch (20 points on a dual screen system) and the Span Software stores each “canvas” in the cloud making it accessible from any internet enabled device. To view Nureva™ Span™‘s full specifications, visit www.smarterinteractive.co.uk/nureva-span/nureva-span-in-education/.

Will Smarter Interactive support the school after its installation?
Smarter interactive will contact you to see how things are progressing. We are on hand with any questions you may have and you will be given extensive training with the software so that you and your colleagues feel confident going forward.

Do you have feedback from schools who already use Nureva™ Span™?
Yes….             “Smarter interactive ensured that the installations did not impact the staff or children, as it was installed at a time that suited us. Any issues were dealt with effectively and swiftly. They were available consistently to support us as we needed them.  They have organized a maintenance schedule and have followed through with it.

“I would definitely recommend Smarter Interactive and am aware that our Headteacher has already shared the experiences with other Headteachers in UK and Ireland as well as with teachers from Singapore on recent training.” – St Vincent’s Primary School

Can I contact Smarter Interactive to discuss Nureva™ Span™ and/or to find out how much Nureva™ Span™ costs and whether there is a finance option available?
To discuss Nureva™ Span™ with an expert, you can call us on 0118 366 0010, email us at enquiries@smarterinteractive.co.uk or visit our website and scroll down to use our online enquiry form where you can organise a call back, web meeting, a product demo

Primary

Why tell tales?

What is the one cultural activity that all children love, and which is also fundamental to our survival?

Storytelling is as old as homo sapiens, and is our most profound way of learning about ourselves and those around us. About what is, what was, and what might be.

As such it is the heart and soul of our imaginations, our creativity and our civilisation, and it is our principle survival tool. It is in fact the mechanism that has allowed us to survive, flourish, and create civilisations.

Because of this we still need stories as a way of uniting ourselves in families and societies, which is why novels and dramas continue to be at the very heart of our existence.

Indeed even a single sentence can get us going. Try this for example….

Sam went to the end of her garden, and ran her hand through the flowers that grew there.

We are at once transported, and so the story begins.

There are many ways of bringing more and more stories to the children you teach.  But there is one in particular that I would like to bring to your attention: The Snail Tales Storytelling Bonanza.

This involves you working with the local nurseries and playgroups that feed into your school, and/or other primaries in your area, so all their children and yours can enjoy the show and some accompanying workshops in your school’s hall.

The price of the session is fixed irrespective of the number of pupils involved. So invite as many other schools and playgroups as you can, each need only make a very modest financial contribution – while you, as the host, pay nothing.

You can even host a public performance in your hall after school for parents and families to attend too, making it even more likely that your school won’t have to pay a penny.

Of course, it is entirely up to you how you arrange it – but certainly using storytelling as the heart of the introduction to your school can not only stimulate imagination and break down boundaries, but also reduce the worry that some children have on attending school for the first time.

To begin organising your Storytelling Bonanza you can call us on 020 328 76245 to discuss the details, or visit our online booking form.

Or, if you have an immediate question, please do either call 020 328 SNAIL (020 328 76245) or visit our Contact Us page

 

Primary

Deliver core British Values content AND the English National Curriculum

Deliver core British Values content AND the English National Curriculum

The Key Stage 2 British Values series provides a range of non-fiction texts that also helps deliver the requirements for the National Curriculum for English.

Extract from National Curriculum

By Year 3, pupils should be developing their knowledge and skills in reading non-fiction about a wide range of subjects.

Pupils should be learning to justify their views about what they have read: with support at the start of year 3 and increasingly independently by the end of year 4.

The British Values Series of books promotes fundamental British Values. Each book in the series explores key aspect of the fundamental British Values of:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.
Gresham book covers

Highly informative content is supported with a range of discussion and written activities.

Find out more here or telephone 01983 761 389.

Thank you

Gresham Books Ltd

Tel: 01983 761389

gresham-books.co.uk

 

Primary, School News

77 fun ideas for advancing MFL in the Primary Classroom

With activities ranging from The Human alphabet and Foreign language detectives to Secret signal and Be the teacher, you’ll never be stuck for ideas.

In order for your pupils to embrace a new language they must first be confident in their ability to decode the language. And indeed, once decoding has been mastered they will be well on their way to discovering how the new language functions at sentence level.

To help with this we have produced a resource which not only aims to increase pupils’ confidence in language learning, but which also aims to increase pupils’ progress beyond learning simple vocabulary and phrases.

More Fun Ideas for Advancing MFL in the Primary Classroom is a volume containing 77 activities which support the Foreign Languages programmes of Study in the September 2014 National Curriculum where the focus is on practical communication. The activities are suitable for most languages and for a wide range of language topics and will enable the pupils to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing.

The fun activities will help pupils learn to manipulate the language, enabling creative communication and giving young learners a feeling of ownership over the language being learnt.

The inherent rationale behind each activity is that it should be enjoyable and interactive, challenging children’s understanding of the language and furnishing them with a purpose for their learning. With activities ranging from the Human alphabet and Foreign language detectives to Secret signal and Be the teacher, you will never be stuck for ideas.

For more information, please visit https://www.brilliantpublications.co.uk/book/more-fun-ideas-for-advancing-modern-foreign-languages-in-the-primary-classroom-249.

You can order More Fun Ideas for Advancing MFL in the Primary Classroom for £13.99 in a variety of ways, including:

  • by visiting the website
  • by phone on 01449 766629
  • by fax on 01449 768047
  • by email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
  • or by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 768047

Primary

Successful Gangsta Granny tour extended thru 2017

UK theatre tour of GANGSTA GRANNY by DAVID WALLIAMS continues until July 2017

Great for KS2 Curriculum

GANGSTA GRANNY by the UK’s bestselling children’s author, David Walliams, is now an acclaimed new play suitable for pupils at infant, junior and middle school level (ages 4 to 12) and it will help you cover part of the National Curriculum. The show is currently on tour around the UK until July 2017 before transferring to the West End.

See venue details, photos, reviews and a trailer of the show at www.birminghamstage.com

Special school ticket prices apply at all tour venues and many give free tickets to teachers on duty. Schools can also claim back the VAT on their pupils’ tickets to reduce costs further.

“How do you entertain a thousand deafening under ten-year-olds for two hours? The answer is this cracker of a show, brilliantly adapted and directed, which comes with a smashing cast. It’s totally grantastic!” * * * *  The Mail on Sunday

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake to eat and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be so boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could possibly imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny!

“Kids adore David Walliams’ books and they loved this show. It has an infectious exuberance that answers the writing’s zest and theatricality. Every comic opportunity is grasped!”  * * * * The Daily Telegraph

Gangsta Granny follows Birmingham Stage Company’s hugely popular shows including Horrible Histories, Tom’s Midnight Garden and James and the Giant Peach.

We look forward to seeing you at this amazing children’s adventure!

WHAT THE TEACHERS SAY ABOUT GANGSTA GRANNY!

“Absolutely brilliant – it kept very close to the book and was even better in parts. The show exceeded our expectations – we loved the dancing and the comedy and the scenery was exceptional – so clever how it unfolded. Everyone was truly amazing, with brilliant characterisations. A truly excellent show. You brought the West End to Nottingham!” Highfields School, Newark

“It was an excellent show and very entertaining! It was much funnier than the book and we thought it was very clever. The children loved it! Thank you!” Viscount Beaumont’s C of E, Coalville

” Amazing! Very well portrayed and an accurate representation of the book which more than fulfilled our expectations – it really brought the story to life. The set was so clever and we also loved the costumes. Ben was perfect for the role and everyone did such a great job. No stone was left unturned – we hope David Walliams is proud” Cape Cornwall School
Primary

A unique theatrical winter PSHE pantomime for all ages

Tip of the Iceberg Theatre company have been working in schools for over 20 years and develop unique shows that entertain, involve and inspire pupils.  Many of the schools we worked with asked us if we could meet the need for Christmas shows however ones that also met other areas of the curriculum – so we developed “Pantomime Play”. Our pantomimes are a completely new concept that brings PSHE topics to life in a fun and highly interactive pantomime style performance.  Over the last 6 years the shows have proved highly successful and schools have managed to utilise budgets from key target areas to bring a show into school during the winter term.

