This is a pack of English book-themed activities, which can easily be used across KS2. They are all ideal for a Book Day or for independent work at other times of the year. The activities cover the following areas: *Famous authors anagram and word search puzzle - this has four versions with differing levels of support and an answer sheet provided. *ICT focused task, using Publisher to design an imaginary book cover. All images and templates are provided in the task sheets. There are also 2 extension activities included. *Four differentiated comprehension sheets on Edward Lear’s poem ‘The Jumblies’. The poem is also provided, as are answers for each version of the task. More detailed teacher notes are also included in the pack. These activities are great for use on a Book Day or during class book study sessions, providing opportunities for independent work from Years 3 to 6. Please see the Goldtopfox shop for more great resources on a range of topics: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

A full and original Early Years/KS1 Christmas show play script, which is ready to perform and can also be adapted to your performance needs. Imagine the scene: Davey the Donkey is minding his own business in his field, when three sheep suddenly appear and tell him of the dreadful fate of Santa. He’s stuck in a chimney! How will the children get their presents? Too shy to make a suggestion, Davey watches as a selection of well known Christmas characters and farm animals try and fail to release the stricken Santa. Eventually, Davey saves the day using teamwork, donkey strength and his knowledge of an enormous turnip… This is a fun and educational story for the Christmas period, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. Key information: Age range: 4-6 years Show running time: approx. 30 mins Number of parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school Christmas performance and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other ‘Goldtopfox’ TES resources for a full package for this show, including sound effects and song suggestions: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12941225

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. In this story, we meet a 10 year old Robin Hood and learn about his struggles at school, how he met his most famous comrades and, of course, the reasons behind his rivalry with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. This exciting tale of adventure and heroism is perfect for an end of year extravaganza or as a more scaled down class performance. It is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. Key information: Age range: 7-11 Show running time: 50-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30 The show also contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for an alternative full package for this show, including all music and sound effects: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-robin-hood-s-school-days-primary-school-play-script-with-all-music-and-sounds-11356401

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. 'Chocolate Wars' tells the tale of King Cocoa's journey of food discovery during a contest to design a wonderful new flavour of chocolate. It is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. In addition, the show incorporates a number of healthy eating themes, linking directly to the following topics: IPC milepost 2 units: 'Chocolate and 'Shaping Up' Key information: Age range: 7-11 Show running time: 50-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30 The show is designed for a whole class or year group performance (or as a great way to begin/end a topic) and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for an alternative full package for this show, including all music and sound effects.

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. Mrs. Laces and her many children are a strange bunch...but, then again, what else would you expect from a family that lives in an enormous shoe? Despite their unusual lifestyle and their worries about the dangerous animals that live nearby, they are a happy lot and are not even remotely interested in upgrading to a brick-built dwelling. However, when the youngest daughter wanders off one day, Mrs. Laces has to make a very brave decision indeed. This is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. In addition, the show incorporates a number of cross-curricular themes, linking directly to the following topics: • The 'Habitats' topic in the UK science curriculum • The IPC Milepost 1 science units 'Earth - our home', 'I'm Alive' and 'Live and let live' Key information: Age range: 5-7 Show running time: 30-45 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school performance (or as a great way to begin/end a topic) and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for a full package for this show, including all music and sound effects.

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. Professor McFly is one of the most brilliant scientists of our time, who has finally created his greatest invention...a time machine! Together with his faithful assistant Judy, his not-so-useful friend Bones and his fiercest rival as an unwanted stowaway, the Professor embarks on a breathless journey through history, where he meets his three heroes of science. His adventures are constantly hampered by the evil machinations of Dr. Crow, as well as by the relentless detective work of the dreaded Time Police, leaving the Professor in a race against time to return home. Science fiction meets science fact, with a smattering of history...who could ask for more? This is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. In addition, the show incorporates a number of cross-curricular science themes and links directly to the following topics: • The IPC Milepost 2 units 'Time and Place, Earth and Space'; 'Explorers and Adventurers'; 'They made a difference' and 'Inventions that changed the world' Key information: Age range: 7-9 Show running time: 45-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school performance (or as a great way to begin/end a topic) and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for a full package for this show, including all music and sound effects.

