A range of winter themed resources for EYFS (links with the Tomtes (Gonks) video clips on Vimeo), KS1 The Ash Lad, KS2 Quests and sagas. Vimeo links to all the clips on Vimeo which can be downloaded. EYFS / KS1 Tomte Tales, Tomtes and the Sledge How to make a Tomte - instructions KS1 - The Ash Lad, The Mastermaid (traditional Nordic tales) KS2 Notes for video and guidance for Solveig’s Quests (3 of them) - to support narrative retelling and writing Solveig’s Quest – transcript and plan Solveig’s Quest – photo resources Text features - Myths and Legends Stories: The Tale of The Ash Lad (Askeladden) and the Troll The Mastermaid Notes for video – KS2 Brynolf’s Quest (Escape to Uttgard) - KS2 story writing Runes In the Shadow of the Fire Mountain - drama outline for improvisation, developing a community, exploring scenarios Character profile sheets - to support drama, character and writing

The Tomtes receive a letter and decide to write their own. They take them to the post box and wait for a reply. The Powerpoint images could be used to develop spoken language. Letters could be written to the children from the Tomtes and used as part of a sequence of learning. Opportunities for oral language development as well as providing a context for scribed writing - party invitations, cards - could also be linked to this resource.

The Tomtes are cold and find jumpers to keep warm. The Powerpoint slides could be used for discussion, oral storytelling and investigations into different materials. The images could also be used for sequencing and developing language.

The Tomtes are back and decide to build a gingerbread house in the snow. Powerpoint slides that can be used for oral retelling with EYFS. Individual images can be used to create opportunities for simple captions. The resource could be used to inspire children to make their own gingerbread houses using biscuits or reclaimed materials.

A resource to support teachers and support staff in identifying key elements that would support pupils with greater depth in writing at KS2. A number of focus sessions are included that could be used individually or as part of a targeted intervention.

An audit document to support English subject leaders and early reading leads review their provision and approaches to early reading and phonics, particularly in view of the emphasis on Early Reading within Ofsted’s EIF. Key elements from recent research findings about the accuracy of phonetically decodable books are also included. A brief prompt sheet for hearing readers to see how well they apply their phonics knowledge is also included.

Based around a drama/ speaking and listening game, the resource enables pupils to work as 'experts' in their field. The resource provides resources (images), a clear outline and guidance as well as links to two films on Vimeo for pupils to give their 'expert' opinions on a number of unidentified objects for The Museum of Incredible Curiosities. Dr Al introduces the films (KS1 and 2 and expert opinions are modelled by Dr Kendra Robinson. Additional images are included as well as examples of museum artefact card writing, including greater depth examples for year 6.

Posters that outline the Reading Strands within the English national curriculum. Prompt questions also appear to support comprehension.

This document uses the reading strands for the end of year key stage assessment (KS1 and 2) and considers possible questions that could support both guided reading and independent activities. A blank column is left for teachers to add additional ideas, questions or approaches that would support the development of reading comprehension in the primary school.

A collection of six football themed poems that could be used for reading, performance or as models for children to write their own World Cup themed poems.

Key knowledge for targets in reading and writing (years 1 to 6) to support teachers in planning and progression in English.

The need for schools to have a clear progression has been highlighted by Ofsted. A companion resource for the Progression in Talk this progression in spoken language from EYFS to year 6 references the National Curriculum and provides a guidance that English subject leaders and teachers can adapt for their schools.

With a raised emphasis on the place of talk within the English curriculum, this resource seeks to support teachers in considering the different types of talk and its effective use in the classroom. A progression from EYFS to year 6 is included as well as references to the National Curriculum. It is intended that subject leaders and teachers can download and adapt the document for their school.

This resource contains links to additional short film clips that can be downloaded from Vimeo and features the Tomtes. The clips can be used for discussion and developing spoken language in Early Years. The availability of little Tomtes (sometimes known as Gonks) in the months before Christmas, along with snow blankets, battery powered candles and other wintry natural materials, lend themselves beautifully to creating small world play environments both indoors and out. Children can create their own natural environments to play and develop their own stories. Tomtes are little people who look after the animals that live on the farms in Scandinavia. They care for animals and only come out at night. They can also speak to the animals in their own language.

A resource for Early Years and year 1 teachers which provides ideas for a seasonal theme based around the Tomtes from Scandinavia. Hyperlinks to short films on Vimeo that can be used for discussion, storytelling and provide other opportunities for language development for young children, are also included. The resource is also suitable for a winter theme, though there are obvious links to Christmas. Powerpoint slides featuring the Tomtes are also available. Instructions for making simple Tomtes are also included. The Tomtes are small bearded creatures from Scandinavia who help farmers look after their animals in the winter. They are inquisitive, love eating porridge, and playing in the snow. As well as developing simple narratives, the theme could be used to look at the season of winter, seasonal foods, animals that live in snowy areas, or a study of a Scandinavian country.

Early Years and KS1 resources and ideas taking a seasonal theme of gingerbread. Links to video materials are also included.

A Powerpoint resource for primary teachers covering different ideas for creating and playing games linked to stories, maths and other subjects.

Creative ideas for themed activities around Maps - English, maths, geography, art to inspire teachers working across the primary age range.

Creative ideas for themed activities around colours - English, maths, art to inspire teachers working across the primary age range.

Creative ideas for themed activities around Time - English, maths, history to inspire teachers working across the primary age range.

The questions are based on the idea of a progression in difficulty or complexity for the development of reading comprehension in the primary school. They are broadly based on Bloom’s taxonomy but also include other aspects of comprehension that it could be argued a ‘good reader’ needs be able to use at different stages. The questions may also prove useful with the current approach of whole class reading or a single text, that many schools seem to have implemented recently: the ‘ACE’ (Apprentice, Competent, Expert) structure thereby allowing some level of differentiation. The ‘Depth’ element is designed to be particularly challenging for pupils and a level of support may need to be provided in order that pupils are able to understand the focus of some of the questions.