This year “The National Elf Service” is touring in December and covers the topics of health and wellbeing.  Due to high demand we have decided this week to put out an extra team and we therefore now have a few dates available, including some in the very popular last two weeks of term. Since these shows have become available quite last minute we are offering a £100 discount on one show, £200 discount on half day bookings and £300 on full days, which means that with a school of 200 pupils that’s around £2 per child.

Prices start at £475 for one show (£375 + VAT with discount).

All our shows come as a complete educational package and include a teaching resource pack with games and activities for the classroom.

You can see videos and read reviews of our work on our pantomime website.

www.pantomimeplay.co.uk

We also tour PSHE plays throughout the year on Bullying, Internet Safety, Drugs, and Puberty and offer great package deals when you book more than one show.

We are always happy to discuss options and prices so do please get in touch if you would like more information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

With regards

Lisa Schulberg
(Creative Director)
www.tipoftheiceberg.biz
Primary, School News

Funding has been released but how to spend it effectively?

The Department for Education has released the first tranche (7/12ths) of funding to local authorities for the Primary PE and Sport Premium.  How much is it, what can it be spent on and how to spend it effectively?

The objective for the funding is to “achieve self-sustaining improvement in the quality of PE and sport in primary schools.  The focus of spending must lead to long lasting impact against the vision that will live on well beyond the Primary PE and Sport Premium funding.”

How much will my school get?

Allocations for the academic year 2016 to 2017 are calculated using the number of pupils in years 1 to 6, as recorded in the January 2016 census, as follows:

  • schools with 17 or more pupils receive £8,000 plus £5 per pupil
  • schools with 16 or fewer pupils receive £500 per pupil

So, a school with 250 pupils will receive £8,000 + £1,250, to make a total of £9,250 for the academic year.

What can schools spend it on? 

The DoE is looking to see improvement against the following 5 key indicators:

  1. the engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity – kick-starting healthy active lifestyles
  2. the profile of PE and sport being raised across the school as a tool for whole school improvement
  3. increased confidence, knowledge and skills of all staff in teaching PE and sport
  4. broader experience of a range of sports and activities offered to all pupils
  5. increased participation in competitive sport

They say it is not to spend on providing coaches simply for PPA cover, or to cover basic aspects of the PE curriculum, such as basic swimming provision.

Ofsted inspectors have been tasked with assessing how effectively leaders use the Primary PE and Sport Premium and measure its impact on outcomes for pupils.  Schools are required to publish details of how they spend this funding and the effect it has had on pupils’ PE and sport participation and attainment.

If you’re looking for a great tool to capture evidence, Youth Sport Trust and the Association for PE have developed a fantastic guidance and template tool for schools to capture evidence.  Click here to download.

How to spend it effectively?

We speak to 100’s of teachers who have had limited training in teaching activity, on average they received just a few hours of PE in teacher training!!!   This has left many teachers not feeling confident or capable of delivering great PE or other activity sessions the children will love.  To achieve the objective of “self-sustaining improvement” how can a head teacher support their staff when they’ve had so little training in the past?

This is the challenge we have tackled head on at imovesdance.com.  We have 100’s of lessons covering the PE curriculum from dance to gymnastics to games that will upskill every teacher, building their confidence and enjoyment with our sustainable, easy-to-use approach.

We provide teachers with every tool they could need; from interactive demonstration movies, lesson plans, music, flash cards and assessment tool.   Our resources are a foundation for PE, but are also cross-curricular and can be used with English, History, Geography and Science; making it easier to get your children active every day!  Saving hours of planning time and with an approach which makes it easy to deliver.

If you would like to learn more about imovesdance.com then click here to view our head teacher pack, or if you’d like to try out some lessons click here for a free trial.

And if you have any questions or queries about imovesdance.com call me on 0114 2661061 or email  imogen@imovesdance.com.

Imogen Buxton-Pickles

Primary

What more can be done to enhance your pupils’ learning of the French language?

 

Some pupils find learning another language a particularly difficult task – partly because there is a whole new set of vocabulary to learn and remember, but also because English phonics cannot be applied to aid them with the pronunciation of this new vocabulary.

Thus a whole new phonics system must be learnt, which is why Brilliant Publications has published Physical French Phonics – a tried and tested system for teaching French phonics which in 2012 was a European Language Label winning project.

Through using Physical French Phonics your pupils will not only learn how to correctly pronounce the French vocabulary that is introduced, but they will also gain the skills to tackle any new vocabulary they encounter with confidence.

How it works

For each phoneme, students learn an action, as well as the graphemes associated with that sound. Cheerful colourful cartoon pictures link the actions to the sounds and help to facilitate learning.

The DVD contains everything you need, from video clips of French speakers saying each sound and performing the associated action and audio clips of all the phonemes and words introduced, to attractive full-colour flashcards and resource sheets and interactive whiteboard files for all the phonemes.

Furthermore, the comprehensive teacher’s guide provides a clear step-by-step approach to introducing pupils to French phonemes. It contains practical advice, activities and guidance, along with photocopiable games and reference sheets.

You can find the complete list of Physical French Phonics’ resources by visiting this link. And to see a sample video from the DVD and a video showing children using the system, please do have a look at our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/physicalfrenchphonics.

The price of this book is £32.89 and you can order Physical French Phonics in a variety of ways, including:

  • by visiting the website
  • by phone on 01449 766629
  • by fax on 01449 768047
  • by email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
  • or by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

Primary

Why isn’t that reindeer flying?

Why there is a great value in maintaining the traditional Christmas stories with children from all cultural backgrounds.

Christmas stories demand a certain suspension of disbelief, and as such the theme of Christmas makes a perfect starting point for storytelling.

And yet occasionally some children do get concerned with how Father Christmas might visit them when they live in an apartment with central heating and no chimney.

For this reason when Snail Tales brings Christmas stories to schools we work from the premise that it is important for the traditional tales of this time of year to retain their form and style, while at the same time engaging with other cultures and indeed modern day life.

That doesn’t mean we actually talk about chimneys and central heating, but rather that we take as our starting point the notion that the Christmas spirit is not just snow (which of course we rarely see at Christmas in much of the UK), robins, and Dickensian images of boxes wrapped in paper.

Our aim is to make it plain that Christmas is also about generosity – and indeed generosity in spite of it all.  It is about camels in the Arabian deserts as well as grumpy widows in the winds of Siberia.

This, we feel, is the real theme of Christmas as it is celebrated all around the world, not just in storytelling but also in puppetry and ballad.

Thus Snail Tales offers stories that will expand the cultural awareness of the children you teach and develop their literacy skills, while giving them a sense of fun in a way they may not come across through any other source.

We offer Christmas storytelling as a full-day and a half-day programme which can include an assembly suitable for the whole school and/or stories for individual classes.  We also offer an optional free after-school staff training session with every whole day booking.

There is more information on www.snailtales.org/christmas. You can also ask us to pencil you into our diary by completing our online booking form.

Or, if you have an immediate question, please do either:

 

Primary

Devising a whole-school Literacy, Numeracy, and/or Science Programme for just a quarter of the price

Since the demand for digital teaching resources has now surpassed the demand for hardcopy teaching resources, we are selling our hardcopy teaching resources for just £5 each so that we can move to selling digital teaching resources only, sooner rather than later.

