I know only too well how intimidating computers can be for primary teachers - even with the aid of on-line tools like Purple Mash. With this in mind, and being extremely computer literate myself, I produced a series of Teacher-friendly PowerPoints (with embedded videos) and Worksheets to fully support the module. As my TAs commented - these make it so easy, even for us! The pack covers the Purple Mash topics Creating a Flip Book Introduction to 2Animate Animations with backgrounds and sounds Exploring animations More advanced animations I delivered these lessons in 5 one-hour sessions, over half a term. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

Pleases ensure that your students are OK with flashing images, etc… and show slides accordingly. Students absolutely love these - and for many, it’s the very first time they’ve seen optical illusions. It’s so much fun to watch their expressions - “Mr. James…these hurt my brain! WOW” The slides present the illusion, and then additional slides try to break down some of the illusions and explain how they work. The PowerPoint contains over 50 illusions, and I’d suggest showing just a few at a time - maybe as a weekly or fortnightly 15 min filler. The PowerPoint also contains an embedded video with extremely powerful, moving illusions. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

The HyperText Markup Language, or HTML is the standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser. (wikipedia definitions) This is a series of 45-60 minute lessons that will give students (and often, teachers) a much greater understanding of what a web page is and how they are created. Each lesson comprises: - a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides - loads of embedded videos (if you need to extract, click here) - worksheets and self-evaluation files The lesson objectives are: - what is a web page - how does HTML work - creating a web page using HTML To support these lessons, see - what the Internet is (available as a FREE resource) -the Internet and the World Wide Web ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested" - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

This collection of questions and situations, presented in a PowerPoint presentation of over 100 slides, really provokes students into deep thinking! There are no answers as such. This is not a yes/no type of exercise. All the slides present situations and questions that provoke the students to find their own answer, knowing that there remains uncertainty! Once familiar with the slides, you will be able to come back with your own follow up questions, further provoking students to rethink or reconsider their answers. Students feel frustrated, but more so, extremely elated! Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested" - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Search words: thinking, thought, insight, brain, training, questions

The Scratch 3 version is here. Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects In this project, students create a question and answer quiz using different backdrops for each question. There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch. My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach: - break the project into manageable chunks - present “pseudo-code” for each chunk - provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code. The lessons comprise: 1. a PowerPoint with instructions 2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout 3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.

This is part of a set of top rated, “turbo-charged” (just take a look), self-contained (what every teacher craves), stimulating (genuinely loved by students and also great for VERY high ability students) morning starters, each with a main task, plus an extension for those who solve the challenge more quickly (this should avoid the question… “I’ve finished… what should I do now?”). Each challenge is self-explanatory, and should take approx. 15 - 30 minutes to investigate/solve. The tasks are presented in a visually exciting PowerPoint (which I loved creating), with a logical progression of clues guiding students towards the solution. The slides are animated where appropriate to provide clearer explanations and are designed to encourage students to adopt a “mathematical brain” (no sledgehammers allowed! - a slogan my students now associate with me!). Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: math, numeracy, numbers, arithmetic, starters, challenge, brain, stimulate, problem, mental, thinking, abstract

Click here for a full listing of all my Scratch Projects In this project, students create their own Music Player with levels of menus for different categories of music. The corresponding music tracks can then be uploaded. There are many sites offering Scratch Projects. However, many tend to be like recipes - students almost mechanically enter code and create “delicious cakes”, without learning a lot about Scratch. My goal is to get students to create a fun project, and at the same time learn how the instructions work and fit together. I use the following approach: - break the project into manageable chunks - present “pseudo-code” for each chunk - provide the Scratch commands to implement the pseudo-code, but jumbled up In this way, students learn about pseudo-code (an important part of coding), and have to understand the Scratch instructions in order to sequence them correctly to match the pseudo-code. The lessons comprise: 1. a PowerPoint with instructions 2. a Word document with the instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout 3. accompanying Scratch files for teachers that match each stage of the project ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested”, and continually updated. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so please provide constructive feedback.

This is part of a set of top rated, “turbo-charged” (just take a look), self-contained (what every teacher craves), stimulating (genuinely loved by students and also great for VERY high ability students) morning starters, each with a main task, plus an extension for those who solve the challenge more quickly (this should avoid the question… “I’ve finished… what should I do now?”). Each challenge is self-explanatory, and should take approx. 15 - 30 minutes to investigate/solve. The tasks are presented in a visually exciting PowerPoint (which I loved creating), with a logical progression of clues guiding students towards the solution. The slides are animated where appropriate to provide clearer explanations and are designed to encourage students to adopt a “mathematical brain” (no sledgehammers allowed! - a slogan my students now associate with me!). Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: math, numeracy, numbers, arithmetic, starters, challenge, brain, stimulate, problem, mental, thinking, abstract

This set of varied worksheets provides a comprehensive set of fun exercises to give pupils practice with the alphabet. For children who are already totally familiar with the alphabet, the exercises will provide a great challenge to test their knowledge. For children in need of further consolidation, the exercises will improve their grasp through repetitive exposure to the alphabet in a variety of fun ways. My experience is that children love these exercises in the same way as they love crosswords or Sudoku - they are focused, self-contained and personally challenging.

