Early Start. Described as a complete beginner’s reading resource, this pack contains 52 storybooks which come in four different genres: realistic, fantasy, anthropomorphic and traditional; 39 words are introduced. A teacher’s resource guide, 40 flashcards and two cassettes are included. Pounds 126.75. Stanley Thornes (Publishers), Ellenborough House, Wellington Street, Cheltenham Glos GL50 1YD. Tel: 01242 228888.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Romeo and Juliet.
To help teachers bring Shakespeare off the page and stimulate students’ imaginations, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has published these packs of 24 slides accompanied by a commentary discussing some of the interpretive choices made by the Royal Shakespeare Company productions over the past 30 years or so. Pounds 23.99. Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW. Tel: 01789 292176.
It’s Our Railway.
In the first education project undertaken by a train operator and Railtrack, the two South Western rail companies have produced this key stage 2 pack. Timetables, route maps, the railway environment, history and railway workers are among the themes. Safety is emphasised. It contains 24 project cards, teacher’s guide and a large colourful wallchart. Further information: 0171 620 5229 or 0171 922 2005.
Listening to Music: Elements.
Seven elements of music, including duration, dynamics and pitch are each investigated in relation to one or two pieces of music in this pack which contains a booklet and audiocassette. In the chapter on Tempo, for example, the children hear how The Little Train of the Caipira speeds up as it starts its journey, rushes along and then slows down. For five-year-olds and older. Pounds 13.99. A C Black, 35 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4JH. Tel: 0171 242 0946.
The Mystery Man.
The mystery man in this five-part educational drama on video is Jesus. Set in contemporary times and acted by students from the Guildford School of Acting, the stories do not exactly parallel the Gospels but have many things in common with them. For 10 to 14-year-olds, it was commissioned by Michael Adie, the Bishop of Guildford. Detailed notes and a full script are included. Pounds 34.94. Guildford Diocese Productions, Grayswood Studio, Clammer Hill, Grayswood, Surrey GU27 2DZ. Tel: 01428 644208.
Zig Zag: the Anglo Saxons.
The first of three titles which support the core student unit 1, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings in Britain, this computer software investigates Anglo-Saxon culture, religion and way of life and looks at how they came here and why. A pupil’s and teacher’s guide are included. Pounds 32. Longman Group, Fourth Avenue, Harlow, Essex CM19 5AA. Tel: 01279 623928.
English Language A Blueprint for Key Stage 3.
Creative writing and the rules of English are covered in this “how to write” photocopiable pack designed for use with less able pupils. The contents follow the process of writing from brainstorming, structuring and drafting through proof-reading and presentation. Pounds 26.99. Stanley Thornes, Ellenborough House, Wellington Street, Cheltenham, Glos GL50 1YD. Tel: 01242 228888.
