How do I make a good first impression? How do I learn to attend an interview, communicate effectively and grow in confidence? Here are practical answers; an antidote to anxiety. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - • Build rapport from the outset. • Know the difference between helpful and distracting body language. • Learn skills and quickly practice them. • Analyse presentations given by famous people. • Acquire practical skills that make for effective presentations. • Stay motivated, right to the end. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this pack Confidence building activities Discussion starters Expert advice and tips Examples of presentations (good & bad) Games

Your students can create a compulsive plot and compelling characters, but their attention to detail in constructing where their stories takes place can make or break the narrative. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, Your students will learn to - • Bridge information with imagination to create fiction that builds credibility. • Understand how settings can act as secondary characters in their stories. • Layer a sense of place into every scene that they write. • Use a secret weapon to uncover great ideas for a story. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links

Your students can have lots of fun creating compelling settings for their stories. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, Your students will learn to: • Understand how settings can act as secondary characters in their stories. • Use 5 senses as a secret weapon to uncover great ideas for a story. • Learn how to structure their story for success. • Bridge information with imagination to create fantastic fiction. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

How do I write a good persuasive essay? How does my thesis statement relate to the body of my essay? What about the conclusion? Here are practical answers to help with persuasive essay structure; an antidote to anxiety in the classroom. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - · Create a robust Thesis Statement that sets them up for success. · Write Body Paragraphs using proven Point, Evidence, Analysis structure. · Edit ideas so that they have time for analysis. · Practice planning using a workable structure. · Stay motivated, right to the end. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this pack: Confidence building activities Mini and comprehensive writing / planning activities Examples of Simple to Advanced Thesis Statements Examples of Simple to Advanced Body Paragraphs Sample templates to build essay structure

Every picture tells a story, but which one? Here are 8 curated, visual creative writing prompts. Each image includes a writing prompt designed to inspire your students, or help them to write from the heart. Learning objectives: Generating ideas, planning and drafting Developing viewpoint, voice and ideas Writing narratives, considering how authors have developed characters and settings Differentiation opportunities: Ask students to find an image they want to write a story about. You can create your own favourite visual creative writing prompts from headlines. It’s easy to pull up images from pinterest or amazing free image sites like unsplash. All my students enjoy this activity. It can help them generate ideas and write about characters and settings they are interested in.

These mini creative writing activities help students to add authentic details when constructing where their stories takes place. You will find a fabulous bundle of creative writing lessons here. They apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, These lessons will help your students to create realistic settings that elevate and sharpen any story. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

Mr Grinling locks himself out of the lighthouse. Not only is Hamish the cat trapped inside, he also needs to switch on the light to warn the ships that they’re near the rocks! Mrs Grinling has an ingenious plan to get back in…but will it work? The Lighthouse Keepers Catastrophe Kit includes four lesson plans plus all the resources you need to turn up, engage, and teach this fantastic story. Lessons include listening and speaking, comprehension, information and story writing, art and a memory game. Delicious! Includes 4 Full Lessons Plans Learning Outcomes Printables Sequencing activity Story Mountain Story Planner Worksheets Online resources Learning outcomes English • listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers • give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings • use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising • imagining and exploring ideas • listening to and discussing a wide range of poems, stories and non-fiction at a level beyond that at which they can read independently • making inferences on the basis of what is being said and done • predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far • sequencing sentences to form short narratives • re-reading what they have written to check that it makes sense • discuss what they have written with the teacher or other pupils • develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by: writing narratives about personal experiences and those of others (real and fictional) writing about real events Art • use drawing and imagination to develop their ideas. • Use tone, pattern, line and shape in pictures. These lessons are written by children’s author and tutor Claire Vorster. Enjoy!

