This story supports Key Stage 2 English and PSHE curriculum objectives. The narrative follows Jamie, a non-binary, dyslexic student who excels at football but struggles with reading, addressing PSHE Mental Health and Wellbeing standards about recognising individual strengths and challenges. The magical realism elements support English Reading Comprehension skills through inference-making and theme identification. Jamie’s discovery of Madame Bastet’s mysterious shop and a magical globe supports vocabulary development and literary analysis. The story explicitly addresses PSHE Diversity and Inclusion objectives by celebrating neurodiversity - Madame Bastet’s message that “different minds have different talents” reinforces that learning differences are strengths. Jamie’s reading breakthrough demonstrates resilience building, and growth mindset principles. Educational themes include self-worth through achievement recognition, empathy for learning differences, and perseverance when facing challenges. The accessible language and relatable protagonist make it ideal for guided reading sessions while supporting statutory PSHE requirements around mental health awareness and celebrating individual differences.

This sequel supports KS2/KS3 English and PSHE objectives, following fifteen-year-old non-binary, dyslexic, Jamie, who has developed from a struggling reader to an aspiring writer. The narrative addresses English Writing Composition standards through Jamie’s creative writing journey and competition success, demonstrating how young people can find their voice despite learning differences. The story reinforces PSHE Mental Health and Wellbeing curriculum requirements about building resilience and self-confidence over time. Jamie’s continued use of the magical globe shows how coping strategies develop and evolve, supporting statutory guidance on managing challenges. English Reading and Writing objectives are embedded through Jamie’s recognition that “the first draft is just the beginning” and “perfection isn’t the goal; expression is.” This directly supports curriculum emphasis on the writing process and redrafting. The narrative addresses PSHE Diversity and Inclusion by celebrating neurodivergent achievement in creative fields. Madame Bastet’s Storyteller’s Pen symbolises assistive tools while emphasising that “magic can’t replace practice,” supporting growth mindset principles central to current educational frameworks.

KS2 English Reading objectives PSHE crucial social and emotional learning. Max, a Year 5 student with dyslexia and ADHD, discovers reading is a powerful tool for self-understanding and emotional regulation. Curriculum Connections: • Develops reading fluency and comprehension skills • Explores themes of perseverance, empathy, and personal growth • Addresses learning differences • Demonstrates how reading connects to real-life emotional experiences Key Learning Outcomes: Pupils will understand that reading serves multiple purposes: helps process emotions, understand ourselves, and connect with others who share similar experiences. The story models how struggling readers can find success through appropriate support, different text formats, and patient practice. Social Impact: This text promotes inclusivity by showing that different learning styles are valid and valuable. It encourages peer support and demonstrates how overcoming personal challenges can inspire helping others, fostering a classroom community built on understanding and mutual assistance.

Literacy Lesson KS2: “The Whispering Curiosity Shop” Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Identify and analyse key elements of the story, for example Characters Setting plot. Explore the theme of mystery and the use of descriptive language. Create their own imaginative descriptions using sensory language. Write a short continuation or personal reflection inspired by the story. PowerPoint outlining the important moments from the story, following Lily’s journey from finding the mysterious shop to discovering the connection between Madame Bastet and her grandmother. “The Whispering Curiosity Shop” is a magical story about a young girl named Lily who visits a curiosity shop to find the perfect birthday gift for her grandmother. The shopkeeper, Ms. Whiskers, with her mysterious feline features, helps Lily discover a special memory box with treasures from Devon - exactly where her grandmother spent her childhood.

PowerPoint on dyslexia made for staff CPD session. There are a number of video links included that can be used with this presentation.

A lesson to develop literacy skills using the Euro Tunnel as focus. I have included my lesson plan and worksheet to support the power point. Learning outcomes Reading: Extract information Writing: Organise and Present information. This can be used as a standalone lesson.