This means that between now and September 2016 (or while stocks last) your school can get a whole-school Literacy, Numeracy, and/or Science Programme for just a quarter of the price:

A whole-school Literacy Programme = £5 x 68

A whole-school Numeracy Programme = £5 x 36

A whole-school Science Programme = £5 x 18

Alternatively, you can buy the teaching resources separately (at £5 each) by clicking on the subject links above and browsing the categories.

We also have an extensive range of teaching resources for Art and Design, Cross Curricular Materials, Design & Technology, Geography, History, PSHE, Religious Education, Special Needs, and Work Books.

To see our full range of teaching resources, please visit: www.topical-resources.co.uk/.

And, as always, you can order any of our resources by:

  • visiting our website
  • calling 01772 863158
  • faxing 01772 866153
  • emailing sales@topical-resources.co.uk            
  • or by sending your order in the post to Topical Resources, P.O. Box329, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 5LT

 
www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

Primary

Pupils love poetry and song

To help schools enjoy and promote the reciting and learning of poetry, the Performance Poetry Society is offering Primary Schools the opportunity of having Jim MacCool’s Interactive Poetry and Song Shows to visit this Autumn Term.

Jim MacCool’s Shows have proved to be suitable for all ages and abilities of primary school pupils and will enrich and entertain your pupils and staff alike.

Here are some comments on schools’ Web pages and newsletters, after Jim’s visit.

A Poet Visiting Kings Avenue School

On Tuesday the 26th April a fantastic poet named Jim MacCool came to Kings Avenue to tell us about his job. The assembly was so upbeat it was like a concert. We did loads of singing; everyone was having so much fun. He did riddles and was very inspirational. He inspired me to write more poems. Jim brought some fabulous instruments; I want to give Jim special thanks for being so inspiring. By Lattisha – 5S

Jim MacCool at Cragside School

We were so pleased to have Jim MacCool from the Performance Poetry Society today. He performed for reception to year 6, including parents and grandparents, and had everyone clapping, stomping and joining in with a variety of Scottish and Irish verse. It was fabulous to see the children sharing such an exciting experience with their families.We’re all now looking forward to the children writing and presenting their own performance poetry in the classroom. Thanks so much to everyone who came and joined in the fun; sharing the experience with parents and grandparents was very special and exciting for the children.

To find out how your school  can take advantage of this opportunity and join in, please telephone me, Sandra Dennis on 0208 688 6951 or email performancepoetry@yahoo.com for further details.

THE PERFORMANCE POETRY SOCIETY

Working In Universities, Colleges, Schools, Arts Centres, Libraries And Prisons

www.octoberisnationalpoetrymonth.co.uk

The Performance Poetry Society is the longest-serving provider of quality Poetry Services to Schools.

Performance Poetry Society
Tigh a Bhaird
7 Harepit Close
Croydon
CR2 6PN
Tel. 0208 688 6951

performancepoetry@yahoo.com

We operate throughout the year.

www.octoberisnationalpoetrymonth.co.uk

Early Years, Primary

Early Years and Infant Budget Busters

Do you want to make that book budget go further with an excellent choice plus a clear idea of what you’re buying?

Then please see all the wonderful offers on our “Favourites and Phonics” brochure. Including amazing value offers on:

Story Cards – move over big books!
Ladybird I’m Ready For Phonics
Sparklers award winning early years non-fiction
Usborne Young readers
And many wonderful picture books at amazing prices

If you’re looking for end of term presents (or even shopping early for Xmas!) then you will find something here for you.

Please view the brochure at: www.mms-publishing.com/nursery or we can email a PDF brochure directly to you.  No need to open an account to order, all orders supplied on 30 day credit period, and all orders over £50 supplied carriage free.

For any further information please contact: Tel: 020 8898 5211  Email: info@mms-publishing.com Fax: 01536 399012

MMS

Address: 50 Godfrey Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 7PF

selling excellent children’s books and digital

Primary

Savings, deals and discount codes on primary resources with Savings for Schools (plus Summer Sales)

Topical Resources

This year Topical Resources have priced all their titles at just £5 a book (a discount of up to 75%) making their 2016 Summer Sale even better than the last. You can see and order their book titles (just £5 each) on the website at: www.topical-resources.co.uk.

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Education Quizzes

Their library of Primary Education Quizzes is free for a whole year and covers an extensive range of subject areas including: Computing, English, Maths, Geography, History, PSHE, Science, Art and Design, Citizenship, ICT, Music, PE, RE and more! Please visit www.educationquizzes.com/subscribe-today/

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 Don’t Lean Back

Up to 40% off summer offers plus free delivery. Max2 Chair from £23.85. http://www.dlb.co.uk/

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Edventure

Quote HH0515 when you place an order with Edventure and delivery will be FREE! To browse their range of activities, games and play equipment, visit http://www.edventure.co.uk/

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Boardworks

Free Primary OnBoard resources from Boardworks:

Science Free Stuff
Maths Free Stuff
Literacy Free Stuff
Geography Free Stuff

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To see more savings on primary teaching resources (incl. free resources), and to get notifications of future savings, deals and discount codes, follow @Savings4Schools on Twitter and like Savings for Schools on Facebook – Savings for Schools.

Jenny Burrows
Savings for Schools

History, Primary

A great way to start or round off The Romans topic.

!cid_aefaeaee79801479f5421ec68bd393edPupils can speed through the planning stage and write better Roman stories (in pairs) using my Roman writing frame

I am a children’s author who offers assemblies and creative writing workshops for all ages and abilities. Holding a writing day is a great way to start or round off The Romans topic.

Please email workshop@spartapuss.co.uk for prices and availability.

Thanks

Robin Price

What happens in your Roman assemblies?
Pupils take part in lots of fun and interactive things including: Gladiator fighting to the death; Choose an Emperor and salute them in Latin; Roman Master Chef etc.

How does the writing element work?
I follow the assembly up with ‘flash writing’ workshops where children write their own stories in pairs. This is sure to generate some epic Roman tales!

Who is this for?
Gladiators are a bit too scary for Reception, (I do a special assembly for younger children)  Everyone from Y1 up is welcome to attend my assembly. I tailor the content of each workshop to suit Y1-Y6.

Who are you?
I have written 14 books suitable for ages from Reception to Y6, including The Olympuss Games series (which is set in ancient Rome and Greece in a world ruled by cats.) Parents in Touch said: ‘Please, do introduce them to your child; they are such fun and they will encourage an interest in ancient history.’

Assemblies, History, Primary

Viking assembly and writing workshops

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Bring the Vikings to your hall with an interactive assembly followed by writing workshops. Pupils will go on a Viking raid, meet the skald (storyteller) – and hear tales of heroes, myths and monsters. Finally two bands of Vikings do battle with a fun quiz.  I’m a children’s author who teaches creative writing in schools, so I can also answer their questions on writing and perform short extracts from my books Beowuff and the Dragon Raiders.

The assembly is a perfect primer for story writing workshops where pupils will write their own stories. We’ll use the innovative Accelerated writing method (as used by Creative Writing Club).

As well as the Vikings, other topics include: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age Celts, the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Romans, the Celts, the Anglo Saxons, the Aztecs, Mayans, the Great Fire of London, Flooded world (natural disasters), the Normans, the Tudors, the Victorians, Shakespeare, Traditional tales, the Rainforest and many more.  I’m an ex-BBC editor and I can also offer workshops on factual writing (using a historical frame).