These mini creative writing activities help students to improve authentic details and take the pressure off when proofing and editing their stories. You will find a fabulous bundle of creative writing lessons here. They apply secrets from master storytellers to build on existing skills, These lessons will help your students to create realistic settings that elevate and sharpen any story. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

There are many great reasons why The Lighthouse Keepers Lunch is so fun to read and teach. Here are four lesson plans plus all the resources you need to turn up, engage, and teach this fantastic story. Lessons include listening and speaking, comprehension, writing, art and drama. Delicious! Includes 4 Full Lessons Plans Learning Outcomes Printables Sequencing activity Story Mountain Story Planner Worksheets Online resources Learning outcomes English • listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers • give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings • use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising • imagining and exploring ideas • listening to and discussing a wide range of poems, stories and non-fiction at a level beyond that at which they can read independently • making inferences on the basis of what is being said and done • predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far • sequencing sentences to form short narratives • re-reading what they have written to check that it makes sense • discuss what they have written with the teacher or other pupils • develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by: writing narratives about personal experiences and those of others (real and fictional) writing about real events Art • use drawing and imagination to develop their ideas of 17th Century London. • Use tone, pattern, line and shape in pictures. Drama • develop confidence using movement • develop spatial awareness • act out a story • facilitate the creation and communication of ideas These lessons are written by children’s author and tutor Claire Vorster. Enjoy!

How do I write a good thesis statement? How does my thesis statement relate to the body of my essay? What about the conclusion? Here are practical answers; an antidote to anxiety in the classroom. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - • Create a robust Thesis Statement that sets them up for success. • Write Body Paragraphs using proven Point, Evidence, Analysis structure. • Edit ideas so that they have time for analysis. • Practice planning using a workable structure. • Stay motivated, right to the end. Resources included in this pack Confidence building activities Mini and comprehensive writing / planning activities Examples of Simple to Advanced Thesis Statements Examples of Simple to Advanced Body Paragraphs Sample templates to build essay structure Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

From Sherlock Holmes to Mary Poppins, some characters stay with readers far beyond the final page. This bundled lesson guide will help your students to master the techniques required to create memorable and complex characters. Your students will learn to: Bring characters to life using key details that contribute to their experience and journey. Create a storytelling style that fits their unique characters. Keep their character’s journey at the heart of their narrative. Avoid the mistakes that turn readers off. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources include Range of activities Visual character prompts Examples of characterisation Discussion starters Comprehension questions Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks!

Ray Bradbury’s advice on how to write confident and compelling narrative? “Let the world burn through you. Throw the prism light, white hot, on paper.” With the right tools, your students can write narrative pieces that blaze. In these lessons they will turn life’s strangest moments into a dramatic story. They’ll gain the skills to become highly attuned to the world around them, develop their voices and create their best work. They will learn how to - • Identify and develop strong ideas that add heat to a story. • Use popular song lyrics to find story ideas. • Beat writer’s block. Discover the technique that award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin uses to make a great start, every time. • Craft compelling stories that are relevant and timeless. Time Allowance / Key Stage 3-6 lessons Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story prompts Images (copyright free) Quotes and song lyrics Story planners for students (2 pages) Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster with any questions. Many thanks!

We’ve all read great stories that end in a rush, and others that should have ended sooner. These bundled lessons apply secrets from master storytellers to help students discover how to write effective story endings. They will learn to - • Review the closing lines of famous novels and develop their own style. • Use a great piece of advice from Pixar Story Artist, Emma Coates. • Try out expert techniques to bring their stories to a close. • Stay motivated, right to the end. • Know when it’s time to simply let go. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies

How do I give a presentation? How do I learn to attend an interview, communicate effectively and grow in confidence? Here are practical answers; an antidote to anxiety. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - • Know the difference between ineffective and successful presentations. • Discover and see what stress and nerves do to the body. • Develop ways to turn pressure to their advantage. • Introduction to presentation skills in the context of business / marketing. • Acquire practical skills that make for effective presentations. • Stay motivated, right to the end. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Resources included in this pack Confidence building activities Discussion starters Expert advice and tips Examples of presentations (good & bad) Handouts Online resources Games

How do I give a presentation? How do I learn to communicate effectively and grow in confidence? Here are practical answers; an antidote to anxiety. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain elements of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to - · Build rapport from the outset. · Know the difference between helpful and distracting body language. · Learn skills and quickly practice them. · Analyse presentations given by famous people. · Discover and see what stress and nerves do to the body. · Develop ways to turn pressure to their advantage. · Introduction to presentation skills in the context of business / marketing. · Acquire practical skills that make for effective presentations. · Stay motivated, right to the end. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

From Sherlock Holmes to Mary Poppins, some characters stay with readers far beyond the final page. These 12 activities will help your students to master the techniques required to create memorable and complex characters. Your students will learn to: • Bring characters to life using key details that contribute to their experience and journey. • Create a storytelling style that fits their unique characters. • Keep their character’s journey at the heart of their narrative. • Avoid the mistakes that turn readers off. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources include Range of activities Visual character prompts Examples of characterisation Discussion starters Comprehension questions Online resource links Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Many thanks!

