Blue pencil blog banner 27th Jun 2019

4 Top Tips For Using Writing Prompts In Primary Classes

“Don’t you know who I am?” 

“Yes. I just don’t care.”

Nope, it’s not the first ten seconds of your lesson from hell – but one of many creative writing prompts that you may uncover with a little basic Googling.

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Light Blue Pencil blog banner 19th Jun 2019

Teaching Children to Write Opening Sentences | KS1 Literacy

“The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.” – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson.

The very first line in a book can almost tell a story in itself.

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orange pencil blog banner 12th Jun 2019

Inspire Your KS2 Pupils with our Narrative Writing Checklist

Whether we read them ourselves or have them read to us, enjoying a story is one of life’s simple pleasures. However, when it comes to writing one, it can seem very complicated indeed.

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blue read me blog banner 16th Apr 2019

Exercises To Improve Sentence Structure

As essential as the morning bell, registration and lunch break, we all need structure in order for life to make sense. 

… And our literacy studies are no different.

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light blue read me banner 12th Apr 2019

Tips For Engaging Primary SEN Pupils With Literacy

We love teaching, but few would deny that it’s a tough gig. With classes of up to 30 children to educate, spanning a variety of backgrounds and ability levels, we often need to be 30 different teachers at once. 

This includes being a teacher of SEN children, whether you chose to specialise or not. 

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Red pencil blog banner 2nd Apr 2019

Create Self-Sufficient Storytellers with These Independent Writing Tips

Do your pupils lack the confidence to write independently? Do they daydream and distract each other, instead of getting their heads down to devise their first masterpiece?

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blue read me blog banner 28th Mar 2019

Captivate Your KS1 Class with These Grammar Slammers!

Even for the most passionate of teachers, grammar doesn’t make for the most thrilling of dinner party conversations. If your KS1 class is starting to snooze over syntax, simply throw these grammar slammers into the mix and turn dull lessons into dazzlers! 

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red read me blog banner 5th Mar 2019

Fun Literacy Lessons for World Book Day

On the first Thursday of every March, we ditch the school uniforms to dress up as our favourite literacy legends. That’s right – it’s time for another World Book Day!

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orange pencil blog banner 27th Feb 2019

3 Ways For KS1 to Explore the Stories of Dr Seuss

“I am what I am! That’s a great thing to be! If I say so myself, happy birthday to me!”

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Blue pencil blog banner 29th Jan 2019

3 Engaging Activities For Teaching Children To Write Complex Sentences

Complex sentences… They’re easy when you know how.

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Light Blue Pencil blog banner 14th Jan 2019

National Storytelling Week: How To Instil Read-Aloud Confidence In Primary Pupils

To help pencils to scribble in your primary school classroom, National Storytelling Week takes place from 26th January to 2nd February 2019, as organised by The Society for Storytelling. With thousands of events taking place all over the country, it’s the perfect time to encourage reluctant storytellers to share their creative ideas.

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blue read me blog banner 17th Dec 2018

What Is Vygotsky's Theory and Why Is It Important To KS1 Literacy?

As a primary teacher, you know that all children learn differently; what makes the penny drop for Jamie could be confusing for Jade, while Jackson remains dedicated to staring out of the window.

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