About me
I’ve written 14 books for children, over a wide age range (Y1-Y9) including: Spartapuss (Romans), Beowuff (Anglo Saxons vs Vikings) Olympuss Games (Greeks), Boudicat (Celts), Cleocatra’s Kushion (Egyptians).  My graphic novel ‘London Deep’ was chosen as a Recommended Read for World Book Day. I co-wrote the musical version of Julia Donaldson’s books The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. I’ve led writing workshops for Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and The Young Archaeologists Club. Check out my profile on Love Reading For Kids:

  • No school is too large or too small
  • I am DBS checked and I have insurance cover.

For dates and prices please call 0845 838 5526 or email robin@mogzilla.co.uk

Please reply to this email with ‘Vikings’ in the subject line and I will send you my free PDF
‘7 Tips for story writing and a Viking writing frame.

Learning Outside the Classroom, Lunch times, playtimes and school clubs, Primary

With SATs all finished, what have you got on the agenda between now and the end of term?

Now that SATs have finished, you and your colleagues have a bit more freedom to work outside the constraints of the National Curriculum. So what will you do?

Some schools find that choosing a topical theme as a focus for lessons can be highly effective (particularly for those transitioning to secondary school) in enhancing engagement, building confidence, and restoring a love for learning.

!cid_3f35e2b6a14251ac79bc617009eb5a21So the next question is, which theme to choose? The big event this year is, of course, the Olympics, but before that we have the Euros. And lessons built around the theme of football are great for enhancing engagement among boys and also for getting more girls interested in the sport.

In literacy lessons pupils can write newspaper reports and a pundit’s commentary. In maths calculations can be based around ticket sales and the capacity of the ten host stadiums in France. And in PSHE lessons equality, respect, and sportsmanship in football can all be explored.

Then there is PE in which you can teach pupils how to kick, dribble, pass, tackle, mark, defend, shoot, and also how to play strategically. Furthermore, you could buy football equipment for the playground so your pupils can practise their (newly-learnt) football skills at playtimes.

There are Football Training Packs that contain a Soccer Target and 6 x 19cm Footballs at http://www.edventure.co.uk. And if you quote HH0515 on your order, delivery will be free.

You can place an order with Edventure for Football Training Packs at the link above, by phone on 01323 50 10 40, by fax to 01323 50 10 41, by email at sales@edventure.co.uk, or by post to Edventure Ltd, Hargreaves Business Park, Hargreaves Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QW.

Building, furniture, maintenance, energy etc, Lunch times, playtimes and school clubs, Primary

What problem do the majority of primary schools have in common? And how can we solve it?

This increasing demand for primary school places that we have seen since 2009 continues to be a challenge for schools, many of which are simply running short of space. Expansion is obviously not always a viable option, and consequently many schools are having to be increasingly resourceful in finding ways to make the best use of the space available.

One space-saving solution that we have come up and that is proving popular with schools is Benchmark.

Benchmark is a table with built in seats which can seat up to 20 students and which can, within seconds, be folded up and wheeled away.

Imagine that you have six of these in your school hall (enough for 120 children). The total amount of space taken up by the tables once packed away is… 1.5m x 2.4m… not much more than a double bed, and taking up far less space than a conventional table and chairs or bulky ‘stool-type’ tables.

This can leave schools with as much as 56% more storage space than before freeing up the space for storing other things and keeping your hall clutter-free.

Furthermore, the amount of setting up and tidying away time is minimal, making the benches ideal for breakfast clubs and afterschool clubs as well as lessons.

Of course, with such an innovative product there are many other interesting features. Around 100 colours are available and colours can be mixed and matched. And the lift-assist spring system makes packing up and opening out the tables the simplest thing you could imagine.

What’s more, there’s no compulsory maintenance contract (you can have one if you want) – but there is a 15 year guarantee no matter what.

!cid_b9ca1e300087bf56ca2f1cb1f7c2e0d1    !cid_fe47461a8985d6d3596f386a6d8be17d
For more information click here.

Or please call 01752 306 200 or email ideas@versadesign.co.uk.

See us at Acadamies Show – London Excel next Weds 20th

Primary

Savings, deals and discount codes on primary teaching resources with Savings for Schools (plus free resources)

Upson Downs

10% off bespoke school door signage when you quote PDHH1. Choose the design, colour, message and size and we will do the rest. https://www.upsondowns.co.uk/door-signs.html

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Wildlife Aid Education

Free resources and ideas for teaching science outside the classroom http://teachernews.org.uk/?p=2594   Wildlife Aid – home of TV’s Wildlife SOS

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British Red Cross

Free primary teaching resources from British Red Cross http://teachernews.org.uk/?p=2590

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Snail Tails

20% discount on any half-day visit from Snail Tales if you are happy for them to collect data for research. Find out more here: http://www.snailtales.org/news/view/54

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Edventure Playtime Games

Save over 20% on Double Cub Cricket Sets when you order before the 31st March http://www.edventure.co.uk/sports-c15/double-cub-cricket-set-p100

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To see more savings on primary teaching resources (incl. free resources), and to get notifications of future savings, deals and discount codes, follow @Savings4Schools on Twitter and like Savings for Schools on Facebook – Savings for Schools.

Jenny Burrows

Maths, Primary

Practice Papers in Written Arithmetic, complete with National Standard Guidelines and Class Record Sheets

In written arithmetic, once a mathematical concept has been grasped and rehearsed, it is time to move onto the next one. But there is a problem.

For it is not always possible to know if a pupil has grasped a concept thoroughly enough for them to be able to recall it from memory a day from now, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now, and so on…

Which is why it is so important to systematically track pupils’ progress – so that you can instantly identify which pupils are ready to advance and which pupils require more practice.

Thus we have developed a comprehensive series of Practice Papers in Written Arithmetic for pupils in Year 2 to Year 6 (prepared specifically for the 2016 syllabus), complete with National Standard Guidelines and Class Record Sheets.

The resources will not only support your pupils’ learning, increasing their understanding of written arithmetic and thus preparing them for the more advanced concepts to come, but, at the same time, they will enable you to effortlessly measure your pupils’ performance.

Each book contains six photocopiable test papers, similar in style to the new government tests for 2016, which are available as printed copies within a book, as PDFs in an e-book, or as a download from our website.

Answers are provided, along with assessment score indications at the levels of:

  • Below National Standard
  • Towards the National Standard
  • At the National Standard
  • Above the National Standard
  • Mastery of the National Standard

We have also produced the Weekly Written Arithmetic Questions series in support of the practice papers so that your pupils will not only be confident in sitting the tests, but will also be confident in the answers that they give to the questions.

Each volume in the series contains 30 pages of carefully graded arithmetic questions, each with their own full page answer sheet, and covers topics such as, number, calculations and fractions.

The price for the books depends on the format required: Paper book (£17.95), PDF e-book (£15.95 + VAT) or as a download from our website (£13.95 + VAT).

As always, you can order any of our resources in the following ways:

www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

Primary

How fully have your pupils mastered the demands of the National Curriculum?

The new, challenging, literacy and numeracy requirements of the National Curriculum mean that it is ever more important to check your pupils’ depth of learning as they progress. With the new curriculum, there is now even less chance to catch up on unlearned knowledge, through remedial teaching.

Which is why it’s essential to check that all pupils are fully engaged with these challenges each step of the way.

To help ensure that this is the case, we have worked with former Chief Examiner, Sue Hackman, to produce the friendly new Annual Primary Tests, from Imaginative Minds.

These pupil-friendly assessment checks are written specifically for the new National Curriculum. As well as helping children get used to working under test conditions, they also help you see what each pupil has learned and needs to learn.

The tests are easy to use and to mark. They will help you crosscheck your children’s knowledge and progress across Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

Using objectives taken directly from the National Curriculum, the tests give you a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of pupils and classes, and allow you to confirm on-going teacher assessments.

Additionally, the tests are organised by strand to reveal patterns of strength and weakness in different subject strands, e.g. SPAG, geometry and statistics. This will be beneficial for arranging help and catch-up afterwards.

