tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9736536550909999422024-03-19T01:48:48.483-07:00Early Years ResourcesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-64403797300381187052015-03-17T14:41:00.000-07:002015-03-17T14:41:00.112-07:00Jack and The Beanstalk<p><font size="6">Display<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wzd2gC_cmvA/VQX8dp2gELI/AAAAAAAADDw/YF7IJULKtPQ/s1600-h/jack-animation2%25255B3%25255D.gif"><img title="jack-animation2" style="float: right; margin: 10px; display: inline" alt="jack-animation2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5kdKRP6188Y/VQX8eawQmPI/AAAAAAAADD4/NffSDNlSDjc/jack-animation2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="122" align="right" height="139"></a></font></p> <p>With the topic title ‘Petals and Pots’ we have been looking at planting and growing this term. Naturally we have explored the Jack and the Beanstalk story. </p> <p>If you are looking for Jack and the Beanstalk display ideas, look no further! </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I wanted a 3D display, they’re the most eye catching and inspiring for the children. It’s not only a celebration of the children’s work but also a writing prompt for further work, ideally. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXAX1UUEtKZsIkfxlb5hm1WTqyEirY8X0EKc1lJbbn_w0p1MpAfnnKujSzxxx8MhXO26zuKml4UJV01VN6squSOIxb1zElT6JZ3jNicCNpJsW_KazeXSRyWIIey1yjaY6VVfguB_7a2M/s1600-h/jack%252520dispaly%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="jack dispaly" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="jack dispaly" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mX4zsDZPylI/VQX8gr98OrI/AAAAAAAADEI/LFcQKfO8VIw/jack%252520dispaly_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="283"></a></p> <p>The leaves all have tricky words on that we are covering this term in Phonics. There are 3 pieces of work included in this display:</p> <ul> <li>instructions for planting a seed</li> <li>retelling of the story with a [<em>Name</em>] and the Beanstalk twist</li> <li>retelling of the story using pictures as a prompt</li></ul> <p>The children painted and created the leaves and the boots and the clouds. I twisted the beanstalk shoots for the display but the rest was made by the children. I have since added question prompts for the children as discussion points. </p> <p>It’s just an idea. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-26549534344740105242015-03-15T14:16:00.001-07:002015-03-15T14:16:54.022-07:00Interactive Date Board<p>Please feel free to download and use this interactive SMARTboard date board. </p> <p>Features include <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjdU9Qb2tpdmFoQVE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img title="date board" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="date board" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mld7foc2E4M/VQX2w1KcihI/AAAAAAAADDg/ZFCJD0Y7hOQ/date%252520board%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" height="170"></a></p> <ul> <li>days of the week</li> <li>numbers of the month</li> <li>months of the year</li> <li>weather</li> <li>temperature</li> <li>seasons</li></ul> <p>It does not include years but you could add that in yourself if that’s important. I didn’t have a space for it when making it. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-49489216539149030472015-01-29T13:39:00.000-08:002015-01-29T13:54:49.455-08:00Numicon Bingo<p><font size="5">No Longer Illusive!</font></p> <p>I have Googled and Googled and not managed to find Numicon Bingo, so here it is. </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjMk5ndVB2cFp4MTA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img title="web1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="web1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x2OwxOAfEIw/VMqsJgDnfyI/AAAAAAAADC8/q_hnAyhXKPs/web1%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="137"></a></p> <p>I know a lot of us are using this fantastically practical and visual resource. With a focus on moving the children on and raising their expectations, this Numicon bingo focuses on teen numbers to 30. I only stopped at 30 as it was taking me so long to make the bingo! </p> <p>There are 16 bingo cards (target groups, mixed ability pairs) and the corresponding calling cards. </p> <p>Enjoy!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-47673965702522014292014-09-23T13:00:00.001-07:002014-09-23T13:00:19.463-07:00Days of the Week<p><font size="6">A Good Website</font></p> <p>I have recently found this website, it’s quite good and fun and interactive for the children teaching them about days of the week. </p> <p><a href="http://www.turtlediary.com/kindergarten-games/math-games/days-of-the-week.html"><img title="dotw copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="dotw copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F4KQdV6LNOY/VCHRUP_F7XI/AAAAAAAADCo/zMPjQWxz-X0/dotw%252520copy%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="155"></a></p> <p>Children can work through it independently or on the interactive whiteboard. Enjoy!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-85786760481298068892014-05-14T12:59:00.001-07:002014-05-14T12:59:46.081-07:00Capacity<p><font size="6">Children Use Everyday Language</font></p> <p>These words are so ambiguous! Do they want us to talk about volume? Is it as simple as full and empty? Do they want use to ask the children to say which has the larger capacity?</p> <p>Obviously, water play in the summer is a fantastic time to cover capacity, but to what extent? </p> <p>I have been doing a few Google searches and I’ve found <a href="http://www.kidslearningstation.com/full-empty/" target="_blank">a few worksheets</a>. I’m not a fan of worksheets but I think they do have their place in independent work, to allow children to consolidate their learning. </p> <p><a href="http://www.kidslearningstation.com/full-empty/" target="_blank"><img title="worksheets" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 5px 10px 2px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="worksheets" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPIIDyh3V7fMsYeGWjgEvt1UfOraffNWZnRDTDex9PTmDdP-BMX4rJcfv21b7jACF4TEbX1lByO-uC8VAkJ860CW1R23ovWA1U_HH_-bgSHwz5cTibOdbIRBRkYckAO5KazUSmsWfi8c/?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" height="207"></a></p> <p>We tend to save the capacity topic until the summer as it’s best done in the water tray and it’s rather cold to play in water in the colder months. </p> <p>In the Development Matters, in Positive Relationships: what adults can do it says, ‘use descriptive words like ‘big’ and ‘little’ in everyday play situations and through books and stories. Be consistent in your use of vocabulary for weight and mass.’ </p> <p>It is important to use words like ‘full’ and ‘empty’ when explaining capacity and ask questions like ‘which container holds more/less water?’ </p> <p>The children really enjoy learning in the water and it’s a fantastic environment to hear some wonderful language. Children may also talk about objects sinking and floating, a wonderful opportunity to compare objects and capture some <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjWmdoMTdqSk9YVmc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">magic moments</a>! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-89833901248451217492014-05-12T14:08:00.001-07:002014-05-12T14:08:54.986-07:00Blending Cards<p><font size="6">Phoneme Blocks with Phase 2 and Phase 3 Words</font></p> <p>Just a quick post to share the resources I made<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrWobU8oox9qHcIbMPK3DtIK5c2BJrYjwGrLqNsj1dXlsDPP8FKY7fcrwVfY28s6Fp3RoOaAKC3Q76mq1LIIGm0W9KMw3s1cDRujeRiCj14ib4w4-9iUR5oRfiI4ZiqJ5gcWhdaM3W5g/s1600-h/ph2ph3blend%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="ph2ph3blend" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ph2ph3blend" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pOG_NTxuOwM/U3E4XkNdOnI/AAAAAAAADCA/U6tydCV9PrM/ph2ph3blend_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" align="right" height="244"></a> for my Phonics intervention groups. These are resources I’m intending to use for the whole cohort in the Autumn group, for the lower attaining group in the Spring group and intervention groups in Summer. </p> <p>To download these blending cards (all 52 pages) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjcjQ0RTI1SEtSQms/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p> <p>The blocks are made into phoneme blocks, not letter blocks, ie ch-i-ps and t-ur-n-i-p so where there are any diagraphs they’re to be written in the same box. </p> <p>More resources coming soon! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-67114380276004511262014-04-10T03:15:00.000-07:002014-04-10T03:15:00.962-07:00Adjectives<p><font size="6">‘Happy’ and ‘Sad’ Aren’t the Only Words!</font></p> <p>My favourite way of teaching adjectives to Reception aged children is through the game, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hasbro-Games-HAS05801-Guess-Game/dp/B00004XQX7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396775975&sr=8-1&keywords=guess+who" target="_blank">Guess Who</a>. But you can also make your own guess who game using pictures from the internet. </p> <p>I use a home made guess who game when talking about bugs. There are bugs with stripes, six legs, eight legs, wings, no legs, thin bodies, fat bodies, there are many ways to describe and identify different bugs. </p> <p>This would also work well with aliens. </p> <a name='more'></a> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dwZX26IJkIM/U0EpS2OuNDI/AAAAAAAAC_s/KuGdmtAFxWM/s1600-h/bug1%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bug1 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bug1 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAekVXDEH5LBij8GZgKTD0OlzlmC3cFAd5_VCUCqCVPMRUU8Toyv9D8aUGf56eZ9i4820VB7oLGGxQyZW-6jzhGGJV8CDrw4fKiL0_HbHE50BtNahPbqyTua2iedCFhzpZghLMKwcT35w/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrN43Ovz_3qvJqIM8Cz04G8FSd-TeqIyvcAHCpW6xIuuQG-AAu4abaNotKslHHpr8fxfHwm2L6K3QdE4QFzQ9ZfcmTexNWgFgmyCmSLQqUmWUEdcKeVSC2BrLwziJz-B5twFJ9ACQmCg/s1600-h/bug2%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bug2 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bug2 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-egqA5NyUamQ/U0EpVHQOyNI/AAAAAAAADAE/BYVyWHxPC4Y/bug2%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hhLiPyYTh40/U0EpV8Q_RII/AAAAAAAADAM/0tS3Q8ln5Tw/s1600-h/bug6%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bug6 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bug6 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwFhJTQ7WjtIAQomjm3rXqTnT8nbAwDCpVAct-BrX3Ycn7fzqGb0i4d-mo8v_oubxafp4rg1kcR6IpBm0t2MTEjxmbA3uCFolyg_vbzC4Nk8WuLvQMLsqzuC16xIPiObMwUNfh8gH09g/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tne8q9DpcYs/U0EpXR7HfQI/AAAAAAAADAc/JDmP5fqEtHc/s1600-h/bug5%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bug5 copy" style="border-top: 0px; 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border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bug4 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I8xkmm3ndZk/U0Epaj9lFeI/AAAAAAAADBE/b_UP6OQuqUQ/bug4%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc6VLIFVNlWP5HORKkMoAM43XVOMtY1xgO3becqrj3F82Uy-_KKqai-QMFt76p6f6f4et3S9fu2ZiRI3E4v8jiCvDISNlTgFxxgdNWsCdDGzf2QdhTnkfRgUCKWOch7LU12Z0-KyqLng/s1600-h/bug8%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bug8 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bug8 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDeuujcLLkd8xcxbdxdp0g8lMgrXveHayfiE4zNRVECGDCzYo6OjFg7oTWNL1q4epCSd5e5Bj59mTsYk1Wa9J9oOxppCebZvyCyociSdOPrDyuujJClpp7_hRA_xl0TwdjiGZ1nmrzGk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xSOXzugoUqI/U0Epc0GlO1I/AAAAAAAADBc/efbYycyqjos/s1600-h/bug3%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bug3 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bug3 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikCfIAD-yX1joqsX_fnXTqD4urQtMaSjz1ZVy6e5N7U5T8NY9KBDNWNhxiXOEQU4tQ8O4nyKvqCDZ9M5I4Px0TxZ-9hXc_CxmpcDt1um2nYqkJOSZRulnRx-1PijD_o2uxAOkvkHFOkM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>This is one for children to work in pairs, where one child describes the creature for the other child to guess. It’s a speaking and listening activity which can be developed into a writing activity, where children can write a ‘Who am I?’ card. </p> <p><font size="5">Getting More than ‘Happy’ or ‘Sad’</font></p> <p>When shown a picture of a person looking worried or excited, children will often say that the person is ‘sad’ or ‘happy’ rather than using other words. </p> <p>To develop children’s feeling vocabulary, from the start of the year I ask the children to show me their ‘excited’ face or some similar emotion and develop this through the year. </p> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"><br><img style="margin: 43px 0px 0px" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHjDdVDjoQdM7EhQqXg9C8M379r28ShQeXmOv5j0DLHc0fl4yq" width="150" height="158"></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><br><br><img style="float: none; margin: 50px auto 0px; display: block" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9EcU6nH1wiXi7TNfHTrmdbGH0c-JAk3OBX6n8b1CKaEhd-VOtWA" width="150" height="141"></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><img src="http://blogs.babycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pouting.jpg" width="150" height="225"></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>We could then develop that speaking and listening into a further writing piece where the children choose two characters, design their expression and write, </p> <p>He is '[happy/sad/disappointed/excited/ worried/pleased/proud/annoyed/ angry/cross] because…’ which is also using a connective! </p> <p>I’ll publish writing frames as I have them. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-73686000778988657602014-04-08T02:01:00.000-07:002014-04-08T02:01:00.307-07:00Writing Assessment<p><font size="6">Test Them Test Them Test Them!!!</font> </p> <p>As we all know, there’s pressure to show progress in the Early Years. It can be difficult to show progress, you can’t really take a photo of a child not sharing and then a photo of children sharing but you can show development in writing skills. </p> <p>Drawing skills also develop during Reception so it’s a good idea to assess these at the same time as writing skills. </p> <p>I’ve made this writing sheet with the Early Learning Goals at the bottom so that any moderators or inspectors can see the targets your children are aiming towards. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEkFOuRcVz8tCvbZ43YsMHW80VZSAjhO56HTeYSGBpr2Emy533AhiAD93N0u5CvLBGxpwSuSMZ1MGvrYKIwGtU9XT22ycyJHeBultofaqmarxkfrU5HMJrjUs7OnP9eGl6XtAEXY2oyw/s1600-h/writing%252520assessment%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="writing assessment" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="writing assessment" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c40kUkpvrZcxX7XQjgOwuejsbEA3AEPFWQhwS3QEcF3zP1o50cHor7fu2nzsLwaVm1xDibk0ZYkwH88O4AbScNcgyKWBTxE9oGanaC9n_M6KS4tAHjag4e4hD-UdLKqYHmAaUR3uiS0/?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a></p> <p>You could print this out as a A5 sheet or an A4 sheet, depending on the time of year and the attainment level of your cohort. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-42370703230816663042014-04-06T04:48:00.000-07:002014-04-06T04:48:00.310-07:00Noticing Changes<p><font size="6">A Simple Writing Frame</font></p> <p>I’m just updating some artwork and display in my room. I’ve made the background for my writing, and I’m going to use the writing frame below for the children to write on. </p> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lAHQyDG4l6Q/Uz_t_hFbXcI/AAAAAAAAC-M/n4d0WpZ-aCE/s1600-h/noticing%252520changes%252520a5%252520lined%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="noticing changes a5 lined" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="noticing changes a5 lined" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6mPGQM7MECU/Uz_uAU4pWbI/AAAAAAAAC-U/kWvsnJyGcxE/noticing%252520changes%252520a5%252520lined_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zGB6T3_2FKvPXqRzPEAX97H617LcRQa_vqPX1KVh7IWEboOIwECEyDGWZlxyFJTAUUoviTt-6ZwYSEYszwcsHmJ7SyiEfIiTIGoKWKjfgbbUNAWIjLn-LuLdEB_7rR8ykrLZuwNbXLE/s1600-h/noticing%252520changes%252520a5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="noticing changes a5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="noticing changes a5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aW0GJosNFggQ6_evgxlaJmaici_HR-XgM1e1g6i_6VhWSSkxSjJUEyTg9u5zg6_-Fg-ilPmFW-cdzpmUps5AekVXYSnOnrkmLU9PEiR0ehMtGWs-dfaZmdMS32WXA1OFsCB7TW19YZY/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiLHDwHFgYRQeHslfb2SOVJAh1Su_VeBWFu2HNbpwPVRKlStTRu7c8C2Dvnt4VFPqQ6cvDThNIkquUKoX1eFYAffi_mdaJ9vuo5yNWGmesUs3Yqg6XZBcSjs2r4S9OeQna7_qXEyGoDQ/s1600-h/noticing%252520changes%252520lines%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="noticing changes lines" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="noticing changes lines" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN0TA4XOSaeG3cVxs8WdotJTJwQFfJVxxRqIil4IRdWDvhvcpj8updAXgHCvbPyl8CKrz6lOEwFq7TgFOEoqMKdH8QgCRTXEUKzYcbkjFzsv9F-gM_I0_XIO8NLtnNzNQKdUN8XCQVUY/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcBJyxsqEguMNJvR3YdPgv8GHhSH1STnJw_vSHHUjTSkusD5OMVS_XjNp0q_aHwqwS1GbtCDZQ_-v8-LItVSZEaHxa75uoxCVQQhyphenhyphenvjZuVHFj3BSlhVZi3-0_DsmUD7rP4yXWU6cHEmk/s1600-h/noticing%252520changes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="noticing changes" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="noticing changes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EGD9g4LHwJ8/Uz_uEPiNSlI/AAAAAAAAC_E/Km6lFMzCRVg/noticing%252520changes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>There is differentiation in the size of the writing frames and through using lines or no lines. In my experience, children tend to write less when there are no lines on the paper so it might be good to target the ‘no lines’ paper at lower attainers. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-47796645870437101622014-04-02T13:23:00.001-07:002014-04-02T13:23:18.571-07:00Estimating<p><font size="6">Your Most Sensible Guess</font></p> <p>In the Early Years Development Matters, estimating comes under Mathematics, Number 40 – 60 months, with the target: Estimates how many objects they can see and checks by counting them.</p> <p>It would be easy to whack out a worksheet to tick this target off, but it’s important to avoid worksheets at all costs in the Early Years. </p> <p>To that end, I have created estimating question cards!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I do think that <a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/worksheets-vs-writing-frames.html" target="_blank">worksheets</a> have their place, but for a taught topic, working with a teacher in a focus group, <a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/worksheets-vs-writing-frames.html" target="_blank">worksheets</a> should be avoided at all costs. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Dc7vmKiWLM/UzxxoJ94eYI/AAAAAAAAC9E/WUY5VEIs9dw/s1600-h/spots%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="spots" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="spots" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rZ5NAe9Ya-Q/UzxxpFOFtxI/AAAAAAAAC9M/QSfEbGXh1E4/spots_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rgQUj5z8FUK-xFClbfhe8LJOER7noI5v_wZRoYZvKd-Fb_TBaHXGarFXmiqekNvXEXsSgalwYQRlJpRzyFKf89q8gCu7T2mEmyiz0Ua00uMWWeO2hJrOU6dV-qFSD17_LVbS2Q7f3GY/s1600-h/flowers%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="flowers" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="flowers" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ccEhOAW36Fo/UzxxqXYCwoI/AAAAAAAAC9c/kl33lW-ENMM/flowers_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rl4tgXRReDE/UzxxrM-zu6I/AAAAAAAAC9k/c2a4jKf0C68/s1600-h/trains%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="trains" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="trains" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Y7JsNxVVbc/Uzxxrmr90mI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Gfv1rSrawPU/trains_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y8F6BtWNlo4/UzxxsfkqiGI/AAAAAAAAC90/NHQJZqEvFiI/s1600-h/stars%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="stars" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="stars" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uPuZR3UH0C0/UzxxtKdb1VI/AAAAAAAAC94/zbXdLzABf0Q/stars_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>This is just a sample of the question cards I like to use. Children answer the questions, tick their answer if they think it was a ‘sensible guess’. When I do this activity, I ask the children to glue their completed question cards onto a colourful piece of paper. </p> <p>You could target the question cards by quantity for the children, with your lower attainers only completing a few question cards, and your higher attainers completing more cards. Or you could target by complexity of the question card, with your lower attainers estimating lower numbers and higher attainers estimating higher numbers. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjYVVtRnR5Tmt0RjQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">You can download the question cards here.</a></strong> </p> <p>I use question cards a lot in my maths lessons, if I want to do written work. Usually I use tactile resources for maths but sometimes, like with estimating, it’s difficult to show progress in a photograph. </p> <p>More question cards will come soon! When I get a minute! lol</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-25113215067438903612014-02-25T15:01:00.001-08:002014-02-25T15:01:54.330-08:00Thunks<p><font size="6">Odd Questions to Make the Kids Think</font></p> <p>Developing speech and language skills are an essential part of the Early Years. Language development leads to developing story ideas, critical thinking, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgXQqgZFCsJqtN2R_ubX554NAKd3e14DooUXsOJR9xrQs2AOHPAKXZ-2Pci3Jn7AxW0Xfqq9Bo8dkYE_jJLPNv62_fSROb05FBJRihRCPCJnOaU0DCKP5TYDoFHRqBmBcPLN0XWy3kwg/s1600-h/download%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="download" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="download" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_27ksJkKsjcY9AmkmTHh4IQzzlBnRea93DUYJ8ftBeUU1wTGJbiJZBns8hWYkl2QCycntAGQqlTKTztRkZqoIrA2AUsR9Y3DQdCNvYyQKA51KKzb6UbSaa9l9dUaO8jJyYklvLxmsns/?imgmax=800" width="168" height="244"></a>social skills and many more! </p> <p>Thunk work towards raising children’s confidence to speak in front of groups, in full sentences and to think about topics they haven’t previously considered. </p> <p>I’ve often asked the kids what colour is Tuesday, which they sometimes take literally and say the colour of the word on the board.. Other Thunks could be: </p> <ul> <li>Can you touch the wind?</li> <li>If you took the stripes off a zebra, what colour would it be? (Also tiger and spots from a leopard)</li> <li>Where do words go after you’ve heard them?</li></ul> <a name='more'></a> <ul> <li>Would you rather have wings or four legs? (and other ‘would you rather’ questions)</li> <li>Is there more future or more past?</li> <li>Is black a colour?</li> <li>If I switch the lights off, do the walls change colour?</li> <li>If I turn the lights off, do I still have a shadow?</li></ul> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjcnlMRVFnY3BBTjQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">I have many more, please see the power point attached to this blog post.</a> </p> <p>I am a huge fan of Thunks. You may find that when you start to<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vD_VeAqZ6nc/Uw0g0M_Om4I/AAAAAAAAC8E/aWp682OyM4w/s1600-h/clipart_of_17041_sm_211%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="clipart_of_17041_sm_211" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="clipart_of_17041_sm_211" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rgKy1c0yEe1NIxKKq1otrKehIoE12lNkGvl9mkbE-AAAWh1pC9eGgijMhgef3NuB8YXliSH-gsNzHSNlcm3aHaM-p2FjIJeAXQLxUxEzUsAeqPiHZvIgemUIjt6v-sqUezt3W8c5ADo/?imgmax=800" width="206" height="244"></a> do Thunks, it’s rather difficult to get answers out of the children, but I can guarantee that after a month or so of speaking to the children about Thunks, especially in the Summer term, they will have some very thoughtful and interesting answers for you. </p> <p>Thunks can even be done with nursery children. Developing language skills are essential for the littlies, they can be used even with 3 year olds because the younger they are, the more interesting their answers are!</p> <p><font size="5">You Know Your Cohort</font></p> <p>Some of the questions may seem quite difficult for the little ones to answer. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="167"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJcNTqbK7RBLb3_OWyBp-n_OEgy7xciHgja8daje9HoZFzv2P1S4K66RqN_ufAju_zR4mdoWnk5TinZ828zXgbUZxA9ZsaGj0el0o-ytiQM6ckvl658AyemC8-izpxJOIAcagWcw_FWs/s1600-h/planning%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="planning" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="planning" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T4cVWErUODU/Uw0g2PJtm8I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/LKmbghf5xkM/planning_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="134"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="367"><font size="4"><strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjMzNSZ0E4aWE2UUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Thunks Lesson Plan</a><br></strong></font><br>Hopefully this lesson plan will give you some idea of how I would do Thunks with the little ones. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjMzNSZ0E4aWE2UUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the Thunks Lesson Plan here.</a> <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="167"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjcnlMRVFnY3BBTjQ/edit?usp=sharing"><img title="thunks" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="thunks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi83zX-FR797yCQCAilVLVO_DW9sqRiWcNpVLzUCC_t27Zvqfgj8PdIG2p-dW9MtJKtLD6Opd-sHt9kHHGa5P44V-N_2eFACHsWnAh1XX8Vy0I1uxV_Z1vWXTSjBIYymJcH3XozBRMntA/?imgmax=800" width="190" height="108"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="367"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjcnlMRVFnY3BBTjQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Thunks PowerPoint</font></strong></a><br><br>This PowerPoint has 48 separate Thunks. They are an example of innovative questions you could ask the children, but remember you can change or adjust the questions for the level of your cohort. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjcnlMRVFnY3BBTjQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the PowerPoint here.</a> <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="167"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_DNP_rkrrWw/Uw0g3XxMtmI/AAAAAAAAC8s/54Lk8hC2bmE/s1600-h/pictos%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="pictos" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="pictos" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fe4f3--Go0I/Uw0g31xyyEI/AAAAAAAAC80/eRv8txkWAtQ/pictos_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="124"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="367"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjQk5IdEJtS1dZOUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong><font size="4">Thunks Pictographs</font></strong></a><br><br>Whenever I’ve done pictographs as a data collection, counting and speaking and listening activity, the children have enjoyed it! I try to use pictographs where ever I can. Collecting information on Thunks is a good a chance as any!<br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjQk5IdEJtS1dZOUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the Pictograph sheets here.</a> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>It’s important that you adjust the questions for the children in your cohort. By the end of the year, children should be used to answering questions like these and you should get some very interesting answers. </p> <p>As you can see from the lesson plan, these Thunks are designed to develop language and thinking skills. </p> <p>Please leave feedback to let me know how your children did completing these activities. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-71630522122163820192014-02-08T13:28:00.000-08:002014-02-24T07:38:58.757-08:00Teaching Mandarin<p><font size="6">Free Resources and Teaching Tips</font></p> <p>Everyone can teach Chinese! All you need to do is give it a go! </p> <p>You may worry about mispronouncing the words and teaching them incorrectly but pronunciation can be corrected at a later date. Building confidence in speaking, understanding and reading a new language is key in language acquisition. </p> <p>Below you will find a list of website which will demonstrate pronunciation but <a href="http://translate.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Translate</a> is a fantastic source when learning new words. I have also included Pronunciation Guides in the Mandarin for Beginners book. </p> <p>There are a lot of resources online for learning Mandarin Chine </p>se. One of my favourite language programs is <a href="http://www.poissonrouge.com/schoolofchinese/" target="_blank">Poisson Rouge</a>. <p>I have made a few resources, lesson plan and exercise book for children to use when learning Mandarin Chinese. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><font size="5"><strong>Lesson Plan</strong></font></p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="202"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5v1fAMVd-is/UvP-68fHlwI/AAAAAAAACx0/tvWeFerpsZo/s1600-h/lesson%252520plan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="lesson plan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="lesson plan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0_rmxjkYbLoi5rqebznA-xQU4tMrYkgDUg6w9SDzJVRu4ClIC42TLTnC5apjrhiqcGDGOjXqCNJ7He7XxEsoBCRV3TMqdnRq0S_dUDQWrKLwbpllArQLahHEwLjas2QTMNXqgZWUHdM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="172"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="332">This lesson plan is based on a generic 30 minute language lesson where children will work in a focus group and work independently on activities around the classroom. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjVVp1bEFMUC1KQVU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download this lesson plan here</a>. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The above lesson plan is a rough guide on how I would teach a Mandarin lesson. As I’m intending to teach this in an afterschool club, I want to limit each session to 30 minutes. This keeps the information concise, children stay on task and it limits an information overload. </p> <p><font size="5"><strong>Resources</strong></font></p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FZNqxV_632U/UvP-81r21pI/AAAAAAAACyE/E8GADfxEmQ4/s1600-h/mandarin%252520book%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="mandarin book" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="mandarin book" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YMkfi7IbUu2LYUJ7lYbC8tTmeAJPteoKsB4ZWBpyO1Tgxef5dFhyphenhyphenBZ1zZouxg63PkAazbU59pI1B5QbS9CFwti31Uds7ltndiGJPBq8ItLIeqYL_x4_gNtqc2pC8tPSEqXlH9ganrIk/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="143"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjbFp6bC1TaWo0S3c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Mandarin Exercise Book</a></font><br><br>This is a worksheet book with different activities including word matching, recognising words, colouring in and maths questions. Some pages encourage reading skills while other will foster speaking and listening skills. <br><br>I’m really sorry, I don’t know why but the colours are wrong on the pdf. They’re fine on my computer, it’s not until I uploaded them to my Google Drive that they went wrong. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjbFp6bC1TaWo0S3c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the book here.</a> <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-er8GTer-nNo/UvP--0peFoI/AAAAAAAACyU/YIqDRtVBBnw/s1600-h/flash%252520cards%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="flash cards" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="flash cards" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hz9kzV8yQRM/UvP-_RPcJVI/AAAAAAAACyc/SsH7Kv5Cx6o/flash%252520cards_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="114"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSTZOd04walVhVEU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Flash Cards</a></font><br><br>These would predominantly be used for recap previously taught words and phrases from previous lessons, however children could use these cards to test each other and partners during independent activities. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSTZOd04walVhVEU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the flash cards here</a>. <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dr1Sg4YSd6k/UvP_AbrTn5I/AAAAAAAACyk/UT5CMjqZlWo/s1600-h/fruit%252520snap%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="fruit snap" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="fruit snap" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xmEhtx-LGnM/UvP_A42XOiI/AAAAAAAACys/ChZBm1Di3NA/fruit%252520snap_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="93"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjTVp1cjJxWkJqNG8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Fruit Snap</a></font><br><br>Children would deal out all the cards equally to all players and place all the cards down in the middle one at a time. When a matching card is placed on top of a card all the players have the opportunity to snap.<br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjTVp1cjJxWkJqNG8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the fruit snap here</a><br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E_BrKffYfV8/UvP_BgwVyII/AAAAAAAACy0/abfcYj1R9pI/s1600-h/go%252520fish%252520numbers%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="go fish numbers" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="go fish numbers" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t9okgTWNFKA/UvP_CSePFmI/AAAAAAAACy8/MFQMkeqq0xM/go%252520fish%252520numbers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="95"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjU3hGejNwT25YeGM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Numbers Go Fish Game</a></font><br><br>Using the phrases on the instructions page of this game, children will try to collect 5 of a kind. Children must ask for the cards they need using Chinese words. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjU3hGejNwT25YeGM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the Numbers Go Fish game here</a>. <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RyvXJwEK3x0/UvP_DGMx5FI/AAAAAAAACzE/IBTd7XYXtsg/s1600-h/colours%252520fish%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="colours fish" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="colours fish" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XCJBwDwQz5o/UvP_DhbZqdI/AAAAAAAACzM/EUd8_-HtAhU/colours%252520fish_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="178"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjYkdINVVqODlhQVE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Colours Go Fish Game</a></font><br><br>Using the phrases on the instructions page of this game, children will try to collect 5 of a kind. Children must ask for the cards they need using Chinese words. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjYkdINVVqODlhQVE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the Colours Go Fish game here</a>.<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5vEs9yOAg1hoBK9aS86pHJMzwYcC8ilJPKzOUuI1mIhUEFYeKHQ1aIOOlfjcbVRN3NQTJQj2lpAMOh1PuBSrC_X_2CUdIDjDop1O0THKVq34mZySLAPuUfabTIowSw3957q2paosUuE/s1600-h/matching%252520pairs%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="matching pairs" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="matching pairs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazZo40QHVgOkUa_Wp03IlcK5nLtCD3KSJLrqtlla0NKUe-wjVqaWjXlHKBCdRlPyfFuTYsyADSjX6x49EWw4VkAIB-7ZdANWxji3AJJInNqiT2cyMg9DcBZkDICcR0wE-117hGGjWfwU/?imgmax=800" width="129" height="180"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjbTYwa0ZtSmt0azQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Feelings Matching Pairs</a></font><br><br>Children will place these cards face down on the table and shuffle. Children will turn over two cards at a time, trying to match the Chinese words with the pictures. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjbTYwa0ZtSmt0azQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the Feelings Matching Pairs Game here</a>.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-syriff8Y35A/UvP_F7m_giI/AAAAAAAACzk/PgKLl3ISKMk/s1600-h/number%252520bingo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="number bingo" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="number bingo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3YDQaatV4OQ/UvP_GY6K4xI/AAAAAAAACzs/Cwp-z1Abxsw/number%252520bingo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="180"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjU3hGejNwT25YeGM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Numbers Bingo</a></font><br><br>As the game title suggests, children call out numbers and tick them off using a whiteboard pen or counter. The winner is the person who has all their numbers ticked off. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjU3hGejNwT25YeGM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download Numbers Bingo here.</a> <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bHkYdXCbjcc/UvP_HA4yA9I/AAAAAAAACz0/DR54rQdahLQ/s1600-h/question%252520cards%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="question cards" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="question cards" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAB7wK60hUesT_nEhOnuliWLJhTH1GGfr2p1quGyZG7VYWHzzvlKa9ocaC-nuO-xIvwFDLY3GYHXQDVeVzvmvXQWfBj1xdLqrGrjVCdzrpVaXmNBpKBb6P-8sT08LmmuaP_41-AUx0tk/?imgmax=800" width="129" height="92"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjWmhaVUtWOG5HSFk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Question Cards</a></font><br><br>Children walk around the classroom, or go round the table, asking each other questions from the cards. <br><br>The Questions Card document will be updated in a following blog entry. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjWmhaVUtWOG5HSFk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the question cards here</a>. <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UXTxijG5oRw/UvP_IZdlmPI/AAAAAAAAC0E/s4A-VsyMoFQ/s1600-h/shape%252520bingo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="shape bingo" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shape bingo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cQKBUqu1HoM/UvP_I6gZaII/AAAAAAAAC0M/CP5FBXMm3IE/shape%252520bingo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="92"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjV2ZyQ2lPckJCYUk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Shapes Bingo</a></font><br><br>As the game title suggests, children call out shapes and tick them off using a whiteboard pen or counter. The winner is the person who has all their shapes ticked off. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjV2ZyQ2lPckJCYUk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download Shapes Bingo here</a>.<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kBcEvZT_7Ko/UvP_J47eOPI/AAAAAAAAC0U/Usvml7e7Fz4/s1600-h/shapes%252520go%252520fish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="shapes go fish" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shapes go fish" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nRZXrxGhdFo/UvP_Kff9w-I/AAAAAAAAC0c/f1tCO1ChqqY/shapes%252520go%252520fish_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="92"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="428"><font size="4"><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=To&authuser=0#folders/0B331OHly-JTjZDMzeDBaeWxhdGM" target="_blank">Shapes Go Fish Game</a></font><br><br>Using the phrases on the instructions page of this game, children will try to collect 5 of a kind. Children must ask for the cards they need using Chinese words. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=To&authuser=0#folders/0B331OHly-JTjZDMzeDBaeWxhdGM" target="_blank">Download the Shapes Go Fish game here</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>All the above resources are free available to use in schools. I ask that you link back to my blog if you wish to share these resources online. </p> <p><font size="5">Online Resources</font></p> <p>I would have a group of children using computers in the classroom while learning Mandarin Chinese, using the Mandarin websites to help them with their pronunciation. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-drfqSZY5Rxc/UvP_K-Z_twI/AAAAAAAAC0k/yCey89HzCs8/s1600-h/google%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="google" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="google" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jaONPiR8LUc/UvP_LUSRuPI/AAAAAAAAC0s/T-gavHp2oWU/google_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="158"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><strong><a href="http://translate.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Translate</a><br></strong><br>Children can enter any words they choose onto Google Translate to find out how to say these words in Chinese. <br><br>I would closely monitor this with older children, however, as they can get a little silly. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GO2WJtw4Dnw/UvP_MH8lsYI/AAAAAAAAC00/2s21N6sI_LI/s1600-h/poisson%252520rouge%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="poisson rouge" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 25px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="poisson rouge" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jC38HNICFVw/UvP_MpQgkOI/AAAAAAAAC08/SysF6edTYh8/poisson%252520rouge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="158"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><a href="http://www.poissonrouge.com/schoolofchinese/" target="_blank"><strong>Poisson Rouge</strong></a><br><br>This website has a wide range of different languages to learn, but of course we are focusing on Mandarin Chinese. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKG46FgUXzSPFkvzag1eRmkgqBKIiMwdJTODWLOfUf7CGS691Fv_bABQszYjWEXTTh0ajmMMAjdnqkOXnyV1XcHnsAirsvOTl3ViU_TXcMDddQIITLGOui6n2_ekugOe64ZHFE11ixNE/s1600-h/kailan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="kailan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="kailan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ86g0Qxuu_GGHZxJhR_FAC4b9ndHrDu7tXyvyVyes5D6c5Wpq1WOlcYu2BbrnhEksw5DMMwJQNYQ8m71u1mCaIxZyuz_iI7oIPEpzDplZOqpiLrdt7RNh75TYVXvMsv33dRIiGlHqpu8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="226"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><strong><a href="http://www.nickjr.co.uk/play/ni-hao-kai-lan/#!" target="_blank">Ni Hao Kai Lan</a></strong><br><br>Lots of fun games for little children based on the Nick Junior TV programme which like Dora the Explorer, teaches Mandarin to children in a fun and interactive way. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicptO1-cf_irRy2-P0TKcOkXnVpH2SAchwtGYBZhAwpz9-Lugj9d2Eqa-c3z09xQ5PFscSX0dAvPoR4K0yWBOOx3U4XPANSiLhLOoPnBvvMZqcMwyUyaQHO5bbV47U6covdSlEgFJyc7Q/s1600-h/digital%252520dialects%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="digital dialects" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="digital dialects" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gHs0xgLn2nA/UvP_PrdHfzI/AAAAAAAAC1c/NiWskUfwPuQ/digital%252520dialects_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="226"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><a href="http://www.digitaldialects.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Digital</strong> <strong>Dialects</strong></a><br><br>This website has lots of fun games where the children can test their knowledge. I think little children would struggle to use this website independently so I would suggest that they use this website with older children who can read the instructions. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQwc8X890eHirPlQIX-RCmpDrZAei9KLaJQVqN8k3wSQJ9tv2XhhqpUlDoN-iUdZuk0fs5mOnGGUPQownDFLeEbgJC5wilUNX4RCMrY5afPgWi3CBL5UzGg-g5GqbTmigxf3FeJYS5yU/s1600-h/bbc%252520mand%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bbc mand" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bbc mand" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlQSMMFmZ0ihypkjWFkiGuvmKw1GM3cOSH7SjtcAPuvbBQzLhbcZWfF7xemZXrPEjQItHpo62dRb8CGtrFpfgP5AqvV0tsjhEyrGJ_Z5uGig-Z9Q_GAXQ8B0VesZWgOQNPpYXisRkpsM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="226"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primarylanguages/mandarin/" target="_blank">BBC Primary Languages: Mandarin</a></strong><br><br>This website looks at the different sounds and pronunciation associated with learning Mandarin Chinese. <br><br>A good website if you have some headphones and children who are struggling with pronunciation. Maybe a website you could use on the Interactive Whiteboard with the board speakers. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JfO0ulAsSVw/UvP_R7_MELI/AAAAAAAAC10/EvlgfkoIeHE/s1600-h/tones%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="tones" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="tones" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e7b3EcR724o/UvP_Sc3-bWI/AAAAAAAAC18/fFUHTDno_Cw/tones_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="226"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/chinese/games/tones.shtml" target="_blank">Tones Game</a></strong><br><br>Teaching tones in Chinese is one of the most difficult elements of Chinese. You’re lucky you’re teaching Mandarin, there are only 4 tones. In Cantonese there are 9 tones! <br><br>This game is for older children as there is a lot of reading involved. Aim this game at your G&T or HA. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="182"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu_SiFRtK0aHWH0ZM5ni0FmhuyJfvBoPI-TK3YHFblYttOi9TB1O0mvUUT31dTrlKOmNEcOyyL12vhOEKmjzez56plQYjjsrtfr3MjRLY65DPQ6-JXhIKNanQ_v3GZmdGoJRp7xFSUZM/s1600-h/hello%252520world%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="hello world" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="hello world" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LhIT64vhMbg/UvP_TyfH7qI/AAAAAAAAC2M/9U12hW_G-2I/hello%252520world_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="226"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="352"><strong><a href="http://www.hello-world.com/Mandarin/games/balloon.php?translate=English" target="_blank">Hello World</a></strong><br><br>A website packed full of interesting games and challenging language games. The games are aimed more at older children or higher attainers so if you have young children playing these games I suggest you have an older child to help them. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p><font size="5">iPad Apps</font></p> <p>If you are fortunate to have access to iPads, there are a number of very good apps for children to explore in the classroom. </p> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s0zDmk-BtP0/UvP_UsvP47I/AAAAAAAAC2U/bn70GK7v3Bw/s1600-h/t%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="t" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="t" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztgLfqYXTgdmmZjhaIo9QDcZf0tQ-I9IdfSFh5-hWFTEfHGM786CsTxAjKYPwkbGb03FgE3PHP229P33K7-uCYPQnDUc7M5yh-dyGKbjya4T230kfnxDposhjSxYi7cnRIGPCONO5iak/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></p></td> <td valign="top" width="178"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a1auSj2qCdQ/UvP_WL9FSUI/AAAAAAAAC2k/iGirRvTuoks/s1600-h/s%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="s" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="s" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uOCCj_fWZDw/UvP_WgrOPsI/AAAAAAAAC2s/Tz9ucdd0YIE/s_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></p></td> <td valign="top" width="178"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n8rf67u4uVU/UvP_XNiZz2I/AAAAAAAAC20/17HmghEDwvs/s1600-h/r%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="r" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="r" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvMVuvFbUFn0SoyV_-HI-r8PFWIoSD4dJX96WqiW4vtHR6xmQvkBPBj_Jvw4i3rZqhf7UU2wqno6rFO3yPyk_EBruJwtXAw5WWfvqQ1xBTfHDpOzvoBf1E6WDRsV5-npS0zqQNflodZo/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr9r7Clv5cmi2yN5A75zkyvHLG_8joNWHySN4L578XqgeckCYbho92FOygTAcObRQmn6m_DmbHsuHQnXmGSeTZL8_zo_4aNhWqSqhDLD9qiaJqYXyAzbZCT35znJc0IVc727g5S_XUac/s1600-h/q%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="q" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="q" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qsyV-ts0D2Sx65_Zji9OO7rEIwUIzvUaKpi6lQJg_nliLKZnumT-ms-piLle2gwkvMbxDMrYX2P0TSkHdveCyJDMZxS-ppCi88gCDMgoVjHVRsNKUnq8r5pUYmbk-hEM_qjRgUzf0WA/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></p></td> <td valign="top" width="178"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d7Hgvw5h-QU/UvP_ZdadIHI/AAAAAAAAC3U/HcEpNamOj-8/s1600-h/p%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="p" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="p" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3_DMzD8Qr2Y/UvP_Z9igtXI/AAAAAAAAC3c/YUM7MdlZ1xw/p_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></p></td> <td valign="top" width="178"> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5caBipfN8Goog0TJeVGRLt9ZgMFvHeTozSAh7Hu7QZCF_7iO_I_jcPmg1djZ6Bgx5TqCGg6FaJqDRrtuiRmxCFzEuNXICskMKhPAVl35u_H88xWGzPLs_OsWpLtrSe94nN7n1sx5_t0/s1600-h/o%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="o" style="border-left-width: 0px; 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border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="e" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-50YtTUI6UNA/UvP_m_xU95I/AAAAAAAAC6M/hsyHbaRYTxs/e_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeejTE6Xtah0yYr0v2MoyQ6N-a4d1o589G8orHz6KwI6HhhgH6i9hxKn8q2GH0tMAEMqA7ttxG044LnvPU7xjD5C16Hd2qdFlh3wz6-dl6yNjJWClgj8685xMV8pV6VCGpzTVoc_fIco/s1600-h/d%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="d" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_Nia-1oz0Jz5w4laY1bPpnvGh_VHpbVjz9APYBOeEkJ58dT6S-aw6Kd7DWoUCyTIOS_WJYzKwdGuBwueWgDD8Qvi13RhAY9S82CmIlbmM8bSdt9TkHLzKkx5Gqvx1GVYoWOlzsthN6w/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMDaP3Ofra7H1CDJRT_98GvLkohD2cnsl9vBfoKKSLZqqSxQgmBeoAie5kr026jVflpKu9wXogjWBQ1Ja3O1Z44jRrbmS8jsmkRNThz7XszXyXSaYmvswfQfZKL4-l71-bUi6l0q48Rg/s1600-h/c%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="c" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IzC2Bt_xF3sdebgX5_zzh0Prs01HWRQm3_Xw1_2h850Fcj-DhoKRSWns19pYlUUuszRjcvJWDRTrAHvlJK3w__ZNjJHGYKBaQBbVF_xU_cldZyFPNbW__wHVmnv37joNw11joFZMVNo/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SeDjNubUuZw/UvP_pykdc4I/AAAAAAAAC60/OymS2_UWanM/s1600-h/b%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="b" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MtHCMEC4eGc/UvP_qqY6HVI/AAAAAAAAC68/S_du85XevIo/b_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzvx6LL7E1A65cCWgb-dYWFa2CP_AeJLHndgS7ZTUXlS2HOn4VASsbdB5D7brOlSaRN4avbl6lEy5qRsirHGxHM7gbEaa70apWpZeNnmUGFckTxZ-WxvE_Hhs3T0UvFQC0yJtX1UUFXo/s1600-h/a%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="a" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nc3-qmBgCec/UvP_r5lPbcI/AAAAAAAAC7M/3RMtJvPZd7E/a_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA09CtW5uwM92LtZGvWmGcOJQhK7MCdH4FYVw3vYMkizy9egY3ifMCygU8pBKrA0Ey6YtyfY0KrwFYDfEQArF_NI4Fak6f9NN8gb1R5w6riKfIyeRR3z3n1CS6FlhgaDK53dqqTRMsis/s1600-h/u%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="u" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="u" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_fye8L-lTMM/UvP_tevzz3I/AAAAAAAAC7c/bptBhUDjjO4/u_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="139"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>If you have an ICT club at school, you could ask them to put the Mandarin Language apps on all the iPads for you.