Mr and Mrs Grinling are looking forward to an extra-special Christmas with their great-nephew, George. But on Christmas Eve, Mr Grinling and George get stranded in the middle of a storm! Can Mrs Grinling reach them in time for a Christmas Dinner? The Lighthouse Keepers Christmas Kit includes four lesson plans plus all the resources you need to turn up, engage, and teach this fantastic story. Lessons include listening and speaking, comprehension, writing, art and a memory game. Delicious! Includes 4 Full Lessons Plans Learning Outcomes Printables Sequencing activity Story Mountain Story Planner Worksheets Online resources Learning outcomes English • listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers • give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings • use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising • imagining and exploring ideas • listening to and discussing a wide range of poems, stories and non-fiction at a level beyond that at which they can read independently • making inferences on the basis of what is being said and done • predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far • sequencing sentences to form short narratives • re-reading what they have written to check that it makes sense • discuss what they have written with the teacher or other pupils • develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by: writing narratives about personal experiences and those of others (real and fictional) writing about real events Art • use drawing and imagination to develop their ideas. • Use tone, pattern, line and shape in pictures. These lessons are written by children’s author and tutor Claire Vorster. Enjoy!

One little spark, that’s all it took to start the Great Fire of London. Here are four lesson plans plus all the resources you need to turn up, engage, inspire and teach KS1 Great Fire of London. Lessons include listening and speaking, history, fiction, writing, art and drama. Watch the sparks fly! Learning outcomes: English • listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers • give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings • use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising • imagining and exploring ideas • listening to and discussing a wide range of poems, stories and non-fiction at a level beyond that at which they can read independently • making inferences on the basis of what is being said and done • predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far • sequencing sentences to form short narratives • re-reading what they have written to check that it makes sense • discuss what they have written with the teacher or other pupils • develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by: writing narratives about personal experiences and those of others (real and fictional) writing about real events History • learning about: events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally [for example, the Great Fire of London, the first aeroplane flight or events commemorated through festivals or anniversaries] the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements. • use inquiry skills to gain information from photographs and written text • understand and create a timeline • offer opinions and suggestions about why things happened Art • use drawing and imagination to develop their ideas of 17th Century London. • Use tone, pattern, line and shape in pictures. Drama • develop confidence using movement • develop spatial awareness • act out a story • facilitate the creation and communication of ideas Lessons include excerpts and an illustration from the popular children’s novel Ellie Sparrow and the Great Fire of London. These lessons are written by author and tutor Claire Vorster. Enjoy!

There’s nothing quite like staring at a blank page. These bundled lesson plans apply secrets from master storytellers as students discover techniques to conquer those first line blues. They will learn to - Grab the reader’s attention from the very first line and hold onto it. Review the first lines of famous novels and develop their own style. Saturate their stories with atmosphere and meaning. Write to inform and entertain. And be ruthless about the editing process. Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or other questions. Activities Speaking and listening, reading comprehension, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Story prompts Story planner for students Online resource links

With the right plot, your students can write confident and realistic narrative pieces. Using these bundled lessons your students will discover techniques to help them write stronger, more authentic stories. They will learn to - • Quickly set themselves up for a successful first draft. • Find great stories in the places they may least expect them. • Understand the importance of having a secret story that drives their characters. • Create tension for the reader by escalating the stakes in their story. • Discover what heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali said about defeat, and how it can help more than they think. Activities Speaking and listening, planning, writing, reviewing. Learning objectives Reading Understanding the author’s craft: story shape Writing Composition: generating ideas, planning and drafting Composition: shaping and constructing language for expression and effect Speaking and Listening Developing active listening skills and strategies Group discussion and interaction: Developing and adapting discussion skills and strategies Resources included in this plan Story Mountain Reading and Comprehension Activities Mini and Comprehensive Writing Activities Famous quotes for discussion Literary examples Online resource links Story Planner Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions. Thank you!