Priced at only £125 for a year pack covering 35 children, the tests are costed to help you keep your expenses low.

Order the tests today and receive a spare Teacher’s Manual absolutely free.

The Annual Primary Tests cover years one, three, four and five. The tests for years four and five are available now from the Teaching Times bookshop: see Year Four here; and Year Five here.

100% money back guarantee

I am sure that you will find the tests are simple to use, pupil-friendly and easy to mark. But if for some reason you’re not happy with them, simply return them and I personally guarantee you a refund on your purchase.

If you would like to order by email, or have a question about the tests, you can email me at james@imaginativeminds.co.uk. Or call me on my direct line at 0121 224 7584.

Don’t forget: you will receive a free extra teacher’s manual, when you order either the Year Four or Year Five tests today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

James Mason
Marketing
Teaching Times
Tel: 0121 224 7584 | Fax: 0121 224 7598

james@imaginativeminds.co.uk | Annual Primary Tests

PS Order today to get the complete test pack for either years four or five, plus an additional Teacher’s manual, at no extra cost.

 

English, Primary

What is the most effective way of helping your pupils not just to decode texts but to comprehend them?

When we consider the many strategies that pupils use to make sense of all the information that they encounter on a daily basis, it is logical that these same strategies should also be used when it comes to understanding what they are reading.

Of course, the problem with this theory is that it is unlikely that children will all use the same strategies.  Which is why we’ve produced the Comprehension Activity Book series for years 1 to 6.

Each activity book contains an array of texts (fiction, non-fiction, poetry…) accompanied by a range of activities to suit your pupils’ preferred comprehension strategy. Activities include circling/ticking the correct answers, composing full sentences, relating the text to their own experiences/empathising with the text, creating a timetable, and drawing illustrations.

The activity books have been designed so that no one is left behind or held back from reaching, or exceeding, their reading comprehension potential. The books ensure that each and every pupil is able to progress at the speed and to the level that is right for them.

You can see sample pages from each of the activity books by clicking on the individual books here.

We have also produced a Comprehension Activity Book for Year 7 which you can use to challenge your Year 6 pupils who have progressed above and beyond expectations.

The activities can either be used with full classes, small groups or individual pupils.

If you are looking at implementing a whole-school comprehension programme using our clear, concise, easy-to-follow and child-friendly Comprehension Activity Books, you can buy all seven books at a discounted price of £112 for the books, £105+VAT for the e-books on a CD, or £84+VAT for the download on our website.

Or if you prefer, you can order the comprehension resources:

  • By phone on 01772 863158
  • By fax at 01772 866153
  • By email to sales@topical-resources.co.uk         
  • By post to Topical Resources, P.O. Box329, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 5LT

www.topical-resources.co.uk
sales@topical-resources.co.uk

English, Primary

What is the simplest way for a left handed person to achieve perfect handwriting?

Many left handed pupils and students find handwriting difficult.   Some reverse d’s and b’s, some smudge their work, some report physical discomfort, such as backache and hand ache as they write.

Yet although many left handed people battle on with this problem, the solution to the issue left handed people face in writing is quite simple: it is to provide them with pens that are designed specifically for those who write with their left hand.

This is the issue we have approached, and after considerable experimentation and research we evolved the ideal solution – a pen with an S bend neck and grip area.

Swanneck

Such a pen enables left-handed writers to hold the pen comfortably at a balanced angle and easily view all letters and words as they are written.  In other words the left handed writer and the right handed writer are now set up on an equal footing.

Indeed so successful was the experimentation that led to the production of this solution, the resultant Swan Neck Pens have passed all the requisite British Standards approvals including EN71 part 1, 2, 3 and BS7272 2008.

You can see a video of the pen being used by a left handed writer here.

Obviously these pens are now being sold to left-handed adults for their own use and for use by their children, but we are also currently offering a special 20% educational discount.  This is available to schools if you quote the reference “Learning 0124” and where we are delivering to the school address.

For more information please…

●       Call 01454 325873.
●       Email: Schools@swanneckpen.com
●       See our website at www.swanneckpen.com
●       Write to us at Swanneck, 151 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 6NT

English, Primary

What is the most effective way of using World Book Day to turn reluctant readers into enthusiastic devourers of literature?

Finding new ways of celebrating World Book Day each year can be difficult – and indeed it is always a fairly safe bet that some of the schools around you will be utilising similar ideas to those which have been used in the past.

But this year there is an approach which will not only engage many children who are not already regular readers of literature, but will also announce to everyone that your school is engaging with literacy in all its modern guises.

The idea is simple: launch an eBook library in your school.

An eBook library means that you don’t have to buy in stocks of library books, check them in and out, attempt to recover lost books, or worry about marked or damaged books.

In essence, pupils simply log in using a tablet or similar device, and then download the book of their choice which they can read wherever they are.

Well over 1000 schools have now moved over to ePlatform’s eBook library – running it alongside the conventional library.  Research shows print and eBooks complement each other to enable more students to discover the joy of reading.

What’s more, reading on devices such as tablets can better engage some children who are noticeably less keen on reading.   This can particularly be the case with children with visual impairments or dyslexia.

Also some children find that the fact that they can add highlighting and notes to what they are reading, as well as instantly look up the definition of a word, is of great benefit.

Research also suggests that reluctant readers are more engaged with an eBook, read for longer with an eBook, and are less likely to become distracted.

In fact, because digital technology is part of their world they actually feel more empowered with reading in this way.

ePlatform has thousands of eBooks available ranging from Roald Dahl to David Baddiel, from Star Wars to Daisy and Jack.  You can see details of our range on the website.

To find out more, please either:

●       Phone 07971 661782
●       Email Rachel@eplatform.co
●       Or visit eplatform.co/uk/school

Rachel Lindsay
ePlatform Business Development Manager, UK

English, Primary

How the Government has recognised our pioneering work with storytelling, and how you can build on it in half a day.

Having the Minister of State for Schools attend one of our school-based storytelling events was indeed a pleasure and a privilege.

Then finding him referring to our research in a subsequent speech was not only unexpected, but also a very pleasant bonus for Snail Tales.

There are links to the Minister’s speech and our research below, but please stay with me for a moment as I’d like to tell you just a little about what we can do with you in just half a day.

Research shows that children who love reading outperform their peers throughout the curriculum. And because a love of reading starts with a love of story, Snail Tales visit schools to help develop an enjoyment of stories among all children.

Our repertoire is mind-bogglingly huge and includes topics as diverse as Ancient Greece, what causes earthquakes, and how to deal with bullies. And, of course, that makes it perfect if you’re looking to introduce your children to the art of storytelling!

All you need to do is contact us with a selection of your preferred dates, number and ages of your children, and your aims for the day. We’ll then let you know how your children will benefit from our storytelling in their classrooms.

A typical half-day visit, comprising class workshops for up to 150 children (30 children in each class) and/or assembly-style performances for any number, costs just £250 plus 25p per mile travel from the location of our nearest available storyteller – and there’s no VAT to pay either!

And there is a 20% discount on any half-day visit if you are happy for us to collect data for the research the Minister mentioned related to storytelling.  Plus there are other discounts for booking multiple days and adjusted costs for full-day events.

To get things moving please do click here for our online enquiry form. We’ll be more than happy to help ensure you get the best possible arrangement for your school. For example, some schools take two weeks of our storytelling workshops for the price of one.

Others get between £50 and £90 discount – please do fill in the form and we’ll help you find the best arrangement to meet your needs.

If you would like to see what the Minister spoke about in relation to the importance of storytelling, that is here as well.

For more information, please click here. Alternatively, you can call us on 020 328 SNAIL (020 328 76245), or email stories@snailtales.org 

Exams, Primary

What is the most effective way of ensuring that your pupils are on track for the new key stage two tests?

