This quiz is based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Two possible answers are provided to each question. If the wrong answer is selected a mysterious forfeit is revealed. If the correct answer is selected then that leaves more precious reading time . Included is an information text about ancient broom-stick games from around the world where pupils are required to compare and contrast the evolution of various hilarious games and will be inspired to invent their own gaming broomstick perhaps. This resource will complement the reading of J.K.Rowling's book but will also appeal to Potter fans in general. This is ideal to use as a post SATS brain teaser and will encourage further reading at the same time... Suitable for ages 8+

This resource accompanies a Power Point presentation which can be found in my shop but could also be used without it. It tests pupils' knowledge about the firefly squid and their understanding of bioluminescence including photophore cells. It gives pupils the opportunity to unscramble key words from the text and to go further with their own research about oceans with specific reference to Japan. This resource would be useful for World Oceans Day but could also be used for any investigation into sea-life and ocean phenomena. Suitable for ages 10+

This Power Point uses persuasive writing techniques to inform us of the dangers of global warming. Pupils are asked to retrieve information and identify specific techniques from the text in a series of related questions. They are asked to design a poster outlining four simple things we could do to slow down global warming. Anagrams of key words from the text need to be solved. Useful links are given to promote further investigation. This resource will support research about pollution, global warming and climate change. Ideal for promoting discussion and independent research.I include a word document about polar bears and how they are adapted to the Arctic environment. Pupils are asked to consider the dangers polar bears face and to question whether global warming is the only issue. Is there more we could do to help them?Moreover, I include a Planet Patrol puzzle which contains over twenty interlocked words concerning conservation issues which could be easily differentiated according to ability. All answers provided. Suitable for ages 10+

This resource is a story about a King who does not listen to his adviser's words, whilst watching a spectacle involving a talented magician. The adviser proves in the end that through sheer hard work and consistent effort, he deserves his freedom from the dungeon. He uses his own words to prove a point. Pupils answer questions involving retrieving information from the text, making inferences, explaining writer's choices and composing an extended answer advising a friend who is struggling with their schoolwork. This is a resource which would be useful at this time of year when trying to encourage a good work ethic and improve performance. Answers and mark scheme are included. Suitable for ages 7+

This resource includes some facts about jellyfish and an interesting newspaper report about a sea turtle who manages to eat a jellyfish without suffering any bad consequences. Pupils are invited to investigate further by finding out more information about these two wonderful creatures and what they like to eat. Simple instructions on how to draw each creature are given. Ideal when studying seas and oceans and when encouraging independent investigations of marine animals. I include a word document about the problem of plastic waste in our seas and oceans . Pupils can read the article and discuss ways in which they can take some responsibiliity for this growing problem. Ideas from Greenpeace are put forward and students are required to contribute more of their own suggestions. Suitable for age 7+

This resource looks at ancient broom-stick games around the world and asks students to read the information collated from Kennilworthy Whisp’s Quidditch Through the Ages and then answer a series of questions. The students will need to compare and contrast games from different parts of the globe as well as the different qualities of broomsticks which were invented as a consequence of partaking in the games. Finally students are asked to invent their own broomstick, think of a catchy name for it as well as describe its outstanding features. All answers are provided. This resource will appeal to Harry Potter fans particularly and is one of many Potter-themed resources which can be found in my shop. Suitable for ages 8+

This resource outlines the development of the broomstick as an instrument for racing. The information is taken from Kennilworthy Whisp's Quidditch Through The Ages. Pupils can see how the various models of racing broomstick have developed through the ages from the humble Oakshaft to the Twigger 90, each model has its qualities and flaws outlined for all to see. Pupils compare and contrast between the broomsticks in order to glean enough information to answer the questions relating to each text. Two texts and differentiated questions are supplied with answers provided for both. Pupils are invited to go on and invent their own racing broomstick and build on the qualities of the Nimbus or the Moontrimmer, thinking of a catchy name for their own creation. This resource will appeal to Quidditch players of all ages.

This animated Powerpointresource portrays three of the pure bred dragon breeds taken from Newt Scamander's latest edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and asks pupils to compare and contrast between the three. Having read the informative texts, the students are required to retrieve relevant information to answer a series of questions. Finally they are required to launch a campaign to save the most endangered of the three dragons featured here: the Swedish Short-Snout. Pupils must put their persuasive writing techniques to the test and add weight to their arguments by designing an eye-catching poster. Reminders are given about how to make a persuasive speech. Answers are provided. This activity will appeal to Potter fans of all ages and will promote wider reading and further investigation into mythological creatures.The resource is presented both as a Powerpoint and as an accompanying word document.

