NEWS
Tweeting with the Bard
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is hosting an online Twitter event on February 2. A panel of experts will field questions at #askshakespeare. To represent TES English at the event or view TES resources, go to www.tes.co.ukaskshakespeare
Science under the microscope
A two-part, six-day course on Developing the Role of the Primary Design and Technology Subject Leader will take place at the National Science Learning Centre in York, in February and May. Go to www.data.org.uk
Special needs in spotlight
Nasen, the association for special needs teachers, is holding a one-day conference on the government’s Inclusion Development Programme. It will take place in Liverpool on February 4. www.nasen.org.ukkeystoidp
MATHS
What is it
Shape and space are two important parts of the maths curriculum, encompassing skills that carry over into many other subject areas, such as design and technology, art, geography and ICT. This is a collection of resources divided into two sections, one for key stage 1 and the other for KS2.
How to use it
Resources for KS1 teachers include slides showing pictures of common shapes that can be used as an introduction to a shape hunt around the school (uploaded by jurkra), a worksheet for an outdoor shape hunt, where pupils can add photos of shapes they have found (Maxine Stokes), and a worksheet for naming and describing 3D shapes (Miss Mac).
KS1 activities include a set of eight basic shapes that can be made into a fan for easy reference (Gaob), an activity for pupils to explore packaging shapes and make their own box (Hamilton Trust) and a range of tasks to develop thinking skills that can also be used at KS2 (Chris Crispus).
The KS2 section contains a series of symmetry resources, including shape outlines that pupils can complete to show reflective symmetry (kbarker86) and worksheets where pupils can draw lines of symmetry on shapes and letters of the alphabet (peggy21). A booklet on Islamic art includes activities on repeating patterns (mrsblacknell) and a Connect 4 game for pupils to decide which shapes could make up the outline of monsters (collaborative).
TESiboard has also developed a number of interactive resources, such as a tool to rotate shapes, a game where pupils guide a rocket to its destination, and a game where pupils program a chameleon to catch flies.
Where to find it
Both parts of the collection can be found at www.tes.co.ukshape-space-primary
SEN
What is it
This collection provides visual support for pupils with special needs. It was developed by Bev Evans, a teacher who specialises in SEN ICT and a top contributor to TES Resources (bevevans22).
How to use it
The collection includes classroom signs in both standard PCS (picture communications symbols) and Widgit format, “wash your hands” strips to go above sinks, a set of reminder cards on class rules and Widgit symbols for visual timetables.
Two sets of sheets with objects and suggested outlines can be used to help pupils practise their scissor skills, sheets for practising following-the-lines have an increasing level of difficulty to improve pencil skills, while a printable finger-spelling alphabet can be used for display or as large-format flashcards. PowerPoint can be used to explain keyboard layout, with clear descriptions of different functions.
Photocards of events in a child’s day can be used for discussions, sequencing or play, there is an interactive presentation on how everyone is different to support inclusion, and a speech and language game can be used to improve or assess listening skills.
Topic material includes story-writing cards (below), with suggestions for characters, settings, beginnings and endings, a presentation on body organs, healthy eating photocards, a PowerPoint on farm animals and pond-life identification cards.
Where to find it
The collection can be found at www.tes.co.ukSEN-visual-support
DT
What is it
This is a selection of the best recipes for baking and making in school.
How to use it
The Grain Chain, a website for five to 16-year-olds, has recipes appropriate for different age groups, with activities focused on growing, making and baking. Examples include quick pizzas, for five to seven-year-olds, and fruity muffins, for seven to 11-year-olds (uploaded by VCS). A simple bread recipe can be used for shared reading before the practical, and instructions for jam tarts are aimed at early years (both Rebecca_louise_691).
NEN has contributed a collection of recipes, while 22 videos feature step-by-step instructions alongside food facts, cooking tips and healthy eating information (royballam). There are also recipes for a pirate-themed party (GreatGrubClub) and biscuits (hellcorner) and recipes and evaluation sheets for making fruit smoothies (Schilder).
Harris School has uploaded recipes for scones, Cornish pasties and burgers. More exotic fare comes in the form of an African snack, using fruit and honey, with ideas for further activities (SendaCow), an Indian chutney (GreatGrubClub) and a tagine (Hamilton Trust).
The British Nutrition Foundation offers recipes with healthy eating information and lesson ideas, while a webpage allows pupils to create their own virtual kitchen, where they choose the chef, tools and ingredients before recording a presentation of their instructions (NEN).
Where to find it
The collection can be found at www.tes.co.ukdt-recipes
All of these resources and more can be found at TES Resources, a collection of more than 50,000 lesson plans, activities, games, ideas and worksheets, covering all subjects from early years to post-16. To view resources, or to upload your own, go to www.tes.co.ukresources.