The inconsistent rate at which children develop their academic abilities makes predicting their performance and the outcomes of the new key stage two tests somewhat of a challenge.

Which is what makes measuring and tracking progress throughout Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 so important – so changes in the rate of their development can be taken into account when predicting your pupils’ key stage two test outcomes.

Of course, you and your colleagues will already have an established system for tracking the progress of your pupils in each year and subject area. However, such systems are unlikely to tell you how your school compares with others and where you should target interventions.

It is for this reason that we have developed Optional Tests – to help you assess your key stage two pupils’ progress accurately, reliably and on a much larger scale.

Optional Tests are tests that can be used alongside a wide range of approaches to assessment and reporting, which means you don’t have to abandon your current progress tracking procedure in order to improve it.

The tests will help you measure your pupils’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential, and when they are used alongside our Testbase ready-made assessments you will be able to make accurate judgements, provide support, and produce a range of diagnostic reports.

Our tests reflect the content of the new National Curriculum and the style of the new national tests for Key Stage 2. They have been through a vigorous standardisation process – we’ve worked with over 100 schools to produce the questions and the mark schemes.

Once your pupils have completed the tests, simply upload your pupils’ marks into our free online mark-capture and reporting app. We will then produce real-time diagnostics which will tell you how your school compares with others, what your pupils’ strengths and weaknesses are, where you should target interventions, and whether you pupils are on track*

*Available once the new Key Stage 2 national curriculum test (SATs) standard is established.

You can find more information about Optional Tests by visiting our website or calling us on 0845 145 1500.

Behaviour / Motivation, Early Years, Primary

The Little Box of BIG Questions

Philosophical and meaningful conversations with children and young people

Professor Irvine Gersch & Dr Anna Lipscomb

Children/young people need time, space and kindness to speak openly about the things most important to them and listening can help facilitators understand better the root of children’s thinking and behaviour, and can give an insight into how to better support them to reach their potential. Use these cards to provide prompts for a meaningful, stimulating and positive conversation about the ‘bigger picture’ in life. They will help children and young people understand their views about life, school and people important to them, which is enlightening for the facilitators too.

There are four areas for discussion:

•Identity – allows the child to consider what is special about them as individuals & includes: How would you describe the person you are?

•Important people – children are encouraged to consider who is important to them through questions such as: Who is special to you?

•Meaning & Purpose – questions covering our mission and purpose in life, for example: Do you think that people’s lives are set out for them?

•Thinking & Planning – the final set of questions allows individuals to think about how they reflect and make big decisions, for instance: How do you calm your mind, relax and think best? Have you ever experienced a big change in your life?

Contents: 17 A5-size cards, includes instruction booklet with ideas for use

LITTLE BOX OF BIG QUESTIONS ref. 400H £24.99

TO ORDER:
Post: Small World, 9 Burnham Place, Syresham, Northants, NN13 5HT
Tel: 01280 850 305
Fax: 01280 830022

Email: orders@smlworld.co.uk
http://www.smlworld.co.uk/little-box-of-big-questions-order-form-hh.html

To obtain a 5% discount on your order, please quote HH14 on your purchase order form or add the discount code whilst purchasing online.

 

Policies, Primary, PSHE, PSHE and Citizenship, School News

School Policy Update: Government launches “educate against hate” website as part of a renewed drive against extremism

Last week the BBC reported that the DfE has launched a new website entitled, “educate against hate” containing information and advice for schools about how they can help with the renewed drive against extremism.

The website provides “practical advice to protect children from the dangers of extremism”, including the warning signs of danger, how to talk to children about extremism, and steps concerned teachers and parents can take.

NSPCC head, Peter Wanless, commented: “We are contacted daily by worried parents and children themselves on all sorts of issues including radicalisation and dangers associated with extremism.”

“Spotting the signs of such abuse has never been more important if we are to help protect children from sexual exploitation, gang-related activity or other hate crimes.”

The only problem with this renewed drive against extremism is that any changes need to be incorporated into your school’s existing policy on the matter, which can take up a considerable amount of time that you and your colleagues don’t have to spare.

It is for this reason that we create, adjust, amend, and update school policies on your behalf, including the ‘Prevent Duty – Dealing with Extremism and Radicalisation’ policy.

Policies for Schools have created over 290 school policies covering 20 different statutory areas which are easy to customise and thus will save you a considerable amount of time when one or more of your school policies require attention.

What’s more, if you have a specific need of a policy which isn’t listed on the website, we will create it for you. You can find our full list of school policies by clicking here.

To subscribe to Policies for Schools, visit www.policiesforschools.co.uk.

Or, if you’d like to view a few sample policies beforehand, we have provided the following policies which are available to download free of charge by clicking here:

  • Calming Room Policy
  • Professional Learning Communities Policy
  • School Website Policy

Alternatively, if you would like to know more about our service, you can email us at sales@policiesforschools.co.uk,  call us on 01600 891 506, or write to us at Teachers Resource Centre Ltd, Wyastone Business Park, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR.

Link to BBC article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35343679

Play, Primary

Plan ahead for playtimes by checking the weather forecast (Met Office)

According to the weather forecast (Met Office) it appears that pupils across the UK will be spending some of their playtimes indoors for the next few weeks as cold, windy, snowy and rainy weather is predicted.

To see if your pupils’ playtimes could be affected by the weather, you can find a summary of the weather forecast in your region at the links below.

Central, Tayside & Fife Northern Ireland
East England Orkney & Shetland Islands
East Midlands South West England
Grampian Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders
Highlands & Eilean Siar Strathclyde
London & South East England Wales
North East England West Midlands
North West England Yorkshire & Humber

If in fact it does look likely that your pupils will be spending some of their playtimes indoors over the next few weeks, it might also be worth checking your school’s stock of wet play games, activities and equipment.

As wet play resources may only be used a handful of times each year, we have produced a number of wet playtime packs which carry significant savings compared to when the play resources are bought separately.

You can choose from our extensive range of wet playtime packs, which include:

Primary Wet Playtime Pack – saving of £14.95 (18%)
Junior Wet Playtime Pack – saving of £14.50 (17%)
Infant Wet Playtime Pack – saving of £14.35 (17%)
Classroom Favourite Pack – saving of £7.00 (20%)
Popular Games Pack – saving of £4.00 (17%)

What’s more, if you’re reviewing your current wet playtime policy, Edventure has written a policy document to support schools with this process. For a copy of the document, please click here.

As always, you can place an order with Edventure in a variety of ways, including:

  • on the website www.edventure.co.uk
  • by faxing us to 01323 50 10 41
  • by calling us on 01323 50 10 40
  • by emailing us at sales@edventure.co.uk    
  • by post to Edventure Ltd, Hargreaves Business Park, Hargreaves Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QW.

If you quote HH0515 on your order delivery will be free. Without quoting the code the charge is £3.95.

English, Primary

Viking assembly and writing workshops

Bring the Vikings to your hall with an interactive assembly followed by writing workshops. Pupils will go on a Viking raid, meet the skald (storyteller) – and hear tales of heroes, myths and monsters. Finally two bands of Vikings do battle with a fun quiz.  I’m a children’s author who teaches creative writing in schools, so I can also answer their questions on writing and perform short extracts from my books Beowuff and the Dragon Raiders.

The assembly is a perfect primer for story writing workshops where pupils will write their own stories. We’ll use the innovative Accelerated writing method (as used by Creative Writing Club).

As well as the Vikings, other topics include: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age Celts, the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Romans, the Celts, the Anglo Saxons, the Aztecs, Mayans, the Great Fire of London, Flooded world (natural disasters), the Normans, the Tudors, the Victorians, Shakespeare, Traditional tales, the Rainforest and many more.  I’m an ex-BBC editor and I can also offer workshops on factual writing (using a historical frame).