This animated Power Point collates several pieces of writing about hurricanes. There are informative texts, diagrams, eye-witness reports as well as poems about hurricanes. There are before and after descriptions as well as a transcript of a public radio announcement broadcast before a hurricane strike. Having absorbed and discussed the varied texts, students are then given the option of writing either a news report, an appeal leaflet or a poem inspired by this fascinating phenomenon. I include a resource about wild wind which would be useful when discussing poetry and in particular personification. Suitable for ages 10+

This animated PowerPoint consists of 25 slides and is intended to accompany the reading of Patrick Ness’ novel, A Monster Calls. Students are asked to consider what constitutes a nightmare and how our senses can feed into our subconscious mind. They are required to consider elements of a Gothic novel and how atmosphere is created both in terms of the words and the illustrations here. What is the significance of the ancient yew tree and how does this relate to modern day cancer treatments? Pupils are asked to list what they can glean about the major characters and to examine where their own sympathies lie. Finally they are required to write their own review of this memorable novel and are invited to do their own independent research about Herne the Hunter and the techniques the illustrator used to ensure this novel became a multi-award winning one. I include a resource about mindfulness as a tool to help with anger issues and difficult emotions which Conor might have benefited from as he coped with losing his mother. Also included are other word documents which display information about the mythology of the Green Man and a poem which is a call to the Green Man, which will be useful when discussing wider symbolism and environmental issues.There are worksheets on which pupils can record character sketches for both major and minor characters within the book, as well as explore Conor’s emotional struggle in graphic detail. Suitable for ages 12+

This animated PowerPoint presents a short quiz based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The audience is presented with three possible answers to each question. The correct answer will magically reveal itself. Pupils are required to make as many Muggle words as possible out of the letters contained within the Hogwarts' house names. Finally students are presented with information texts describing two different breeds of dragon. Their task is either to design a meal which will tantalise the taste-buds of a Peruvian Vipertooth or else design a matching shield and gauntlets set made from the skin of the Swedish short snout... This resource will appeal to Potter fans of all ages. Prior knowledge of the text is not vital.

This animated Powerpoint asks pupils to improve sentences by adding adjectives. They are asked to identify adjectives within a paragraph and then to alter the tone of the paragraph by supplying different adjectives to the ones given in the original version. Colour synonyms need to be sorted into those associated with red, blue, yellow and green and pupils are then given objects and scenarios to describe using these more unusual words.Two poems are showcased one about the changing colours of the sea and one about the colour red. Lastly an extract taken from J.K.Rowling’s The Prisoner of Azkaban is displayed and pupils are asked to consider how she appeals to different senses through her descriptive techniques. A worksheet is included in word format to accompany the Powerpoint and to explore further creative writing activities as well as a further Power Point which takes extracts from The Prisoner of Azkaban and asks students to identify spelling errors. Answers will reveal themselves as if by magic. Suitable for ages 8+

A resource aimed to improve grammar skills. Adjectives, adverbs, common nouns, proper nouns and verbs can be revised and revisited whilst a story unfolds set in a Victorian Manor House. These resources can be used as stand alone lessons or as homework to reinforce literacy skills. The story builds and unfolds to keep pupils engaged and interested, wanting to know what happens next. For the complete animated story see The Waverley Manor Mystery. Suitable for ages 8+

Resources to promote thinking about anger issues, autism, animal welfare and loneliness in the elderly. Suitable for ages 10 to 14.

This animated powerpoint consists of nine slides and is a collection of different examples of writing about Autumn. There are slides containing informative writing such as signs to look out for that the season is changing and also an instructional text on how to make vegetable stew. There are three poems on an Autumnal theme, one about adjusting the clocks, one in the form of a Haiku and one about spider webs. This resource is suitable for pupils aged 7 to 11 and could be utilised in any Autumn themed activity.

This animated Powerpoint resource comprises ten slides explaining the techniques of persuasive writing. It uses the mnemonic A FOREST to help students remember the features of persuasive writing and tests their knowledge with multiple choice questions. The students are asked to write either a speech to help the elderly people in their community or organise an event to raise money for a new skate park. I include "In the Basement of the Goodwill Store" a poem by Ted Kooser and questions which will make students reflect upon their attitudes and behaviour towards the older generation. This resource is aimed at pupils between 12 and 16 years.