Keeping the National Literacy Strategy on course while children are diverted by Christmas is not easy. Each of the 60 photocopiable pages in Christmas Activities provides a way of combining celebration with cerebration. Key stages 12 have a book each. Some of the ideas for younger children are rather prescriptive, but helping elves to learn vowel sounds and compiling Christmas card lists should be fun. Older pupils can compose Santa’s CV, chase words like Yule and Advent through the dictionary, or retell the story of Cinderella in a modern setting. They cost pound;14.95 each from Brilliant Publications.

Tel: 01202 712910 www.brilliantpublications.co.uk