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. Aladdin is a frustrated singer, who is working for his domineering mother’s window cleaning company. When a strange old man asks Aladdin to clean the windows of his spooky mansion, our hero is given one simple warning...don’t clean the round window on the top floor. Aladdin, of course, cannot resist temptation and gives the window a quick polish; what follows, is a genie-driven chain of unfortunate events which leave Aladdin with a lot of mess to clear up. This is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. Key information: Age range: 7-11 Show running time: 50-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a whole class, year group or school performance and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. This resource contains a script only. Please see the following Goldtopfox TES resource for a full package for this show, including all music and sound effects: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-aladdin-a-pickle-primary-school-play-script-with-all-music-and-sounds-11360618

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. Bernard is just an ordinary farmyard duck, known only for his nervous nature and wonky flying. One stormy night, however, he is struck 3 times by lightning and, from this moment on, he is changed forever. Bernard has become...Superduck, the most powerful aquatic bird in the universe! However, special powers also bring special responsibilities and Bernard, together with his trusted gang of mismatched farmyard friends, is soon faced by a new and powerful foe...Farmer Ted’s new batch of pigs. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of the farmyard, these porcine intruders are not intending to fit in with the old ways. No, they want to take control and only one very special duck can stop them. This is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. Key information: Age range: 7-11 Show running time: 45-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school performance (or as a great way to begin/end a topic) and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for a full package for this show, including all music and sound effects.

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. Class 2 have a problem...their teacher, Mr. Moody, is the grumpiest person in the world and never allows them to let their hair down. After another failed class birthday party, the children decide to take action and ask Miss Partridge, the magical school secretary, for help. Armed with her flying carpet and trusty book of spells, Miss Partridge whisks the children and their reluctant teacher away on a helter skelter journey around the world, taking in several exciting celebrations along the way. Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Mardi Gras are all on the party agenda, before our heroes realise that they need to get back home to celebrate Mr. Moody’s birthday...will they make it back to school on time and help their reformed teacher to become a real party animal? This is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. In addition, the show incorporates a number of cross curricular themes and links directly to the following topic: • The IPC Milepost 1 unit 'Let's Celebrate' Key information: Age range: 5-7 Show running time: 45-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school performance (or as a great way to begin/end a topic) and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for a full package for this show, including all music and sound effects.

A full and original Early Years/KS1 Christmas show play script, which is ready to use but can also be adapted to your performance needs. The Wilson family are all excitedly looking forward to Christmas, but there is a slight problem...Charlie Wilson's strange present request. For a very important reason, she wants a one metre tall stepladder and nothing else will do, no matter how much her parents and siblings suggest otherwise. This all means that Santa and his elves have their work cut out, as they race around a variety of unusual characters in their seemingly doomed search for Charlie's gift. Perhaps, however, one forgotten and under-appreciated elf can save the day? This is a fun and educational story for the Christmas period, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. Key information: Age range: 4-6 years Show running time: approx. 30-40 mins Number of parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school Christmas performance and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for a full package for this show, including sound effects: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-charlie-s-gift-eyfs-and-ks1-primary-christmas-show-play-script-with-sound-effects-11388663

A full and original KS1/Lower KS2 Christmas show play script, which is ready to use but can also be adapted to your performance needs. Imagine the scene: Davey the Donkey is minding his own business in his field, when three sheep suddenly appear and tell him of the dreadful fate of Santa. He’s stuck in a chimney! How will the children get their presents? Too shy to make a suggestion, Davey watches as a selection of well known Christmas characters and farm animals try and fail to release the stricken Santa. Eventually, Davey saves the day using teamwork, donkey strength and his knowledge of an enormous turnip… This is a fun and educational story for the Christmas period, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. Key information: Age range: 6-9 years Show running time: 40-45 mins Number of parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school Christmas performance and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see the following 'Goldtopfox' TES resource for a full package for this show, including all sound effects: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-davey-the-donkey-ks1-and-ks2-christmas-show-play-script-with-sound-effects-11413488

This pack is designed for teaching an enjoyable English lesson on writing with humour through Christmas jokes. It is also ideal as an easy-to-use activity to keep your class entertained as the Christmas holidays draw nearer. The lesson includes an introductory teaching PowerPoint and a pair of differentiated worksheets (with answers). Although the lesson is aimed at upper primary school children, the easier worksheet can also be used with younger classes. Includes: • Introductory PowerPoint presentation • Two differentiated worksheets (middle/higher and lower ability) • Answer sheet Please see the Goldtopfox shop for a full range of useful teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

A full and original primary show play script, which can be used in a variety of teaching and performance areas. Mrs. Laces and her many children are a strange bunch...but, then again, what else would you expect from a family that lives in an enormous shoe? Despite their unusual lifestyle and their worries about the dangerous animals that live nearby, they are a happy lot and are not even remotely interested in upgrading to a brick-built dwelling. However, when the youngest daughter wanders off one day, Mrs. Laces has to make a very brave decision indeed. This is a fun and educational story, which is enjoyable for children to read and perform, as well as being straightforward for teachers to organise and direct. In addition, the show incorporates a number of cross-curricular themes, linking directly to the following topics: • The 'Habitats' topic in the UK science curriculum • The IPC Milepost 2 science units 'Do you Live Around Here?' and 'Land, sea and sky' Key information: Age range: 7-11 Show running time: 45-60 mins Number of speaking parts: up to 30+ The show is designed for a class, year group or whole school performance (or as a great way to begin/end a topic) and contains differentiated roles, in order to allow for inclusion of pupils of all abilities. Please see other 'Goldtopfox' TES resources for a full package for this show, including all music and sound effects.