Rock Paper Scissors provides the theme for this lesson on game playing, game designing and strategies. The lesson really brings this (hitherto) simple game to life and pushes it to the very limit. Children (and adults) love it! Driven by a PowerPoint full of illustrations and animations, and even links to videos (!), this lesson introduces children to the game, and then challenges them to play it as a class game in a very unusual and stimulating way. Even as an adult, I find this a real mental challenge, but great fun. Following on from this, there is analysis of the game, and opportunities to extend the game, devising rules and tables of outcomes. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested" - before I publish on TpT, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness - but there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Search words: games, paper, rock, scissors, lizard, Spock, challenge, brain, fun, mental, class, strategies

A variety of exercises to give children practice at using pronouns. See Prepositions and Pronouns for a package on both Prepositions and Pronouns. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested" - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Search words: literacy, grammar, pronouns, worksheets

Having been a substitute teacher in over 100 different classes in countless schools, I have learned a thing or two over the years - really! The absolute most important is - establish your expectations right at the start. The day is then productive and enjoyable for both you and the children. I use this PowerPoint EVERY time I teach a class for the FIRST time, or as a reminder if I am returning to a class after a period. It guides me and the class through the critical first 30 minutes of the day. Slides are accompanied with detailed Notes where appropriate to explain how the slide is best used. ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested". Before I publish, my lessons are tested in the classroom by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness.

Fractions - love them or hate them, they're part of life!! This resource uses the Tangram shapes to explore fractions and equivalence in a fun (yes!) and visual way. It can be used an an exploratory introduction to your fractions module. Included is a Word document with 5 pages of investigations, an answer grid, a PowerPoint with various resources for you to adapt, and a downloaded youtube video ("A Sage's Journey The Story of Tangrams").

This is a series of 10 by 30-45 minute lessons looking at the inspiring and motivational topic "Going for Goals". The lessons cover: 1. Personal dreams 2. Setting your goals 3. Achieving your dreams 4. Obstacles 5. Giving up - excuses 6. Overcoming obstacles 7. MY achievements 8. Big Dreams 9. Big Dreamers 10. My big dream Review Each lesson is presented through a colorful and stimulating PowerPoint presentation of ~150 slides in total, with clearly defined Learning Objectives, and is accompanied with ~10 worksheets and ~25 videos. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practicing teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY "classroom-tested" - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximize their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback.

This is just a fun activity that should fill a spare 10 to 15 mins. Without talking, and with hands behind their backs, children must arrange themselves in order of height, shoe size, etc... A great way to explore and develop non verbal communication skills.

WRITTEN FOR THE NEWLY RELEASED SCRATCH 3 In my series of Scratch projects, students are encouraged to learn through doing - creating projects that encourage learning. In this NEW series of lessons for Scratch 3, I provide a more structured approach, looking in detail at Scratch programming tools. Each tool is explored through simple projects, and students then go on to further explore using guided project worksheets. What is Scratch v3 The following lessons will be published as a package shortly - please Follow Me to be kept up to date with their publication. Events and Triggers Controls Motion and the Stage Data Variables Operations - number Operations - text The Graphics editor The lessons comprise: a fully animated PowerPoint with explanatory slides, together with the project instructions a Word document with the PowerPoint project instruction slides printed 2 to a page as a handout for students to follow accompanying fully-working Scratch3 project files for students and teachers Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions, and a BIG BIG thanks for looking (as a full time practising teacher, I KNOW how time consuming this process can be). ALL my postings are FULLY “classroom-tested” - before I publish, my lessons are tested by both myself and colleagues, rigorously evaluated and discussed, and continually updated to maximise their effectiveness. But there is always the possibility of error and room for improvement, so do please provide constructive feedback. Teacher/Author: Barrie James Search words: scratch, computer, programming, coding, algorithm

Lessons in this series so far (always more to follow): A series of lessons exploring Scratch 3 programming concepts. Scratch v3 Tutorials A FREE lesson explaining all about sprites, scripts, stages, etc… An introduction to Scratch A maze type project that adds multiple levels of complexity. Save the Penguin Students create a question and answer type quiz, adding a timer, scores and other enhancements. Design a Quiz Students create a game where they move a target with the mouse to shoot the ghosts. The time allowed and the speed and number of ghosts can be varied. Ghost Busting Students create a Music Player with layers of menus for different categories of music. Audio files can then be uploaded as the tracks for each category. Music Player Students create a simulation of a toy bear that responds to “touch pads”, speaks and talks. Interactive Toy Bear Students draw shapes and repeating patterns using the pen in Scratch. Drawing patterns and shapes Students create a space game with a scrolling backdrop (sprite) and alien spacecraft appearing from any edge attacking the base. Base Attack A game similar to Flappy Birds but moving an Octopus through a wall of hungry Sharks. Flappy Octopus Students must capture items in their journey through 2 worlds. Worlds Cost-effective Bundles: All NINE projects for the price of six Projects 1-3 Projects 4-6 Projects 7-9