</p> <p>Children love learning new words and can be super keen to learn new languages. I’ve always had very positive reactions from the children when learning new languages. </p> <p>I really urge colleagues to teach Mandarin Chinese in their classrooms as children enjoy the lessons so much! </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:56251835-7df2-4f4d-94e5-3d1733dd03df" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/learn" rel="tag">learn</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/mandarin" rel="tag">mandarin</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/teach" rel="tag">teach</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/chinese" rel="tag">chinese</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/MFL" rel="tag">MFL</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/lesson" rel="tag">lesson</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/plan" rel="tag">plan</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/lesson+plan" rel="tag">lesson plan</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/learn+chinese" rel="tag">learn chinese</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/learn+mandarin" rel="tag">learn mandarin</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-34001395052161337772014-02-05T03:48:00.000-08:002014-02-05T03:48:00.184-08:00Coming Soon!<p><font size="6">Mandarin Worksheet Book</font></p> <p>In a few days time, I will have completed my Mandarin book. It will come with lots of speaking, listening and reading activities. </p> <p>(I feel writing Chinese is too difficult to teach without being there to explain it directly. However, if you want to give it a try, Chinese characters start top to bottom, left to right.)</p> <p>This is a You Tube video teaching how to write ‘wǒ’ meaning ‘me’. </p> <p><iframe height="301" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fXw_hrdOJCI?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="535" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>Resources available will be: </p> <ul> <li>Mandarin book with different activities involving short sentences, numbers, colours, shapes, fruit and more. </li> <li>Sentence building games</li> <li>Speaking and listening games</li> <li>Pronunciation guides</li> <li>Bingo games</li> <li>Go Fish games</li></ul> <p>I’m looking forward to releasing the lot! Please give feedback if it’s useful! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-22980136368169534322014-02-03T03:35:00.001-08:002014-02-03T03:35:27.450-08:00More Posts Coming Soon!<p><font size="6">Science, Understanding the World and Thunks!</font></p> <p>This Mandarin book has been taking up a lot of my time but I have some more lesson plans up my sleeve!</p> <p>I am going to be looking at a variety of different science experiments, encouraging the children to hypothesise and predict what is going to happen. I’ll be focusing on shadows experiments (sunny day required) and friction experiments. I have some more ideas for space lessons, focusing on artwork. </p> <p>I’ve got ideas for Christmas lessons, both religious and secular. </p> <p>And Thunks! Only the best thing to come to the Early Years! Thunks are tricky for the children to get to grips with initially but, as with everything, they soon get to grips with them and develop their thinking skills. </p> <p>These posts will follow my final resources post for my Mandarin for Beginners book. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-7452238297998642612014-01-27T11:53:00.001-08:002014-01-27T11:53:22.297-08:00Every Day, Another Page<p><font size="6">What You’ve Learnt So Far</font></p> <p>When I was teaching English as a foreign language, I was <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7aD0ekMIeUU/Uua5LNkRyTI/AAAAAAAACwA/1E0DoZtqiPc/s1600-h/lso1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="lso1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lso1" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQR_XxCoW8yEPA2auQ0p0EWRcbZeOBlLBC-Vv3_hYST0FTsGW0eJVQgdV_VGdSMBcP7ODT6bCaaGLZ1E4yAYWUgnWOP0V5Ui-3JxPNKqRsBESNcA09ihDBZwzxktuuECpvqjVU6xYK6c/?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a>focusing on speaking and listening. With this in mind, I’ve made a lot of games which would encourage speaking and listening in the children. </p> <p>I’ve made a few ‘Go Fish’ games, some Bingo games and a Speaking and Listening game, as well as a few questionnaires! </p> <p>I’m hoping to get this book finished soon but I keep thinking of different pages to make! I’m trying to do some pronunciation guides but I think I might make some sound files, although <a href="http://translate.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Translate</a> is fantastic for teaching pronunciation. </p> <p>I don’t want you to think I’ve forgotten the other subjects and I will do some more posts soon! I have a list! </p> <p>In the mean time, please send in requests for any lessons you’d like me to post about! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-34785884358541461452014-01-24T12:08:00.001-08:002014-01-24T12:08:43.578-08:00More Resources Coming Soon!<p><font size="6">Progress is Being Made!</font></p> <p>I am working hard to provide you with some amazing Chinese language resources. </p> <p>I’m not a language teacher myself so I am finding it a bit difficult but I’m getting there!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV3muBGFBIsS3fX6qG4mOVp1JZFOHCUjPKv8zUfydP1WR1wjml_r_qtr6pvB1agu1_IwH7U62SkLj0WudfRM46ZZgFdg9B9X3qzCLY0EX8T5l2Ozv2Yyt_vtRUjq3h3JhOLJXIY2nhY0/s1600-h/so%252520far%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="so far" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="so far" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OcdCJNkGWnI/UuLIRecnQgI/AAAAAAAACvw/vQqXIV_4nkI/so%252520far_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="279"></a></p> <p>I’m building up a good bank of resources which will soon be shared in a blog post! </p> <p>In the mean time, if you are looking for craft ideas for Chinese New Year, look no further than <a href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/chinese-new-year-crafts" target="_blank">Activity Village</a>! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-78828361244321334422014-01-17T06:21:00.001-08:002014-01-17T06:21:34.191-08:00Mandarin in the Early Years<p><font size="6">A Short Pause in Posts</font></p> <p>I am working on my new worksheet book (yes I said <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH4t7pm1QuuRFxrPoTmhGsi-Q6BB9Le3gfVbl61a21QeH7RrDCGGqIWSrLJwRvHmXx_yWq64AH05S98ct9RqmCWQ3p2Bj331KfaFYdvOXuefWF3Ec4i8PMxIVKNaUi6i23QXIURo8s1s/s1600-h/1%252520front%252520cover%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="1 front cover" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1 front cover" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V0qt9G7v3iGHTimipDlGTTMeC2SmifeHgUcw6SsnJz0xRw8m4vJSQJEIY1XkUi9uTHdeJELhlLMroRiAyyQwnkKDxjgLX5mboMtn2b42gsYPRUtF0e-rRKnqTG9csrg2p95CCdXOwUo/?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a>worksheets!) for teaching Mandarin so there will be a short pause in my blog posts while I get this book finished. I’ll post pictures of it so you can see my progress. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Klk7Hvu_aYQ/Utk8aqiiuNI/AAAAAAAACvM/U3duiB5HWBw/s1600-h/h%252526gb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="h&gb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="h&gb1" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg453Cdhbb34arbiFcS_mI1_oEEXkq_X0xuyrx1jWVTdRgnjwvUkLhk5pLtUap3aLY9qDkOOaTcm7fVPs8kS4RXuTmdlo8Yt7v6BPnZ14Ma3GquwHq0Og9XoI8cxmAYPVzoGW9v3OIjCS8/?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a>This book will of course be free to download, like all my resources. I have taught English as a foreign language but I did it very practically so doing worksheets is proving a challenge! </p> <p>I’m starting with the basics, ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ and colours, numbers and shapes. Basic sentences, such as ‘how are you’ and ‘I’m fine’ or ‘I’m not fine’. </p> <p>If anyone has any advice or tips on how to make these worksheets more fun and interactive I’d really appreciate it! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-61350340206653081742014-01-15T14:07:00.001-08:002014-01-15T14:07:08.538-08:00Chinese New Year<p><font size="6">Understanding the World: People and Communities</font></p> <p>Chinese New Year has a wealth of different activities <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuX9dUOJqVhsx7tVeG2VMWwGX9VDSah1eh8Fqc0qn4AEyulYThtoOqd3NsR0d90BRhAPQ6zJ8NNHICaKfE2Clgz7RlpoG12y63lPKgrppR4Io_W7eNU0JX7cYRkxxU8obhRdsGphKodw/s1600-h/dates4.jpg"><img title="dates" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="dates" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q3eBV-YUDrg/UtcGTO7HDHI/AAAAAAAACsA/H-NnXQzKIS4/dates_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="240"></a>and resources to enhance an Understanding the World lesson about People and Communities. </p> <p>The children are always interested in different cultures and customs, especially something they are unfamiliar with. </p> <p>Chinese New Year dates depend on the lunar calendar. It falls on a different day each year. </p> <p><strong>You may see the words ‘Kung hei fat choi’ associated with Chinese New Year. This is the Cantonese way of saying happy Chinese New Year. Cantonese is mainly only spoken in Hong Kong. The majority of people in China speak Mandarin. The Mandarin way to say Happy New Year is ‘Gong xi fa cai’ (or gong see fah sigh). </strong></p> <p>I tend to teach the Chinese New Year topic and have accumulated a number of resources over the years. </p> <p>Please see the lesson plan below.. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>In <a href="http://visitbirmingham.com/birmingham-areas/birmingham/chinatown/" target="_blank">Birmingham near the Chinese Quarter</a>, there is a lovely shop which sells Chinese items. There are some lovely Chinese clothes, musical instruments and lucky items that are hung around the house at Chinese New Year. </p> <p><strong>My Chinese New Year Resources</strong></p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tFdwnQ8Z8FM/UtcGUT4N6RI/AAAAAAAACsI/luckdTh9X98/s1600-h/planning3.jpg"><img title="planning" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="planning" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b4uEmbIg1bo/UtcGU5m-8MI/AAAAAAAACsQ/kuvFixz6HvA/planning_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="169"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjcG5YbVl4NGRkcTA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong>Chinese New Year Lesson Plan</strong></a><br><br>This lesson plan contains links to different websites and a list of activities that you could include in your free flow time. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ShG3z8NGn2WboXFc2ZSPwZjErpQzpi-ljTLWPQoZr_ECEs27w_atlCv3rss23_ecYrdixhefMA6MC6y0A3GpE2XpqghDkZodbzN7XXnuWlVQY8G-czeDP-CZTMXR9Zg_n7xg9myyy7o/s1600-h/book3.jpg"><img title="book" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="book" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N4fOU0uA2pQ/UtcGWOUL9cI/AAAAAAAACsc/gjiNnZFYOtQ/book_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="169"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSGxuTjdxUzNmNlU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong>Chinese New Year Book</strong></a><br><br>The front page of this book, with the Chinese writing on it, says Gung Xi Fa Xai, which means Happy Chinese New Year. <br><br>The book has room for children to draw pictures, add photos and write about what they have learnt. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HJjbkswLzyc/UtcGWjJKdqI/AAAAAAAACso/AVhhQrwbUO0/s1600-h/chinese-words4.jpg"><img title="chinese words" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="chinese words" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5dAn-pIjeq_-tTEUBxE57I6ANk4lx4quwtWJtk9AZ-_K47WsqrwoLfZWMctOPGk3GGNSG8I-OHJwmoadWAkgLNGioAkbUgYHvxqREEjZTraFLp9m30M7IyU9vJrm4_Sp2dLl9jZFXBM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="175"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjNHN6SlRCbVJ5M2c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong>Chinese Characters Tracing</strong></a><br><br>Chinese writing is done top to bottom, left to right. <br><br>This resource is best laminated so that the children can trace the Chinese letters using a wipe-able whiteboard pen. <br><br>You could even cut out the centre of these words to use as a stencil for the lucky money envelopes. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5wBGB2dTsPUGd3qJEYhT-Y8x0Uke_pwuQG_-Uju4JgBGGXBBXjD_I0_bqBEhyphenhyphenq9bsYGKjQVP3ff-KLnsIMSEqrXeLX22DplbhPhyphenhyphen0L-yFhkSbCM185UE2vhuO75nueC8ZSfXvw6WqZE/s1600-h/assembly4.jpg"><img title="assembly" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="assembly" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlWzZHPRS89F3fbu8J9DWgNog0E50bHgTH1Ren6fAu8TjEbE_ucsm2-3CjzJD9J2d-EUvBxz4eWXs21BrdPhbsNZYC_aXtOlfPIyLagL7NppnZ7qreedBt11-0w8qSoEb7LA7bfJ61yc/?imgmax=800" width="195" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjczFyb2tFYnFlTDQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong>Chinese New Year Assembly</strong></a><br><br>This is a very short assembly script, using the traditional Chinese New Year story of the animal race and some relevant You Tube videos. <br><br>I hope this is useful. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FaJ8dcC_EyE/UtcGZQ6xifI/AAAAAAAACtI/0njUKZ-3xL4/s1600-h/iwb%252520title%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="iwb title" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="iwb title" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bq76j2LwXC4LX167FyWmzvcodfRk9ymbMjIyc4oViP2qq1TyZIHxaLPX91nkfzaI9YFkBYuwtGU9gzfgIoU7hVnNkRvH1VL6-4l1fQeuLt5kIOlQ07PzNGaP5CErjE2M8su2iWrIgT4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjZVN0ZjUxdFBTRlU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><strong>Chinese New Year Smartboard Activity</strong></a><br><br>This smartboard file contains pictures and links to video files on the internet which are interesting for the little ones. <br><br>You could use the entire file or use some pages on different days. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>There are lots of lovely resources and links available at different websites. The resources I’ve found so far are.. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxR71X73MGr4x_bGlN0UMilDdCEN0JFiq1OMQ67vXZ0PqIYfAvgq7H5rWdjVQvwm_Go7dlSZViOr_7qYaWLujerZnmLNsWUZ1iAwDgzpepjAfSKFrx5HUW85S8XPTODwGZWRI7q7Et4U/s1600-h/tes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="tes" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="tes" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iXkkwKE46hk/UtcGbLqD3JI/AAAAAAAACtc/3TgISG-2AC0/tes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><strong><a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storyCode=6067839" target="_blank">TES Chinese New Year Teaching Resources</a></strong><br><br>The Times Educational Supplement website offers a variety of teacher supplied resources which have been used in real classroom situations. <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilPB966HK96jmNev9DTxsBHGH_55ONIl769r8H80iUw0f-dQOqKvKj6RyJlBL66ael1BKb9ZWDq9bJilfE0ZS0H6Y4_2ElytG-5KmB2ePg1jGvMyV03L-PXpCWjxebOoso1B4ATQZ0mg/s1600-h/chinese%252520games%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="chinese games" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="chinese games" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikns6cUhi4qlMVy-bwtpoLJBvQ1otJz8J6huzmzatqP8QlIFNM6g5DtfM-Hm_nzUFEFRBR-MV6v7iEECeaW7ACwYqxr1m-t0XEsTaWGCKwz-WKKkei0JcPzjfLWhkjrZR2XuWGkaGzie8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/chinese/games.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Primary Games, Chinese New Year Games</strong></a><br><br>Remember to check each game before use to make sure it’s suitable for the children in your class. <br><br>Some of the games need to be used with a teacher but this would be a good website to leave independent laptop activities on. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzDKFN2IWBYRN3zvU9gfzv3-iH_Koici40z3YDmLIVxFq9C5blXS_Ew_sjAM4nhwe1BC4u87K3SmGRbDDZMl6AstLqoqLLh3LUJBbfbgygMVuKMnW-XqJMOwyg5T-5Zt_q0fhh3lJ8IU/s1600-h/apples4teacher%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="apples4teacher" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="apples4teacher" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zaF76DRj1y4/UtcGePBoa0I/AAAAAAAACt8/JEYqnx_OJ14/apples4teacher_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><strong><a href="http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/chinese-new-year/games/" target="_blank">Apples 4 the Teacher</a></strong><br><br>Again, some lovely games but some of them are not suitable for little children as they can be a bit difficult to use. <br><br>The matching pairs game is good for memory and ‘clicking’ practice. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sYAK-Z7gUMk/UtcGe3Pj3gI/AAAAAAAACuI/MqdRE48Gi38/s1600-h/activity%252520village%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="activity village" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="activity village" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_snRnGkMjhs/UtcGfk-33nI/AAAAAAAACuQ/uYXxZIiZyS0/activity%252520village_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><strong><a href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/chinese-new-year" target="_blank">Activity Village</a></strong><br><br>There are a variety of different Chinese New Year themed resources on the Activity Village website. There are some lovely ideas which would make some very nice Chinese New Year displays. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JkYn1ZnHwnM/UtcGgiCevdI/AAAAAAAACuY/QBc7Vx8FqPU/s1600-h/twink%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="twink" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="twink" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TvqYVKl67Rw/UtcGhCQt6WI/AAAAAAAACug/bH1Thi9RDQc/twink_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/topics/festivals-and-cultural-celebrations/chinese-new-year" target="_blank"><strong>Twinkl Chinese New Year Resources</strong></a><br><br>Twinkl always have really lovely resources for a number of different subjects, but their Chinese New Year resources are particularly lovely. <br><br>I thoroughly recommend signing up to their premium service as the resources are genuinely very good. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3WCilM642W0/UtcGiKAt7lI/AAAAAAAACuo/PiNd-kfyc6s/s1600-h/primtreschest%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="primtreschest" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="primtreschest" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nfi5Jl2wTFA/UtcGih1Z7KI/AAAAAAAACus/AVc0fdUODRM/primtreschest_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://www.primarytreasurechest.com/topics/celebrations/winter-celebrations/chinese-new-year.html" target="_blank"><strong>Primary Treasure Chest Chinese New Year Resources</strong></a><br><br>Primary Treasure Chest often doesn’t appear on Google searches but there are a wealth of lovely free resources! The Chinese New Year resources are lovely and a good gateway into teaching the Chinese New Year topic to little ones. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>See my previous post on <a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chinese-new-year.html" target="_blank">Chinese New Year display</a>. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-39528430392518989842014-01-13T01:59:00.000-08:002014-01-13T01:59:00.440-08:00Worksheets vs. Writing Frames<p><font size="6">Why We Don’t Use Worksheets in the Early Years</font></p> <p>Worksheets have no place in the Early Years! For a start,<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YwgB67WecvQ/UtJnmUQzoBI/AAAAAAAACno/CpDqUY5WFWQ/s1600-h/no-worksheets4.jpg"><img title="no worksheets" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="no worksheets" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzLs4k6FF8nD3eTTd5La2bf1BQ5EQW7Q2jQ6W8cKz7hfh2PuGhm6VjRAMUNHIQSunM3BAdOjnRHb3RVDMqoXwzwq4A-whvS3iKmisLmQ1q_R15H_0myPNPayvHNmX9V_yA3eaMZvg2bc/?imgmax=800" width="185" height="240"></a> the children can’t read to answer the questions on the sheets! </p> <p>I do cringe when I see worksheets used in focus groups or as the main part of the lesson. Every child is writing the same answer, it’s very prescribed and formal. </p> <p>The Early Years curriculum is designed to be creative, free and individual. There is room for every little person to express themselves and explore their own interests. </p> <p>Saying all that, I have used worksheets, everyone does. I tend to use them as independent activities that the children can access at their own level. I also use guided work when doing handwriting or letter formation. Worksheets have their place but if you can use an alternative, that’s by far the better option. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><font size="5">Writing Frames vs. Worksheets</font></p> <p>I should really confirm the difference between a writing frame and a worksheet. A writing frame can have anything written or drawn on it. It is open and free for the children to choose what to write. A worksheet is prescriptive and looking for a specific answer. </p> <table cellspacing="10" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e1CQNaU1auU/UtJnnXz9YdI/AAAAAAAACn4/V0hMMrnGjh8/s1600-h/6-copy3.jpg"><img title="6 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="6 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jBpuW-QzB8Q/UtJnn9GdIUI/AAAAAAAACoA/lxT-pPufU4o/6-copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q4ZQxOnBf4I/UtJno1903SI/AAAAAAAACoI/sJOdksBC6LY/s1600-h/3-copy3.jpg"><img title="3 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="3 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6-TTIqPMLVo/UtJnpe45nbI/AAAAAAAACoQ/7D0Znd5nFQ4/3-copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267">This is a maths worksheet that I made from the Space Journal. It asks specifically for the name, age, height and weight of the alien. Every child will write the same and each sheet will look identical. </td> <td valign="top" width="267">This is a writing frame. While the children are guided to write some non-fiction information about Space, they can write and draw anything they like on thus page. Each piece of work will be different and unique. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p><font size="5">Worksheet Alternatives</font></p> <p>In maths, it is difficult to avoid worksheets! The nature of maths questions, every answer is the same! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vfA-hHMTmgg/UtJnp80XRxI/AAAAAAAACoU/D9tqmNpVAUA/s1600-h/twinkl4.jpg"><img title="twinkl" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="twinkl" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0YtuXH3d_To/UtJnqt0vVAI/AAAAAAAACog/QhtOTxwjDe8/twinkl_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="240"></a></p> <p>This is a lovely bright maths worksheet from Twinkl. This is the kind of worksheet I would leave out for the children’s independent work. They can access it at their level, or even not do it at all, as they choose. </p> <p>However, there are two alternative ways that I would teach the same thing without using a worksheet at all!</p> <p>In focus groups working in attainment groups with the teacher or teaching assistant, I like to play the scavenger hunt!</p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Scavenger Hunt</strong></font></p> <p>This works best as a small focus group activity. Ask the children to run of and find (for example) five books and return to the group. Then run off and find (for example) three pencils. When the children return, ask them to tell you how many objects they have all together. </p> <p>Addition in the Early Years is</p> <p><strong>Mathematics: Numbers</strong> 40 – 60 months, Finds the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them. In practical activities and discussion, beginning to use the vocabulary involved in adding and subtracting. </p> <p>And the Early Learning Goal for addition in Mathematics: Number is</p> <p>They add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer.</p> <p>Which means that the basic aim of addition in reception is that children find the total of two groups by counting them. This very practical activity, usually done in the Autumn term, is a fantastic way of introducing addition. </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Question Cards</font></strong></p> <p>Instead of worksheets, I give the children question cards. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hhhu2sFopDQ/UtJnrJ2hfpI/AAAAAAAACoo/lN8m1x8Obww/s1600-h/question%252520card%252520addition%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="question card addition" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="question card addition" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JYZsw3qOxxA/UtJnr7DUk9I/AAAAAAAACos/zIZR9ojaulw/question%252520card%252520addition_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="163"></a></p> <p>You can copy this question card and past it a few times onto one A4 page. I cut the cards out so that children can stick them onto a separate piece of paper or into a book. </p> <p>These question cards mean that each sum is different. The children write the + or -and = symbols themselves and choose the numbers they want to use. Obviously the children need some modelling and some support when first using these cards but children quickly get the hang of it. </p> <p><font size="5">Avoiding Worksheets</font></p> <p>If you can, turn worksheets into individualised and unique question cards. You can target the lesson outcome to differentiate, for example your lower attainers could aim to do 3 question cards, while the higher attainers could try for 5 or 6. </p> <p>If you have any other avoiding techniques for worksheets, add a comment! </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-22475539155618255722014-01-11T14:57:00.000-08:002014-01-11T14:57:00.188-08:00Understanding the World: Science<p><font size="6">Space: the Final Frontier</font></p> <p>I’ll admit it now, I am a sci fi geek. I love doing the space topic! To shoe horn Space into the long term plan as a theme, it appears under the topic of ‘science’ although it may not be very scientific. </p> <p>There are many different aspects of science that you could teach in Reception and Nursery, but my favourites are space (obviously) and mini-beasts. </p> <p>There are many different activities for a Space term topic. See this brainstorm.. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQI6bxtz4CQJcvWES0kmawfPpugVyW5sqVBVaYuJICKzEjRK8qt7i9WRJKwbQiAGjx1kNBjpsL1oOh6j59dqlNYlCOtBGbCu7m1QffyBsD7_FZvdToCU9fbNKcCYRjJ3s9q6cq7aMBU4/s1600-h/space-brainstorm4.jpg"><img title="space brainstorm" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="space brainstorm" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5_SVWbO1ITFceCz8NEDyv0VgrmIrQUrPA-8TZl38mR5mmG3IUIuuqMs1b1UktAQGdnptfB-10qmXisIdJWV0U3psgRj5z2oVD1Wge6T6dvrbOrBZphDZGOCD2FeU7vNiGGhhZ6QebM/?imgmax=800" width="541" height="407"></a></p> <p>For literacy and numeracy, I have already posted about the <a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/space-journal.html" target="_blank">Space Journal</a>. It’s a really fun resource that the children enjoy making. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="185"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjdzNaamU3b2gwS2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img title="1 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7VQZ-9iJktkQQpmfocf-31g1iOgXC1TKcgjEP9O13wVujTPPbuVDvFVfvRnLXUWNho3jS-9IbN70BL69c7BN_jZZeOv-xnweiJkHoI7XQ_dDjh-ylZOFK62ujaK_2tP4eyjUA1K_7TY/?imgmax=800" width="170" height="240"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="349">The <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjdzNaamU3b2gwS2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Space Journal</a> has room for Expressive Arts and Design, Literacy, Numeracy and Understanding the World. <br><br>The front page has room for children to design their own space agency badge. They can name their space agency and design a logo. <br><br>There’s also pages for non-fiction information, an alien fact file, an astronaut passport page, a phonics page for non-sense words, labelling a space rocket and a maths page. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjdzNaamU3b2gwS2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Space Journal</a> has a thematic approach to the space topic. Avoiding worksheets, the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjdzNaamU3b2gwS2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Space Journal</a> provides writing frames for the children to write whatever they think of. </p> <p>My introduction to the Space topic involves children boarding a space shuttle and taking a journey into space. </p> <p>However, before they can do this, they need a Space Passport! </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>You could either use the Astronaut Passport from the Space Journal, or you are welcome to use the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjUHowZUF6WkN3UUE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Space Passport</a> below. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="248"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjUHowZUF6WkN3UUE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img title="passport" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="passport" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-62PVOlnN_Qk/UtB7G9d7msI/AAAAAAAACmU/rw3XRiBBkS0/passport4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="90"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="286">You could take a photo of each child dressed up in the space costumes to appear in their passport (which is what I like to do) or you could ask the children to draw a picture of themselves to assess their drawing and mark making. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Once children have their space passports they can travel into space!</p> <p><font size="5"><strong>The Spaceship</strong></font></p> <p>If you line up the chairs like the inside of an aeroplane, there are some lovely inflight videos. </p> <p><iframe height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b2KRXHJi6MY?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="535" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>This is the cutest inflight video ever! </p> <p>Children love the size comparison video. They get very excited when they see that celestial objects continue to be larger and larger, although I’m not sure if the little ones understand the end of the video. </p> <p><iframe height="301" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OOdMphcFsws?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="535" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>And for your music lesson! </p> <p><iframe height="301" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BZ-qLUIj_A0?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="535" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>You can find the lyrics for this song <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSVp6cGtBSm9zSFk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">on the last page of the lesson plan</a>! They can also be found at the end of this post. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ui0NH-KCthk/UtB7HvySlnI/AAAAAAAACmg/pXVSM8dYSDc/s1600-h/lesson%252520plan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="lesson plan" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="lesson plan" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-faUp-Q23D_E/UtB7IPeJy6I/AAAAAAAACmo/wmZ9RhD5W2E/lesson%252520plan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="172"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="356">The lesson plan for <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSVp6cGtBSm9zSFk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">An Introduction to Space</a> can be found here. <br><br>This lesson can easily be adapted to fit in with every element of the Space Journal. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>There are some lovely space books to share with the children ranging from non-fiction to story books. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="174"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJFgye52S1lMxZ2-32XZxzxwhkg7-NbgYW1ra3SRtFtsRROYrR13H16UcNazvTPpCQ0d1mRy4Wy6uAMNTvPr-2gR-VMSMVGXm4Aq0uCh21AYnFoZ0yHjiuArGIoSAXRq4taEjiZCF-D0/s1600-h/on%252520the%252520moon%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="on the moon" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="on the moon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC5hBHcRq_IWHgtMMH4UWtMcf7CTTFV0v1aNpTpcMF2slcnp_FZOzcKOk9muzsimsKMxZOz8hpnbS1FhQ-AjhH0tBYvRCukRB-1MIltULIOo2tO4wvlN_q74gAyQApz6o3H3YSXxCO14/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="154"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="360"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moon-Usborne-Picture-Books/dp/1409539075" target="_blank">On the Moon</a></strong><br><br>A non-fiction picture book explaining about what it is like on the moon. <br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="174"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WQnQ8teFuSM/UtB7KLiAhZI/AAAAAAAACnA/DMsRLZ-2W40/s1600-h/korng%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="korng" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="korng" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0Bjx607y6rreL6jcp8Z_SXcr6FrzlW7SmSgVKNDmStNqx00IyduBfFGEADjrDj7QXK08FbgsF5ldy2xkw4D80I4tjnTami2LK7O3AcoWa7RqJAhR0pe19KpbiKWBOym__PyZF95tLo8/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="168"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="360"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Krong-Garry-Parsons/dp/0370328485/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389394288&sr=1-1&keywords=krong" target="_blank">Krong</a></strong><br><br>Fantastic for phonics, this book has a lot of non-sense words. Wonderful for the ‘Alien Language’ page of the Space Journal. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="174"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGfgl3nAxBDq3N4Cu13_SkCeOJbXn4Z92UFEWNQOtF9anDeF1PxahwZVUmj1Jc1J7Bc5-6oz6VQMj2P1DFJTFd7leJKlzanvCVHMgzca9FK42kPvU7GO9c9HXL0V6XzBvq5K_mUwHHqU/s1600-h/aliens%252520love%252520underpants%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="aliens love underpants" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="aliens love underpants" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxHXlSXicQnoDJuMIHddUtmFU8pLQ28JTZJHnGjv-6ObjrhNT-156ZhwvSpZo8Yg7k0mAgr2VlDjycrAeV_3z7aB2VDXyDvAWyU6YovsC-1xEQheTXqNxJzeMlRFBco8DjGSMAl50FQg/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="154"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="360"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aliens-Love-Underpants-Claire-Freedman/dp/1416917055/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389394336&sr=1-1&keywords=aliens+love+underpants" target="_blank">Aliens Love Underpants</a></strong><br><br>I personally don’t like this story, but the children love it. It’s a great talking point to discuss what aliens look like and inspiring the children’s clay aliens. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>I could go on… and on and on and on! I love space as a topic for the children so I will post again with more lesson ideas! </p> <p>Please leave a comment if you have anything to share!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-48289483452944528362014-01-09T08:24:00.000-08:002014-01-09T08:24:00.632-08:00History: Now and Then<p><font size="6">Comparisons</font></p> <p>While you can teach Early Years children facts about history which they can recall, I believe the best way to help children understand the past is to compare the past with now. </p> <p>For three years in a row now, I have taught my class the Monarchs Song from Horrible Histories. I usually only teach the chorus but this year the children asked for the ‘William the conker’ song so I’ve tried to teach them the entire song. </p> <p><iframe style="height: 356px; width: 534px" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aJd4lKYlpRs?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p>You can find the lyrics for the songs <a href="http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/horrible_histories/kings_and_queens_ruthless_rulers_song.html" target="_blank">here</a>. There are lots of fun songs teaching the children about history, however I would listen to the songs first as they can sometimes be inappropriate for the very little ones. I’d particularly <strong>avoid</strong> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51aHb_U8Zr0" target="_blank">Pachacuti</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_z-MbODVo" target="_blank">Evil Emperors</a>. (Although, my 6 year old nephew in year two absolutely loves those particular horrible histories!) </p> <p><font size="5">Compare Now and Then</font></p> <p>I personally believe the easiest way for little children to understand the past is to compare now and then. </p> <p>For example, </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qr0ZRQ1pH7Q/UsbkiCVJaiI/AAAAAAAACjA/_CfT_lhmYAM/s1600-h/granddad%252520and%252520his%252520mum%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="granddad and his mum" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="granddad and his mum" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uUlLYT3NAS8/UsbkjM5GR8I/AAAAAAAACjI/oK4vBCDSGeI/granddad%252520and%252520his%252520mum_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="114" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiNVQepg9sRFDdl6_XA5hbdpTFmZ3cCA7Mo011V7X_NACaRMFbKEC-VL_6X290XIYzsHW07BxvVXpkjjlJ2RAxugUPotDYsln0oyJZwWoCZt2rd5ixwAnFUyfl93cEvu0-cv7HYFgtOg/s1600-h/scan0016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="scan0016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="scan0016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LBElEWppanw/Usbkkmh9WNI/AAAAAAAACjY/FpBy05z1y3E/scan0016_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="244"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267">This is my granddad as a child in the late 1920’s. </td> <td valign="top" width="267">This is me as a child in the late 1980’s (although you could use a photo from a child in your class, or in a different class) </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The first thing children may say is that one picture is in colour and one picture is in black and white. This is where you can ask the children which is the oldest picture? </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><strong><font size="4">Comparing Ourselves, Now and Then Lesson Plan</font></strong></p> <p>I’ve done this lesson with Reception children since I started teaching, however I haven't had the opportunity to do this lesson with Nursery children, I still believe they could access this subject if done in the Summer term with the older children.</p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="173"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wiVUcR7LE6Q/UsbkljP7rGI/AAAAAAAACjg/pv2WyYsoXGw/s1600-h/planning%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="planning" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="planning" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Ykrw0xpH-8/UsbkmTF3S_I/AAAAAAAACjk/v0hL5QzkPvg/planning_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="153"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="361">The ‘When I was a baby..’ lesson takes a look at children’s personal history. It is a good start for establishing ‘past’ as a concept which they can understand. Once the children have a grasp of personal history they are more ready to understand wider world history. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSG11TlhieTVwMWc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">You can download the planning for this lesson here.</a> <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="173"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0mZ8Jcb8-ijseKevbnO8sU5IaRkEUpxi32MtLpoRbHPGXYLiuXBvwn1DoNYgtHQv_LhQL9NdoB92sboQW27PEVA-dxQCAdvIH61EZNCONg7V2dLsTBDBNG0CrlEP-o7TEzH-NumfmsQ/s1600-h/sequencing%252520cards%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="sequencing cards" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="sequencing cards" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MmbrVs-iVTM/UsbknmZRdtI/AAAAAAAACj4/PR36AdCj2g4/sequencing%252520cards_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="153"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="361">Mentioned in the planning is a set of sequencing cards. I simply used pictures I found on Google to appear on the cards so you could make these cards yourself if you’d prefer different photos. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0#my-drive" target="_blank">Download the ones I made here.</a> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>It is a bit of a writing lesson, but if you wanted to do this lesson in the Autumn term you could scribe for the children and use this activity as a Communication and Language activity. </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Comparing the Past Lesson Plan</strong></font></p> <p>Once children have a good grasp of their own personal history, we can move on to focusing on history as a whole. </p> <p>Take a photo of your classroom and compare it to a classroom from the past. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TfMsAAM3Zdk/UsbkpPP5JkI/AAAAAAAACkA/cTuSlwH34KE/s1600-h/granddad%252527s%252520on%252520the%252520back%252520row%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="granddad's on the back row" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="granddad's on the back row" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PhpQ1LL2b5E/Usbkp8JKqYI/AAAAAAAACkE/ikeelHGgVUA/granddad%252527s%252520on%252520the%252520back%252520row_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="178"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HzbG-DXaHUs2KqQnhJhXkSOCWAMzHgpEZP9iFnFmlfKJiL47uwiig2m6f5XoUDAnEBz9REaHrCmHJ5MDbWh9EL7pD9mtxDGwKwF-AQt1oARfYFUagSKFRPhOc_NqLC6K7u2spMlS9sg/s1600-h/clasrrom%252520of%252520now%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="clasrrom of now" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="clasrrom of now" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tTb4Smf-KJ4/UsbkqwyXKlI/AAAAAAAACkY/F5UX9hrkeqI/clasrrom%252520of%252520now_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="176"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="267">This is a picture of my Granddad’s classroom in the 1920’s, he’s on the back row in the middle. The classrooms of the past look so different to the classrooms we have now. </td> <td valign="top" width="267">This classroom is from a catalogue but you can see the difference between the two clearly. Although, of course the children can look around the room to see what is different to the photograph of my Granddad’s classroom. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The lesson plan below includes a homework idea after the plenary. At our setting, a lot of our homeworks are speaking and listening homework to encourage parents to speak to their children but you can adapt this to the best target for your setting. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="199"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YtAF6dhLnk4/Usbkry5Y3YI/AAAAAAAACkg/O8g9LtMQHRs/s1600-h/planning%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="planning 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="planning 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sKEWb2bAvN0/Usbkst1YsmI/AAAAAAAACkk/snSj-0Fnf4w/planning%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="173"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="335">This lesson plan for comparing the past and present contains all the links to the EYFS and some questioning ideas for focus groups. <br><br>You could make this a sequence of lessons. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjSndBX0Jham42RXc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">You can download the planning for this lesson here.</a><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="199"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A-CY-j5h6U0/UsbktYrxDrI/AAAAAAAACkw/xakYuJp9BPA/s1600-h/what%252520am%252520i%252520cards%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="what am i cards" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="what am i cards" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ziy04Lewb4A/Usbktx1rCvI/AAAAAAAACk0/BW3HEPTezyk/what%252520am%252520i%252520cards_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="161"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="335">The What Am I cards are every day normal objects that the children will be familiar with, such as scissors, buckles and pens, but are historical versions. <br><br>The cards act as discussion points for an adult led activity. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjT05CWE1FaU1LbkU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">You can download the What Am I? cards here.</a> <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="199"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e4I4-BXtWek/UsbkumKkerI/AAAAAAAAClA/MGvfv_jWqnw/s1600-h/compare%252520cards%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="compare cards" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="compare cards" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBxo3p2OYb0WH6whYgRMjgDC0REURe4tMLy3l_3wAARLNUSuxj72248Sf1D9OwaZw-KaDnfuDyecX8DEkE1HknGS3KpdFc-YZ39_e70xY8LdnaiK2-qhMYSZVpfOe_t6RWjbBQ5tUmto/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="173"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="335">The compare cards could be used as an independent activity where children find the matching pairs or could be used as a discussion point in a focus group. <br><br>The cards compare familiar objects such as computers, footballers, school uniforms and classrooms. <br><br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjMVhzWV9oNnRDVWc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">To download the Compare Cards, click here.</a> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p><font size="5">Hot Seating</font></p> <p>If you have a parent or grandparent from the class, or <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Vixbx8jn1eIqj4bX-gxNelHGsoU_WPCGIQiNLSsZmC7EXOvzaM_j89SOKMAd6m7_v2Jk3w_ugCU21vl0fYqLs9DDgnYslfsbtA0Y0n6WGJAr38QTM_Xe9v2wbWyRFkbj1r9BU0Bsa_E/s1600-h/granddad%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="granddad" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="granddad" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvvSXXB5TqUovdcx5HCb9ii7rVIEN1XsbDyf3ep-CwoWnxee0dvZHB9-qjrfBrQh3Ai2CVnjFmqXnFmZvuvDwSS__7URZ3QlGRWJFt9lh4WKgcm1w6KVuPuokVpFKa0akhfx6HrdqFg8/?imgmax=800" width="166" height="248"></a>even your own parents or grandparents, who would be willing to come to class to discuss their childhood with the children, you could do some hot seating! </p> <p>Work with the children before hand in a focus group or even as a whole class to think of questions for the older person. </p> <p>What was it like when they went to school? Did they have to wear a uniform? Was it anything like our uniforms? </p> <p>What games did you play? Did you have computer <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvopFFLJKerPphK8gtn7gT_VMAulzbIarXs1x0OEPhUZpJYGDcEGZQe-mM575GXxOx6Exn2jknZqU-3xBxcDiYrW-T3-20tXpQi6kePABWeRMpHYZBJos8AhMfCjDfEQ-__AVwtz_iBPY/s1600-h/early%252520nokia%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="early nokia" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="early nokia" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NMO3DThYst0/Usbkx8SdhVI/AAAAAAAAClo/DB-FngQbodg/early%252520nokia_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="86" height="167"></a>games? Did you play games on your mobile phone? (Personally I can still remember my first mobile phone with a tiny screen and a huge dialling panel. </p> <p>Even in that short time, the development of technology from this plastic, simple mobile phone to the colourful, interactive hand held computer phones that we have now can show contrast for the children to explore. </p> <p>If you have any feedback about these lessons, please leave a comment below. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-59019161584193497512014-01-07T15:15:00.000-08:002014-01-07T15:15:00.118-08:00Understanding the World: Science<p><font size="6">Sink or Float</font></p> <p>The easiest science lesson to do with little children is the sink or float lesson. It’s a very visual lesson and once completed, you can leave the water play out for the children to experiment for themselves. </p> <p>It opens a discussion about suitable materials for boats, children can make predictions and easily see the results of their predictions. </p> <p>I have done this lesson with children as young as 2 years old. They enjoy the instant nature of the experiments and are able to see which objects sink or float instantly. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U1MZO1kcX1I/UsNQPNdiAXI/AAAAAAAAChI/OAMhXq2d6O0/s1600-h/sink-or-float3.jpg"><img title="sink or float" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="sink or float" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SOmfCZtBJ2w/UsNQP7jRfPI/AAAAAAAAChQ/uumguI8Kr3w/sink-or-float_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="326"></a></p> <p><font size="1">picture from </font><a href="http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/science/amy.cfm?subpage=1634595" target="_blank"><font size="1">myteacherpages.com</font></a></p> <p>I wouldn’t expect children to be writing anything down about this experiment. When I do this experiment, I write a lot of notes about what they children have said, or video their predictions, and take photos of their independent play. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I would use as large a tub as you have in your classroom but it is essential that the sub is see-through. I usually empty a toy box and fill that with water. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z7WsReh2BUY/UsNQQjgD50I/AAAAAAAAChY/9ll9LbhPXkw/s1600-h/sink-or-float-tub5.jpg"><img title="sink or float tub" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="sink or float tub" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ShkF5i6eOvc/UsNQRXbNwAI/AAAAAAAAChg/gip6inSOV4M/sink-or-float-tub_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="209"></a></p> <p>I made a Smartboard activity where you could either <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qRxcxHbUh5A/UsNQSGaL3hI/AAAAAAAACho/LIWH65ZLTpg/s1600-h/s0f%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="s0f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="s0f" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_typunGi83yVbn43nUp-WVuPmCOOVuZkWvxkYmzzuXwXrj_iowwLBfkeWFJUJbFCVxZIXlZfSKL62Xezts7pR08MpTuAJSh5N6MrlIVMqawNL9qG4IHmt_MWWOEFbc-Tvx7I3tGa5cas/?imgmax=800" width="229" height="116"></a>place the children’s predictions and tick or cross if correct or wrong, or where you can record the results of the experiment. </p> <p>Page two of the Smartboard has a possible plenary activity or a starter activity you could use as a discussion point. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240"><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0&urp=https://www.google.co.uk/#folders/0B331OHly-JTjcmNlNTNEM1dKUnc" target="_blank"><img title="sof" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="sof" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0GdcP-ZVV7w/UsNQTXVMkhI/AAAAAAAACh4/3wJtE6OqfbU/sof%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="294"><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0&urp=https://www.google.co.uk/#folders/0B331OHly-JTjcmNlNTNEM1dKUnc" target="_blank">The sink or float lesson plan is available here.