This Powerpoint presentation contains prompts for discussion surrounding Drew Daywalt's 'The Day the Crayons Quit'. There are literacy tasks here you won't find anywhere else and yet the presentation is compatible with existing schemes of work. It is hoped that the presentation will provide a colourful springboard for working from this excellent book for Key Stage One.

This unit of work provides a basis for teaching the old spec AQA poetry curriculum for the Relationships cluster of the Moon on the Tides anthology. This is only suitable for teachers still using the old spec so 2015 will be the last year that this PPT can be used. There are suggested learning objectives for approximately half a term of teaching for high ability pupils with success criteria provided for some lessons. For example, pupils are asked to compare two poems by Carol Ann Duffy ('Hour' and 'Quickdraw') with particular attention to techniques and their effect on the reader. Pupils are also asked to consider some unseen poetry. For extension activities, pupils are encouraged to explore writing their own poetry and to think about song lyrics as being poetry. It is hoped that this will help to engage pupils more closely with the topics covered. Page numbers for the Moon on the Tides booklet have not been included, in case teachers are providing their own copies of the poems.

In summary, this resource is a starting point to enable pupils to:
- Compare poems in terms of their form, structure, techniques and effects
- Analyse unseen poems
- Structure their ideas in a logical sequence
- Consider human relationships and how the speaker interacts with the subject

It is not intended to be an exhaustive unit of work as it allows teachers to edit as they see fit, according to their individual needs and the needs of their pupils. As it is for higher ability groups, it is assumed that pupils will have a good working knowledge of poetic techniques, however I recommend compiling a revision list of key terms as part of your teaching of this module. GCSE, aged 14-16

This activity is a great ice breaker for new classes. You will need to create groups of 3-6 pupils. These can be mixed ability or with pupils of similar ability levels. Each group will need a box filled with random objects such as old watches, mirrors, swimming goggles, toy cars, happy families cards, Playmobil or Lego animals, foreign bank notes, postcards etc. Each group needs to come up with a story structure with a beginning, middle and ending and write their version of the story independently. It’s great for sharing ideas and allowing those that normally struggle with their imaginations to feel like they are part of the creative process. Ages 8 to 12, Key Stage 2 and 3, primary and secondary, creative writing

Learning objective: To sort words according to their class This is a task to be completed using old dictionaries that are falling apart or cheap dictionaries from shops such as The Works that are often on sale for £1. Pupils will delight in the opportunity to cut out words from the dictionary. It is also possible to cut out words in advance of the lesson if you think any behavioural issues could materialise. Pupils are asked to sort the words into their class (verb/noun/adjective) and to construct sentences using the vocabulary they encounter. Pupils are able to engage with vocabulary and grammar in a way that they would not normally be able to do. There is also an activity on the Powerpoint where pupils will design their own board game. This activity works well over two lessons at the end of term if you don't want to generate any more marking! You will need: Powerpoint presentation Old/cheap dictionaries Scissors Glue Worksheet with sorting table Grammar, vocabulary, Ages 8 to 12, Key Stage 2 and 3, primary and secondary

This is a loose unit of work based on the novel 'My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece' by Annabel Pitcher. The novel tackles difficult themes such as racism, alcoholism, parental separation and terrorism and has proved to be an extremely good book to open up discussion in the classroom. The Powerpoint presentation includes: - Lesson ideas with learning objectives - Opportunities for creative writing and drama activities inspired by the book - Related vocabulary for optional spelling tests - Success criteria for Levels 5 to 7. - Points for discussion for key chapters The novel could be taught as a cross-curricular link to the study of Islam or Christianity in Religious Studies. This Powerpoint gives pupils the opportunity to develop their speaking, listening, writing and reading skills. The novel is a good example of a contemporary work of fiction and will be a refreshing change for pupils at Key Stage 3 at all ability levels. I hope you and your class enjoy the book and that you have some interesting discussions!