About me
I’ve written 14 books for children, over a wide age range (Y1-Y9) including: Spartapuss (Romans), Beowuff (Anglo Saxons vs Vikings) Olympuss Games (Greeks), Boudicat (Celts), Cleocatra’s Kushion (Egyptians).  My graphic novel ‘London Deep’ was chosen as a Recommended Read for World Book Day. I co-wrote the musical version of Julia Donaldson’s books The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. I’ve led writing workshops for Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and The Young Archaeologists Club. Check out my profile on Love Reading For Kids:

  • No school is too large or too small
  • I am DBS checked and I have insurance cover.

For dates and prices please call 0845 838 5526 or email robin@mogzilla.co.uk

Please reply to this email with ‘Vikings’ in the subject line and I will send you my free PDF
‘7 Tips for story writing and a Viking writing frame.

 

Play, Primary

What children do in wet playtimes has become an issue of debate among some parents. Fortunately a solution is easy to find.

Wet playtimes existed long before we became aware of climate change.  But climate change has made the chance of a prolonged series of indoor playtimes and lunchtimes much more likely.

Indeed, wet playtimes have now become something of an issue, with campaigning websites such as MumsNet and NetMums launching campaigns for schools to engage in what they call “more positive” educational activities on these days.

Interestingly, many of the ideas that the campaigning parent sites put forward are ones that we will all have seen before and which are well established in most schools.

However, because of the change in weather patterns Edventure has been at the forefront of researching and finding low cost resources that can be used on such occasions, giving children a break from formal education while offering stimulating and interesting activities.

As a result, we have a whole variety of wet playtime packs suitable for different types of school – and if you want an overview please do click here.

There are details of specific packs both in our catalogue and online – for example, the Primary Wet Playtime Pack, which has significant discounts against buying the games individually, includes chess, doodle scenes, draughts, frog hoppers, ludo, make a pair, pick up sticks, cards, secret code, shut the box, etc, etc.  More details here.

The Junior Wet Playtime Pack is aimed for use with older children, and once again is available at a discount on the cost of purchasing individual games.  You can see the list of games and an illustration of what’s in the box here.

Of course, there are always some games that children choose as their favourites, and we’ve selected the most popular of all the wet playtime games and put them in one collection – again with a significant discount against the individual purchase price.

Finally there is our unique Playtime Value Pack which contains the four most popular board games of all: chess, ludo, snakes & ladders, and draughts.  As before there is a significant discount for buying the pack rather than individual games.  Here are the details.

What’s more, if you’re reviewing your current wet playtime policy, Edventure has written a policy document to support schools with this process. For a copy of the document, please click here.

As always, you can place an order with Edventure in a variety of ways, including:

  • on the website www.edventure.co.uk   
  • by faxing us to 01323 50 10 41
  • by calling us on 01323 50 10 40
  • by emailing us at sales@edventure.co.uk    
  • by post to Edventure Ltd, Hargreaves Business Park, Hargreaves Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QW.

What’s more, if you quote HH0515 on your order delivery will be free. Without quoting the code the charge is £3.95.

Primary, School News

The huge benefit of not rebooking the same photographer year after year.

When your school photographer comes to take pictures of the children in your school each year, it is quite likely that he or she will invite you to sign up for pictures to be taken the following year.

And if you were happy with the work, there will seem to be no reason not to.

Except that if you were to change photographers you could have the work done for the same price as you are now paying and get a full school photograph as well, at absolutely no extra cost.

Full school photographs make a superb memento of this year in the school – showing as they do all your colleagues plus all the children and their teachers.  And you can have just such a picture at absolutely no charge whatsoever.

All you have to do is not rebook your current school photographer (or indeed cancel the booking if you wish) and invite Fraser Portraits to undertake the work.

You’ll have your existing price guaranteed, we’ll undertake all the work your current supplier offers, and you’ll get the full school photo at absolutely no charge.

What’s more, we’ll produce the full school photo without disrupting the entire school, without taking everyone outside, without stopping lessons, without waiting for the right weather, etc, etc.

The full school photo can be placed in the school hall, in the waiting area so parents can see it, or indeed in your own room.

Apart from being a reminder of the school as it now is, it makes a clear statement about the school as a community – something that, of course, many parents value and like to see.  Have the picture taken each year and you can trace the developing history of the school.

Additional copies are also available for a small charge.  And here’s another bonus – you’ll find us particularly flexible over dates and willing to work across two days if that makes life easier for you.

If you would like to see an example of the result just click here.

To take a look at our new e-brochure please click here.

For more information or to make a booking you can:

  • Take a look at our website
  • Phone 01202 692433
  • Email roy@fraserportraits.com
  • Or write to Roy Fraser, Fraser Portraits Ltd, 206 The Broadway, Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8DP

Music, Primary

How can assembly songs provide a positive and hugely creative experience for young children?

SEALSONGS is a collection of assembly songs which aims to get children engaged through the experience of making and creating music. The lyrics were written with considerable input from Year 4 and 5 pupils, so speak from children to children, and the musical backing tracks were professionally recorded.

But the resource goes further and offers teachers detailed advice on writing new lyrics, leading singing and other ways that SEALSONGS may be used in the classroom. Thus it enables teachers to give young children the positive experience of working with others in creating new songs within the SEAL framework. There is also guidance for non-specialists in how to teach songs.

The SEAL themes are:

Song 1: New beginnings
Song 2: Getting on and falling out
Song 3: Say no to bullying
Song 4: Going for goals!
Song 5: Good to be me
Song 6: Relationships
Song 7: Changes

Two further general songs – one about writing songs and one providing a Rhyme Game – are also included in the pack.

SEALSONGS was written by David Stoll, a well-known composer of music for the concert hall, the theatre, and for television and radio. He also writes children’s songs and for school ensembles, and designs projects in creativity for schools, higher education and the corporate sector. His music is now being published by Novello & Co.

JENNY MOSLEY (Founder of Quality Circle Time) said “SEALSONGS is a wonderful gift to any adult who wants to truly help their class or school embed SEAL as a way of ‘being’ with ourselves and others. We all know that song can lift you to a different spiritual dimension – David Stoll has given us the perfect package to help even the most music-shy amongst us to engage young people in the process of creating heart-warming songs as part of a creative team….. This is an excellent resource.”

HOWARD GOODALL (National Ambassador for Singing) said “These SEALSONGS have the authentic ring of children’s ideas and feelings in every line. This, for me, makes it a valuable and empowering set of musical tools….. with excellent supporting materials and explanations.”

Purchase of SEALSONGS includes a licence for full use of all the material within the school, including recording new versions of the songs.  The complete package is split into different files so that schools may choose which elements they wish to record or print.

Sample music can be downloaded from www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/music/SEALSONGSSamples.rar

You can purchase SEALSONGS in the following ways:

1. As a download, price £10 plus VAT

2. As a copiable book plus CD, price £19.99 plus £3.95 delivery

 

Primary

Films for primary school teachers

Selected from the catalogue of films under the Concord umbrella here are some interesting and thought provoking films aimed at those involved in teaching or leading schools with primary aged children.

Valentines Day
DVD  5 Minutes

For teachers working with challenging children.

Six year old Jason is kicking, screaming and biting his way through school. Mr Valentine, his new class teacher, can’t cope at all, but one day Jason paints a picture that begins to reveal secrets that show a different side to this ‘wild child’. This resource pack is for use in training teachers and other professionals working with primary school children. It was created through drama workshops with hundreds of children and young people. It is designed to provoke debate among professionals about how to work most effectively with challenging children who may be at risk, using fictional characters.