</a> <br><br>This plan links to Communication skills as much as it does to understanding the world. <br><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>I try to always incorporate ICT into my lessons and I have found some interactive games for the laptops you could use or to have on your interactive whiteboard. </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2rtCkX6YvnZwaZqpoy08eaNjQyNqyLyiOCzbgSWhmdH4VpWhDqBM-suKErTMlWVFOGVawMDIHvJhbYYkSGue1BocXPr8rn79ze9AQt6QduYRdYNloOsEYyvkGsBXT1mfm3xGFEMBdGA/s1600-h/sof%252520game%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="sof game 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="sof game 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SAgWSN51vgk/UsNQU_efUxI/AAAAAAAACiI/VVsdY5oApCU/sof%252520game%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="112"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="368"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/digger/5_7entry/8continue.shtml" target="_blank">This is a good game</a> for looking at sinking or floating! <br><br>It’s a very simple program with lots of clicking and talking so easy for even the little children to follow. <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_3YmJbaZ6UE/UsNQV2mOzaI/AAAAAAAACiQ/QKLQsVErnHE/s1600-h/sof%252520game%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="sof game" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="sof game" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7BhrPSVyc_jotfdQMkAA-ho03nRKcKJAp82TKo1fQqne-me3tYjLOygPgLo6XkhQ9EUqaGjLS6RpbYL7Nm8etU0i0I30A780AfWm7JmTidjHXFKE1shG1AdMYV-1KyqRQfEKofNKU6w/?imgmax=800" width="194" height="128"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="368">A <a href="http://pbskids.org/rogers/sink.html" target="_blank">really lovely game</a> for children exploring the sink or float experiment. <br><br>The part I love about this game is if you don’t put the water in the sink, all the objects fall to the bottom, so that if you fill the sink with water, the floating objects then float! A lovely little touch! </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>If you must do a worksheet for this activity, there are a number available. I like this one from <a href="http://jeanmarzollo.com/KINDERGARTEN/chapter_nine.html" target="_blank">JenMarzolo.com</a>.</p> <p><img alt="chart" src="http://jeanmarzollo.com/images/KINDERGARTEN/charts.png" width="532" height="193"></p> <p><a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/25957/experiment-with-water" target="_blank">Kids Activity Blog</a> has a nice worksheet as well as <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/blog/10450/10-easy-science-experiments-for-kids/" target="_blank">Kiwi Crate.com</a>. Personally, I think the best website is having the children draw their own worksheets. I have included <a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0&urp=https://www.google.co.uk/#folders/0B331OHly-JTjcmNlNTNEM1dKUnc" target="_blank">what I would make as a worksheet</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0&urp=https://www.google.co.uk/#folders/0B331OHly-JTjcmNlNTNEM1dKUnc" target="_blank"><img title="Sink or Float Worksheet" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sink or Float Worksheet" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YKdxLATuQAI/UsNQXRLPWkI/AAAAAAAACig/71wX72YjJtg/Sink%252520or%252520Float%252520Worksheet%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="374"></a></p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0&urp=https://www.google.co.uk/#folders/0B331OHly-JTjcmNlNTNEM1dKUnc" target="_blank">This worksheet</a> has space for writing comments the children have made, a photo of the children playing in the water and space for the child to draw the experiment independently. At the bottom of the worksheet, I have a large space for the child to write their own name (a writing target!) and the learning objectives from the planning which links directly to the Early Learning Goals. You could also ask the children to label their diagrams. </p> <p>Although, with photographs, independent drawing and <a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0&urp=https://www.google.co.uk/#folders/0B331OHly-JTjeG5YRmJ4ZHZkTTQ" target="_blank">Magic Moment cards</a>, you don’t really need to use a worksheet. </p> <p>I hope this has been useful! Please leave a comment!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-71148474691394708332014-01-05T15:31:00.000-08:002014-01-05T15:31:00.139-08:00Fine Motor Skills<p><font size="6">Essential for Pre-Writing</font></p> <p>Please see my previous post on <a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/fine-motor-skills.html" target="_blank">Fine Motor Skills</a>. </p> <p>There are many different stages to developing writing skills. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqG9A4qhyphenhyphen8WXAQc5h4gm3EmKzHdb6R6vmeSAnqkWc2dGycJIId8l9DMSxCVP3O62qNAcZD8iIwjL-7DoaVARaup_-3QizOCFRV1WJswLLPuf2rLfpfyeceSLbC1Sp50gazQ93ErU_SEQ/s1600-h/fine-motor7.jpg"><img title="fine motor" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="fine motor" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--xHKcGVpGr0/UsCxB_LjkCI/AAAAAAAACdc/brTzmpYSGMs/fine-motor_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="673"></a></p> <p>Each of these steps are vital in developing children’s fine motor skills. It is not usually possible to skip any of the steps. As good Early Years practitioners, we need to provide opportunities for the children to take part in activities which are at the right level for them, to move on to the next steps. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><strong><font size="5">Grasping Objects</font></strong></p> <p>By the time children enter your setting, they will usually be reaching for and grasping objects that are near them. If they are not, you can try surrounding the child with interesting toys. <a href="http://www.lamazetoys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lamaze do a fantastic range</a> of developmental toys (I’m a bit of a fan) that are brightly coloured, noisy and enticing to the little ones. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wUh0dfvsOJu3Kzd-JIFfws002u_g74-7PebkoK3sMHOmuslERARG0eNZowWfwEm9N9KFlsoaKdZy8uoIKF8AC7VWPaD-gZ3ePq5u3GktQ0Tx2YbIadr9JjxYejzetMSJLiBozJ0lGjs/s1600-h/lamaze%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="lamaze" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="lamaze" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H-r4jkBy-LM/UsCxDXRdl7I/AAAAAAAACdo/nFltQwtrzt0/lamaze_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="269"></a></p> <p>These are the <a href="http://www.lamazetoys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lamaze </a>toys I have for my little boy. He’s still too young to really engage with them but I’m sure he will love them when he’s older! (Images from the <a href="http://www.lamazetoys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lamaze </a>website.)</p> <p><font size="5"><strong>Pinching Movements</strong></font></p> <p>Of course, we tell children not to pinch! Except when they are doing their fine motor activities! </p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="525" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2PpooZ_j2gs/UsCxIxfYohI/AAAAAAAACd0/WG8K0sO8gIQ/s1600-h/Sorting-Colours-with-Cardboard-Rolls-1%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="Sorting-Colours-with-Cardboard-Rolls-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sorting-Colours-with-Cardboard-Rolls-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirqQysLGRVGPzy0BQ8PI2hChThyphenhyphent5HmAa24lfBToLyKq84kCtbMEPEF0PPbvDedOFMM7z9o9IEL2iSzQUb4Q4QK_YaACHnuxa9fZ21eFEBUvJkMfA7QEIzHGU3IBolZPpgJegMfGInJI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="186"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="314">I absolutely love this idea from <a href="http://www.learning4kids.net/list-of-fine-motor-play-activities/" target="_blank">learning4kids.net</a>!! The only thing I would do differently is instead of using pompoms (which are ideal for <em>little</em> little ones) I would use coloured beads or buttons. <br><br>Easy to set up in your classroom in a fine motor area! I will be using this idea when I return to work after maternity!<br><br>The best part about it is… The children can help make it!! <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><img src="http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/M-and-D-molding-compound.jpeg" width="240" height="160"></td> <td valign="top" width="314">Play dough is amazing for fine motor skills. You can buy the commercial stuff or it is very cheap to make your own with a variety of different recipes on the internet. <br>- <a href="http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/04/best-ever-no-cook-play-dough-recipe.html" target="_blank">Normal play dough</a><br>- <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/six-easy-yummy-scented-play-dough-recipes-269185.html" target="_blank">Smelly play dough</a><br>- <a href="http://thecreativemama.com/how-to-make-glitter-playdough/" target="_blank">Sparkly play dough</a><br><br>The children love play dough but be careful of it falling on the carpet as it can get trodden in. <br><br>And! They can help make the play dough if you have cooking resources in your setting!<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t5uZuKGF-00/UsCxKlB4R3I/AAAAAAAACeE/9dCqG6HXHSw/s1600-h/beads%252520in%252520playdough%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="beads in playdough" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="beads in playdough" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xGJbrtf6jS4/UsCxLEYC5BI/AAAAAAAACeM/-yCu9OcnK5g/beads%252520in%252520playdough_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="245"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="314">This is a really lovely activity where the children pinch out a small object like a bead or a piece of rice and push it into play dough. <br><br>They could easily drop the bead into a pot for a sorting activity or threading. <br><br><br><br><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <p><font size="5"><strong>Holding a Writing Implement</strong></font></p> <p>This is where your writing corner comes into it’s own. Providing children with a variety of different materials for writing is vital. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rWCBJkZ1-tY/UsCxL_xd9XI/AAAAAAAACeU/v8Ua1-mATpY/s1600-h/writing%252520area%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="writing area" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="writing area" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ5JTTM-YT2V1ahjj3Qm3XTtyP0Vio3VK7O7doeydlbnkeD3U7ipw0Ujy1IaYVBLAIMVA8hIJ-ySVJbppHgqMkmnnqg7GAF_hc8nxb2AteRcQhghRcGiggz_BeW7o08tn98SAmBwwy4c/?imgmax=800" width="459" height="250"></a></p> <p>This an image from <a href="http://www.irfon.powys.sch.uk/pages/viewPage.html?page=2651" target="_blank">another primary school</a>, but you can see in the photo the different coloured paper and the different types of writing implements including a highlighter! I can’t include a photo from my classroom as I am on maternity leave at the moment, but I will update when I get back!</p> <p>A good writing area should be accessible to all attainment levels. It should consist of writing frames and blank paper, note books and different sizes of paper and card. The writing implements should be varied. </p> <p><a href="http://www.evolutionstores.co.uk/coloured-twig-pencils/@549"><img title="pencils" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="pencils" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkhK3LLOrZ1GySf_k4C2zpSJQRJaL3EboGRJ-WkIGpXjsxGuPO2NWDV9xiBrT9eW9hcNCGlPxBXB45fWc11fNacGxXVGEIFQL8gM-Q69KpGi_andusl3G_fboVkm8ACA4iCDllhbaky0/?imgmax=800" width="420" height="316"></a></p> <p>I bought a pack of these pencils from a shop called <a href="http://www.evolutionstores.co.uk/coloured-twig-pencils/@549" target="_blank">Evolution</a> for not very much money at all! The children love them and they also enhance the outside area! </p> <p>I also go to the PoundShop and buy a variety of different pens and pencils, different thickness of pencils and pens, even the silly giant pens and pencils to give children utterly different writing experiences. </p> <p><font size="5"><strong>Draws Shapes</strong></font></p> <p>It’s difficult to sometimes ask children to draw specific shapes but if we all sit down to draw our family and our house in a circle time activity, you will be able to get circles for faces and the sun, squares and triangles for houses, straight lines for arms and legs and sun rays, you may even be able to get a few stars in the sky!</p> <table cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="535" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AJORxK8H8kk/UsCxOEkZ6ZI/AAAAAAAACes/uNksluAJTXM/s1600-h/child%252520drawing%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="child drawing 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 34px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="child drawing 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0caUip0i-zM/UsCxOk-wYZI/AAAAAAAACew/rj45A1gkqXM/child%252520drawing%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="128"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e61zEo7EA7E/UsCxPHRr5cI/AAAAAAAACe8/lZ1OEwIeMxI/s1600-h/child%252520drawing%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="child drawing 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="child drawing 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o2HUXOgFLt_iUx59GKppwMVi-EWVLYU3NG4A-D9X0yxumxZo5DKiVf8jJH94xuzzOUJt-MzPNxdVF0_f6DKvzeWxMYRygLq7MFt9HMbCSukQRyrMfynPc97R6B6KdnoJ7nvD52OXPE0/?imgmax=800" width="177" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Onjs2RSs_zA/UsCxQptO4zI/AAAAAAAACfM/ywHVVdcfioY/s1600-h/child%252520drawing%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="child drawing 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 44px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="child drawing 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VknDEtsww68/UsCxRUPLXsI/AAAAAAAACfU/BNKLxvqBDmE/child%252520drawing%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="119"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="178"><font size="1">Img from </font><a href="http://cauldronsandcupcakes.com/tag/inner-child-work/"><font size="1">Caldrons and Cupcakes</font></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><font size="1">Img from </font><a href="http://www.mamalisa.com/blog/a-childs-drawing/"><font size="1">mamalisa.com</font></a></td> <td valign="top" width="178"><font size="1">Img from </font><a href="http://readyforten.com/users/RFTdeb/posts/3732-what-do-you-do-with-your-children-s-artwork"><font size="1">readyforten.com</font></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>And in Numeracy lessons you could make shape pictures! I usually use paint and different shaped objects for this, but the children could have a go at drawing shape pictures too! </p> <p><font size="5"><strong>Using One Handed Tools</strong></font></p> <p>It is vital, absolutely vital that young children are given the opportunity to use scissors! I cannot stress this enough! Give them scissors!! Blunt, child safety scissors and under supervision until you know the children have learnt the Scissor Safety Rules, but please, please give them scissors. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_8IdYGp2fJE/UsCxSFDY-yI/AAAAAAAACfc/eQnnzTopIN8/s1600-h/child%252520with%252520scissors%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="child with scissors" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="child with scissors" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPD_noeiBrQJj4fDnx8b0yTgxDMIR8eCQh2aGc2ZNI6IqvexTdULg3k97QNr6JS-rQ60cYpj6mE9mkW956_8zK54RZIc-VD207mnvT7lhkC7D_1O459-EO97P36uY32UBvGRNowN7Uvc/?imgmax=800" width="193" height="244"></a></p> <p>Using scissors requires concentration and a combination of different skills, such as holding the paper steady, being able to picture in your mind what shape you want to cut out, coordinating your fingers to move in the right way. </p> <p>Once the children are trained to only cut what is on the cutting table, I leave a cutting table out for independent use (Learning Through Play manager keeping a watchful eye).</p> <p>Children can cut a variety of different objects, not just plain paper. </p> <ul> <li>news paper (also tearing news paper is good for fine motor skills)</li> <li>tissue paper</li> <li>play dough</li> <li>thin cardboard</li> <li>thin cardboard boxes, such as cereal boxes</li></ul> <p><font size="4"><strong>Tweezers<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2oD4HSyN6n0/UsCxTvVLjNI/AAAAAAAACfs/VDEU6Zehcj8/s1600-h/tweezers%252520childcarelandblog%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="tweezers childcarelandblog" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="tweezers childcarelandblog" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OrOPoOz6inM/UsCxUMkJ5dI/AAAAAAAACf0/ef-RSnTKP1Y/tweezers%252520childcarelandblog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="219"></a></strong></font></p> <p>Or even chopsticks! Children really enjoy tweezer activities and can often sit sorting beads or picking up a variety of different objects for an entire Busy Bee Time! </p> <p>There are a number of shops where Tweezers are available, including <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004LKS1QK" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </p> <p>I would also suggest letting the children use children’s chopsticks. I leave both children’s and adults chopsticks out for the children to use. They do often struggle but with the opportunity provided to them, they are at least exploring the possibility of using chopsticks. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm429-urKHCCBzcBUvRXgoPMTwZitJFqSQOS1RKUmhxjFCSv-Bs3WSyz85ffNNXvdqYC9gMGZY1JA_dEcJNwNs28PTDnQ1Yhe3QSs20Q3jVS7BKVVtYJ24XHaZqtbIjrHXiIgomaFoWM/s1600-h/chopsticks1web2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="chopsticks1web2_thumb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="chopsticks1web2_thumb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByAZf214ehCH8QHP9Mw6yE8x6ej0V8EZht_FBw8jmlgvmWOJ3VLHMB-7t06er3yfCWHzQ_EckxFx0jzEPo0EbELkUGFPSwgf24KL0mVek8zw63bOHZb17A53oESC-3dUfbfOD7HdZym0/?imgmax=800" width="514" height="311"></a></p> <p>There’s also using paint brushes, <a href="http://preschoolteacher81.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/brushing-teeth-activity.html" target="_blank">tooth brushes</a>, glue sticks, chalk and <a href="http://www.spacetoys.com/products.php?product=Foam-paint-stamp-set" target="_blank">stencil tools</a>. </p> <p><font size="5"><strong>Tripod Grip and Name Letters</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qbNomwaMmpA/UsCxV7UQjGI/AAAAAAAACgI/HsWTzo8Wa1o/s1600-h/tripod%252520grip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="tripod grip" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="tripod grip" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMjdcZ-aLOb-HVi9m2SmzcAT6PBb6l1yoKs4VTkgMEOuQNeGRn79Hi58N0oxkeuypTEzitbZpQHQRPY-QLTkJOm9ghbMvQrU3qNMn8qq24tQ9sQpvMtFHlBJOyTSM04DkYlcMtYsi7bQ/?imgmax=800" width="462" height="214"></a></p> <p>This diagram shows how a child’s pencil grip develops with age. </p> <p>When asking a child to try the tripod grip, there is a simple three step method. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2MhlzP4HtEY/UsCxXQroWAI/AAAAAAAACgc/SLrKZahLT4I/s1600-h/how%252520to%252520grip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="how to grip" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="how to grip" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IwqsKIr8R2g/UsCxXzcdFqI/AAAAAAAACgk/s0Nz6f1eixc/how%252520to%252520grip_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="124"></a></p> <ol> <li>Ask the child to place the pencil on the table facing them</li> <li>Pinch the pencil near the bottom</li> <li>Flip the pencil back so that it rests on the fleshy bit between the thumb and forefinger and you are ready to write!</li></ol> <p>This method often takes a few demonstrations before the children really understand how to do it but it is effective once mastered. </p> <p>Learning to write the letters in their name will take practice. Reiterate letter formation, teach little rhymes to help the children remember how to write a letter. I tell the children, ‘Always start from the top! (Except when you’re writing capital letters, ‘e’ and ‘d’.)’ <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5vL5kvlp_Ls/UsCxYpd58aI/AAAAAAAACgs/ft_TVZy_MkI/s1600-h/tracing%252520letters%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="tracing letters" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="tracing letters" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsk5tPtHdAbaMOl6wfdnQHuqIf4urrMjkfYYjYxg9uwNCgVi8ySEXBmFkx_9-FqigKW6TKMpw_nDDsBZ-UUjtfG-xLMOQ8U46UbR_HuVdWjT_63CfWO1tWoxyfZMYx1oxj0WvC2umOa4/?imgmax=800" width="147" height="169"></a></p> <p>It is very controversial but you could put out the old fashioned letter formation worksheets. I made some <a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=mo&authuser=0#folders/0B331OHly-JTjMzZDRnpZZGtqODQ" target="_blank">brightly coloured laminated sheets</a> for the children to use as mazes to learn about letter formation. These aren’t quite as old fashioned as the traditional letter formation worksheet but I hope that they are just as effective, if not more so. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-7314337132650098092014-01-03T15:27:00.000-08:002014-01-03T15:27:00.036-08:00A Phonics Lesson<p><font size="6">30 Minutes Discrete Teaching</font></p> <p>There are many different phonics teaching schemes each with their own merits. </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://jollylearning.co.uk/overview-about-jolly-phonics/">Jolly Phonics</a>, ‘a fun and child centred approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics’.<br></li> <li><a href="http://www.focusonphonics.co.uk/acatalog/Read_Write_Inc.__Ruth_Miskin_.html">Read Write Inc</a>. Phonics (also known as Ruth Miskin Literacy or RML) is a lively phonic programme that gets children reading and writing fast. <br></li> <li><a href="http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/" target="_blank">Letters and Sounds</a>, a phonics resource published by the Department for Education and Skills in 2007. It aims to build children's speaking and listening skills in their own right as well as to prepare children for learning to read by developing their phonic knowledge and skills.<br></li> <li><a href="http://www.sounds-write.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sounds-Write</a> is a quality first phonics programme and is acknowledged by the DfE as meeting all its criteria for an effective phonics teaching programme.<br></li> <li><a href="http://www.phonicsinternational.com/">Phonics International by Debbie Hepplewhite</a>, Aimed at the parents/homeschoolers who want to teach their children to read at home using the 'synthetic phonics' approach.</li></ul> <p>And there are even more! For the correct pronunciation of the phonic sounds as they are taught these days, please see the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/alphablocks/games/alphablocks-games/" target="_blank">Alphablocks</a>!</p> <p>Despite the different schemes, there is an advised lesson format for discrete phonics teaching. </p> <ol> <li> Revisit and Review</li> <li>Teach</li> <li>Practice</li> <li>Apply</li></ol> <p>Every teacher has their own way of doing things and this is my way. It’s not the only way but if you are looking for ideas on how to teach Phonics in Reception, this is an example. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B1YzG2AekKw/Ur4M5ylSoHI/AAAAAAAACa8/HkeUwp5W8gI/s1600-h/phonics%252520planning%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="phonics planning" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="phonics planning" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f1XSKaw9hIE/Ur4M6knKubI/AAAAAAAACbE/pXJ3jUutNdg/phonics%252520planning_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="369"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Revisit and Review</strong></font></p> <p>You won’t be able to do this in week one (unless you want to review some <a href="http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/Phase1Menu.htm" target="_blank">Phase 1 phonics</a>), but once you are on your second week of phonics teaching, you will be able to review the sounds you have already learnt and revisit teaching techniques such as <a href="http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/SubjectKnowledge.htm" target="_blank">blending and segmenting</a>. </p> <p>Your revisit and review should be a very quick segment of the lesson, possibly in a whole group situation or in a focus group, depending on how you set out your lessons. Personally, I review and revisit and teach as a whole class and then practice and apply in focus groups. </p> <p><strong>Games for Revisit and Review</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/phoneme-flash-cards.html" target="_blank">Flash cards</a>!<br>I know, old fashioned and dated. What if you turn the flash cards as fast as you possibly can and see if the children can keep up. You can challenge them to see how fast they can do it! Challenge your target children to see if they know them all and reward with a large sticker. <br></li> <li><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=mo&authuser=0#folders/0B331OHly-JTjMzZDRnpZZGtqODQ" target="_blank">Spot the Sounds/Words<a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=mo&authuser=0#folders/0B331OHly-JTjMzZDRnpZZGtqODQ" target="_blank"><img title="smartboard words" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="smartboard words" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pMtPBOWnwds/Ur4M7ey-XJI/AAAAAAAACbM/mWzklKuCQ5M/smartboard%252520words%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="100"></a></a><br>I made a Smartboard game, a very simple one. I ask the children to make their hands into binoculars and we are going on a word safari. To begin with, the words are ‘and’ and ‘the’, however as the weeks go on, we review different words. <br></li> <li>Initial Letter Sounds<br>Very quickly review on the board words that begin with your review graphemes. Write them on the board as the children shout them out. <br></li> <li>Where is the Phoneme?<br>Challenge children to find the phoneme. Put some sparkly <a href="http://www.yellow-door.net/active-alphabet/squidgy-sparkle-letters" target="_blank">alphabet letters</a> on the carpet with the children in a circle. Challenge the children to find the phoneme you say. For example, ‘Who can find sssss?’ (or you could say, ‘An ess?’).</li></ul> <p><font size="4"><strong>Teach</strong></font></p> <p>Obviously this is where you teach new <a href="http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/SubjectKnowledge.htm" target="_blank">phonemes</a>, blending and segmenting. In this section, you would teach something new. I split my week into speaking, reading, writing and fun games. It will depend how your time table is set out and how much time you have for phonics each day. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Vy9qWwdHRUmG5c2998BzSX2Y2tSh_fzWi1YXiTTWfQ990zdaa6nQmqfXpw8nvOe_8P2SXolrV2DJ8NTfDuNQQUkI1_61CKmkzfUK4uS9EN5zCVjA0bu_ETnX5DaPACj_mF2eSczWKDI/s1600-h/phonics%252520planning1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="phonics planning1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="phonics planning1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lOE4_VHeVrs/Ur4M86-WHQI/AAAAAAAACbc/W9BuQl7gbPQ/phonics%252520planning1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="247"></a></p> <p>On Monday, I teach the new sounds. For example, in week 1 I would teach /s/, /a/, /t/ and /p/. I try to do this in a very physical way, using the actions from Jolly Phonics and getting the children up to draw the letters in the air, on the carpet, on their partner’s back and on their hand, all the time saying the sounds. </p> <p>Blending is for reading, taking the graphemes that you have in front of you and blending them together to find out what the word is. </p> <p>Segmenting is for writing, taking the word you have and working out what phonemes it consists of and thinking of which grapheme to use. </p> <p>In a writing lesson, not all children are ready to start writing in Reception. It is our aim to make them ready by the time they leave Reception but as all children develop at different rates, we have to take their lead. In the first term, I would focus on fine motor skills linking to the letters of the week. For example, when doing /s/ /a/ /t/ /p/, these letters consist of waves, circles and straight lines which is what you could practice with lower attaining children or those with fine motor difficulty. I mainly use the teaching section of this lesson to demonstrate but if there is time, I encourage the children to have a try at writing. </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Practise</font></strong></p> <p>I have split my class into 5 attainment groups and work with these attainment groups with ability appropriate activities related to the phonemes of the week. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p3CnYH0y9zU/Ur4M9x-ekfI/AAAAAAAACbk/Mz2dtmAwuII/s1600-h/phonics%252520planning2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="phonics planning2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="phonics planning2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bLA5NJ0aFvo/Ur4M-tet22I/AAAAAAAACbs/fKRr1_qcRek/phonics%252520planning2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="292"></a></p> <p>Using assessment for learning in conjunction with the summative phonics assessment, I would select which activity the attainment group needs that week. Attainment groups would alter depending on what the target was for that week. </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Apply</font></strong></p> <p>While I am practising with the focus group, the rest of the class is working with the teaching assistant, who is working as the Learning Through Play Manager, using independent phonics resources in the classroom. </p> <p>In general, I try to make sure that there are the following activities available:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Independent writing table</strong><br>This table would have on it a number of different writing implements, such as pencils, pens, crayons, wax crayons, felt tips, biros, roller ball pens, chunky pencils, thin pencils and a number of different types of paper including wrapping paper, sand paper (not too rough), card, etc. This table would also include a variety of <a href="http://www.synergy-group.co.uk/products.php?category=Literacy&subcategory=CVC/CVVC%20Words%20(NLS)" target="_blank">word banks</a> and key words. Children would be encouraged to hand their work in – with their names written on it – at the end of the lesson to be collected towards writing evidence.<br></li> <li><strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/?tab=mo&authuser=0#folders/0B331OHly-JTjMzZDRnpZZGtqODQ" target="_blank">Letter formation laminated sheets</a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-70yDh3gjhEc/Ur4M_GbB7QI/AAAAAAAACb0/0jphHcoL470/s1600-h/tracing%252520letters%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="tracing letters" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="tracing letters" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JZ0R7aHMSJI/Ur4NAMTLwwI/AAAAAAAACb4/RyOEo5OtK8g/tracing%252520letters_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="104" height="119"></a></strong><br>I made these letter mazes to encourage the children to form their letters correctly. Children seem to find it difficult to start letters from the top (with the exception of ‘e’ and ‘d’ who start in the middle) so I hoped that these maze examples would encourage children to form letters correctly. <br></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Didax-DD-2819-Word-Building-Cards/dp/B008RN7IL6" target="_blank"><strong>Word building cards</strong></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hPbXzWcf3sY/Ur4NAsZhjuI/AAAAAAAACcE/Td1bzx8HDfk/s1600-h/51Pq6UuspdL._SX425_%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="51Pq6UuspdL._SX425_" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="51Pq6UuspdL._SX425_" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gs9uZjftD-g/Ur4NBD7iVLI/AAAAAAAACcI/Rtx1HdrWLBU/51Pq6UuspdL._SX425__thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><br>Which you can buy on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004LKS1QK" target="_blank">Amazon</a>! Sometimes the children aren’t able to identify what the picture is, for example, sometimes if the word is ‘wing’ children say ‘bird’. I have my Learning Through Play Manager on hand to help! <br></li> <li>Word building puzzles<br></li> <li><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B331OHly-JTjMkQzWXpVVHJYNFk/edit" target="_blank">Capital and lower case matching pairs</a><br></li> <li><a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/p/literacy.html" target="_blank">Phoneme bingo games</a> (once all the children have been taught how to play). <br></li> <li>Letter carpet tiles for word building on the floor<br></li> <li>Naughty writing<br>Separate from my writing table, an opportunity for naughty writing to encourage boys’ writing. Children may be allowed to write outside on the floor in chalk, on paper taped to the wall, under a table or a long roll of paper on the floor. <br></li> <li>Phonics activities on the laptops</li> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/alphablocks/games/alphablocks-games/" target="_blank">Alphablocks</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.letters-and-sounds.com" target="_blank">Letters-and-sounds.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ictgames.com/literacy.html" target="_blank">ICT Games, literacy</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.topmarks.co.uk/search.aspx?q=phonic" target="_blank">Top Marks</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.familylearning.org.uk/phonics_games.html" target="_blank">Family Learning.org.uk</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.phonics-play.co.uk" target="_blank">Phonics Play.co.uk</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.iboard.co.uk/skill-builders/phonics" target="_blank">iboard.co.uk</a><br></li></ul> <li>Talking tins with the sounds on, ordering the talking tins or talking postcards.</li></ul> <p><font size="4"><strong>Evaluation</strong></font></p> <p>This section is similar to assessment for learning. I jot down notes about target children or anything that has stood out from that lesson to inform the next day or the next week. </p> <p>But like I say, this is just a template. It may not work in your setting but hopefully I’ve shared some useful ideas. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-973653655090999942.post-60734349958705483472014-01-01T15:43:00.000-08:002014-01-01T15:43:00.098-08:00New Page!<p><font size="6"><a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/p/good-websites.html" target="_blank">Good Websites</a></font></p> <p>I have created a new page called <a href="http://earlyyearsresource.blogspot.co.uk/p/good-websites.html" target="_blank">Good Websites</a>, it’s full of websites I’ve found in my searches of good practice. </p> <p>This page will be regularly updated so keep checking back for good website links!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726197394547251111noreply@blogger.com0