A 45 slide unit of work including: a blurb on the book cover a research task on freak shows create a fact file or PowerPoint on freak shows write an informal letter to Darren’s penpal WAGOLLS and peer-assessment reading assessment preparation and WAGOLL reading assessment on Steve DIRT activities and PETAL grids write a description of a circus performer This has been a labour of love as I loved this book growing up. My students thoroughly enjoyed the tasks and it particularly appealed to the boys who went on to read the rest of the series. All tasks/handouts can be printed from the PowerPoint. Open Dyslexic font used which may be downloaded for free online.

An original 36 slide unit of work based on Homer’s Illiad studying heroes such as Achilles and Odysseus with links to modern superheroes. (2-3 weeks of lessons) Reading assessment based on the opening of the Illiad with WAGOLLS, guiding questions, writing grids, annotated poem, student exemplars and DIRT activities. A unit that will make poetry appealing and accessible to boys in particular.