This pack is designed for teaching a fun English lesson on creative writing with a Christmas theme. It is also ideal as an easy-to-use activity to keep your class entertained as the Christmas holidays draw nearer. It is designed for use in Years 3-6, but can also be easily adapted for other age groups. The objective of the lesson is for the children to create an imaginative and descriptive list of 10 things that you would find in the pockets of various Christmas characters. The lesson includes an introductory PowerPoint and a pair of writing support sheets. Although the lesson is aimed at upper primary school children, the support sheets could also be used with younger classes. Includes: • Introductory PowerPoint presentation (with teacher notes) • Two writing support sheets Please see the Goldtopfox shop for a full range of useful teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

This pack is for a fun KS2 Christmas design and creative writing lesson, in which the children will plan an invention to rescue Santa from the chimney. It is also ideal as an easy-to-use activity to keep your class entertained as the Christmas holidays draw nearer. After drawing, labelling and describing the invention, there is also a challenge task of writing instructions for the designs. Includes: • Introductory PowerPoint presentation • Design plan template (lower and middle/higher ability) • Instructions writing template I have used this lesson in Years 3-6, but it can also be easily adapted for other age groups. Please see the Goldtopfox shop for a full range of useful teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

This pack is designed for teaching a straightforward Christmas English grammar lesson on the use of commas to add extra information. It is also ideal as an easy-to-use activity to keep your class busy as the Christmas holidays draw nearer. It is aimed at Upper KS2, but the differentiated activity sheets mean that it can also be easily adapted for other ages. Includes: • Introductory PowerPoint presentation. • Three differentiated worksheets (higher, lower and middle ability); these also contain extension tasks. Please see the Goldtopfox shop for a full range of useful teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

A fun and easy-to-teach lesson for KS2 book study work or for World Book Day. The lesson focuses on discussing favourite book characters, before creating social media ‘bookface’ pages for them. This involves using knowledge of the character to design an online-style profile for him or her, which should reflect their behaviour and characteristics in the story. The children have the opportunity to work imaginatively, while also applying what they have learnt from reading their favourite books. Tip 1: It is worth giving the children advance warning of the lesson, so they can choose a favourite book character and bring the book to school with them. Tip 2: The social media aspect of the lesson also makes it an opportunity to discuss some internet safety issues. There is differentiation built into the lesson, with a challenge task and writing support frameworks for those who need them. The flexibility of the lesson means that I have been able to use it in Years 3 to 6, but it could also be easily adapted for younger children. Includes: *Teacher PowerPoint presentation *3 differentiated ‘bookface’ profile template sheets (covering lower and middle/higher ability) *Full planning, linked to English curriculum Please see the Goldtopfox shop for more great teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

This is a fun and engaging quiz that can be used at any time of year. It contains 20 multiple choice questions about some crazy Guinness World Records - they are virtually impossible to know, so it is all about the children guessing and having some fun! It is great to do in small teams as a 'back to school' ice-breaker, as it gets the children talking about some real nonsense... All answers are included on the PowerPoint, as well as internet links to each record (in case anybody doesn't believe they are real). In addition, the last 2 slides of the PowerPoint contain an optional independent task for the children to try, which involves creating an account of their own imaginary weird world record. There also 2 differentiated writing templates included to support this. This resource includes: *25 slide PowerPoint, containing all questions, answers, internet links and outline of optional independent task. *PDF version of the PowerPoint for printing *2 differentiated writing templates for the optional independent task Please see the Goldtopfox shop for many other useful teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox

A word puzzle for primary children, which is based on Edward Lear's 'Jumblies' poem. This would be ideal for use around World Poetry Day (21st March 2017). 2 versions of the puzzle are provided (with and without clues).

A fun and easy-to-do 'back to school' activity for your new class, which is ideal for getting to know each other and for creating a first day display. The objective of the lesson is for the children to create an imaginative list of 10 things that they would like to have in their school bag for the first day of a new school year. Their choices can be as strange or as sensible as they like, allowing for plenty of creative writing opportunities. The resource has two writing frames - one for a simple decorative piece and one for adding more imaginative written details - so the task can easily be differentiated to your class' needs. I have used the activity across KS2, but it can also be easily adapted for younger children. Includes: • Teacher PowerPoint presentation - provides instructions and examples for introducing the activity. • Writing frame 1 - can be completed with personal details and the 10 chosen items and then used for display. • Writing frame 2 - can be used to add imaginative written details about each of the children's 10 items and can then also form part of the display. Please see the Goldtopfox shop for a full range of useful teaching resources: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/goldtopfox