£37.50 plus postage

Bellybuttons are Navels
DVD 12 Minutes

A simple and natural introduction to sex education for very young children.

A woman is reading at bedtime to her grandchildren, Jonathan and Megan, from a book which shows parts of the human body. As she turns the pages, she asks the two little children to identify the parts of the body……. A simple and natural introduction to sex education for very young children. USA.   

£25.00 plus postage

Constructing the Future
DVD 45 Minutes

This film studies the use of constructional toys in a primary school in East Sussex, where they are used for fostering visual-spatial experience, language development, social and personal development and play opportunities, early maths and design skills and the exploration of social issues. In this school there is a very positive equal opportunities policy, whereby the girls are encouraged in this learning as much as the boys, with rewarding results. 

£37.50 plus postage

Don’t stop at the door
DVD  27 Minutes

Parental involvement in an infants’ school.

Looks at parental involvement in one infants’ school in the Newcastle area. It highlights the underlying principles and practice which have to be considered in the process of parent-teacher collaboration in any school. 

£25.00 plus postage

In the light of Tradition
DVD  34 Minutes

This film portrays the successes and problems of an innovative community primary school in its first year. The content is a reflection of the time and commitment of a wide range of people, not least the staff, pupils and community of the school. 

Made in 1986 this film reflects the cultural attitudes and language of the time it was made. The issues raised however are timeless. 

£25.00 plus postage

Language Development
DVD 1983 20 Minutes

The study of language acquisition.

Based on studies of language acquisition, this film notes that children world wide progress through the same sequence of language stages at about the same rate. Through animation, we see how an infant proceeds in the first few months from crying through cooing, early babbling. Dr Merilee Oakes of USC describes over-generalization, resulting from a child’s novel creation of her or his own primitive grammar and finally, filmed sequences show Dr Premack’s laboratory of UCSB where chimpanzees use plastic word symbols to perform such basic language functions as word identification and answering questions. USA. 

This film is of historical interest and reflects the cultural attitudes of the country in which it was made. But the issues raised are timeless.

£25.00 plus postage

Audience  = Nursery and Primary School Teachers 

Rainbow Days
DVD  20 Minutes

A colourful multicultural festival in a London school

Nine schools in Thamesmead take part in a colourful multicultural festival. The Thamesmead Race Equality Forum was set up after racist murders of two black teenagers, and the aim is to do something constructive to overcome fear, and to celebrate the diversity of different cultures. Professional people work alongside the children and community groups in workshops and performances. Although made some years ago, the issues are still relevant today. 1997.
This programme can be rented on our Video on Demand system for £1.00. For this you can view as often as you like within a 48 hour period of your own choosing.

£24.40 plus postage

You can easily order by going to our website www.concordmedia.org.uk or you can order by e-mailing us at sales@concordmedia.org.uk Please put

History, Primary

A great way to start or round off The Greeks topic.

A great way to start or round off The Greeks topic.

Pupils can speed through the planning stage and write better Greek myths (in pairs) using my Greek myths writing frame. 

I am a children’s author who offers assemblies and creative writing workshops for all ages and abilities. Holding a writing day is a great way to start or round off The Greeks topic.

Please email workshop@spartapuss.co.uk for prices and availability. I also offer a wide range of assemblies and workshops – everything from The Celts to the Stone Age.

Thanks

Robin Price

What happens in your Greek assemblies?

Pupils take part in lots of fun and interactive things including: Meet the Monsters, Sparta vs Athens, make laws with Draco the Tyrant, Act out a Greek play using masks etc.

How does the writing element work? I follow the assembly up with ‘Accelerated Writing’ workshops where children write their own stories in pairs. This is sure to generate some epic Greek tales!

Who is this for? Sirens and Spartans are a bit too scary for Reception, (I do a special assembly for younger children)  Everyone from Y1 up is welcome to attend my assembly. I tailor the content of each workshop to suit Y1-Y6.

Who are you? I have written 14 books suitable for ages from Reception to Y6, including The Olympuss Games series (which is set in ancient Greece in a world ruled by cats.)  My latest book is called The Maze of the Minopaw. Parents in Touch said: ‘Please, do introduce them to your child; they are such fun and they will encourage an interest in ancient history!’

Check out my author profile on Lovereading.co.uk

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/author/4076/Robin-Price.html

Drama, English, Primary

FAO the Literacy Co-ordinator – Theatre plays an important part in British culture.

Why a trip to the theatre can inspire an interest for children’s literature.

The tradition of British Theatre stretches back to the Mystery Plays of the 10th century, and there are good arguments to suggest that it is the most enduring and popular of all the art forms in the UK.  Indeed along with Broadway in New York, London’s theatre land is one of the two pre-eminent centres of theatre in the world.

Which is perhaps the strongest reason there is for taking children to see live theatrical productions.  The only question is, which performance should one take the children to?

Perhaps top of the list will always be a theatre performance that is taken from children’s literature, and indeed with The Railway Children, we have a drama that is inspiring and endlessly engaging for children and which of course they can experience through the film and the book as well as at the theatre.

Our production is staged in a brand new 1000 seat theatre at King’s Cross, built around a real train track, with a vintage locomotive that steams into the theatre to really bring it to life.

What’s more, we offer all schools a unique experience by hosting a drama workshop after the curtain closes, which can be undertaken on a class by class basis within the school or at the King’s Cross theatre itself.

Each workshop lasts for just under an hour and is adapted to suit the age of the class attending. By bringing sections of the script to life we will enhance the children’s experience of the show, which will encourage them to write engagingly about the production and their experience.

The Railway Children drama workshops are available for all primary schools that bring 60 or more children to The Railway Children stage show. And workshops for smaller groups are available in the theatre foyer before the performance.

Additionally our Education Guide includes activities for teachers and students and behind-the-scenes interviews with the writer and the director. To download our education pack, please click here.

The ticket cost for The Railway Children production is £16.50 per person, and if you opt for the workshop too, there is a small additional cost of £3 per child (providing there is a minimum number of 60 attendees for the workshop).

To get a taste of what the show is all about, you can watch our short trailer here. 

There is more information on our website or you can contact us on 020 7420 9700 or email enquiries@groupline.com.

To book a workshops or to create your very own bespoke workshop please contact Ellen Bott, West End Creative Learning Manager at ellenbott@theambassadors.com

English, Primary

Assessing pupils’ progress in reading and spelling

Is it really possible to teach reading and spelling using just one resource on its own?

In an ideal world there would be one teaching resource that covers every phonic, every spelling choice, every word pattern, and every spelling rule in the English Language and is suitable for each and every one of your pupils, no matter their age or ability.

What’s more, using such a resource would naturally make it much easier to assess and track your pupils’ progress in reading and spelling.

Fortunately there is one such resource – the carefully structured Reading and Spelling Rescue Programme developed by Multi-Sensory Learning.

Literacy skills are introduced and clearly developed through a series of 20 Modules in over 1,000 imaginative structured worksheets. The Record Chart for each Module has been designed to increase motivation by showing attainable goals, revision activities and space to indicate completed tasks.

Every Module Includes 50 top quality structured worksheets, dictations to reinforce new spelling choices, structured word lists with the emphasis on key words, revision activities and a record chart, full and detailed teaching notes, and placement and progress tests in order to monitor your pupils’ progress.

Every Level has 5 Modules which are A4 ring bound copymasters. There is also an option to have the same resources on CD-ROM. The CD-ROM format makes it quick and easy to print as often as required, with the additional benefit of making individual workbooks.

You can order the Reading and Spelling Rescue Programme in any of these ways:

  • On our website
  • By phone on 01536 399017
  • By fax to 01536 399012
  • By email to msl@schools.co.uk    
  • By post to Multi-Sensory Learning, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, NN17 4HH