‘Tis the season to be jolly so try out our selection of Christmas-themed activities, including ideas to write your own carols and a poem from Winter – King of Seasons himself! Plus, Shakespeare, World War II and grammar. Read more.
History interactive game: World War II
Put your class’ investigation skills to the test with the last in our interactive history series. This month, travel back in time to World War II
Christmas/winter festivals: What does Christmas mean to you?
Has your class ever stopped to wonder what Christmas means to them? Encourage thinking skills by exploring this, and other, winter festivals
By Sue Cowley — educational author and trainer
Literacy: Shakespeare in school
Mel Campbell sets the stage for some creative activities in your classroom using the work of the world’s most famous playwright
By Mel Campbell — Guest Editor and Year 6 teacher
National Year of Reading: Write the future
Guest Editor, Mel Campbell, suggests activities for the last National Year of Reading theme ‘Write the future’
By Mel Campbell — Guest Editor and Year 6 teacher
Competition: Win a topic day
Read on for details on how to run and win a castle-themed topic day!
Enter now!Also this month
More great articles published this month.
- Christmas activities: Composing carols
- Poetry activities: Seasons
- School plays: Ideas for end-or-term productions
- Literacy/grammar activities: Prepositions
- Literacy activities: Chasing Vermeer
- Literacy: Author interview Blue Balliett
- Science activities and flash cards: Space
- Literacy/cross-curricular activities: Picture books
- Book reviews: By a Year 6 class
- Debate: How do government policy makers view the curriculum?
This month's resources
Interactive history: World War II
Challenge children to use their investigation skills to solve a historical mystery. After being magically transported back to a World War II auxiliary hospital, they must use character stories and clues to work out who the original owner of an old letter is.
Interactive history - character stories: World War II
This photocopiable contains printed versions of the stories told by the main characters in the ‘History Detectives: World War II’ interactive game. More information can be found in the December ‘08 issue of Junior Education PLUS.
Interactive Romeo and Juliet: Matching quotations
Use this fun drag-and-drop game to challenge children to match original Shakespearean quotations to their modern-day translations. Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels are available.
Interactive timeline: History of theatre
Introduce children to theatre through the ages with this interactive timeline, that spans Ancient Greek amphitheatres to 21st century designs.
Creative topic activities: History of theatre
Cross-curricular activities based on the history of theatre with essential facts and linked photocopiables and interactive timeline.
Interactive literacy: Grammar safari park - prepositions
Help children to get to grips with prepositions with this fun drag-and-drop game. Linking activities can be found in the December ‘08 issue of Junior Education PLUS.
Worksheet: Pause for thought – The theatre
These illustrated prompt cards are designed to be used as an introduction to the December ‘08 Junior Education PLUS theatre-themed creative topic.
Poster: Mary Kingsley
Use this poster to introduce children to the famous explorer Mary Kingsley. Linking activities can be found in the December ‘08 issue of Junior Ed PLUS.
Science flash cards: Space
These colourful flash cards contain facts and prompt questions on the theme of space. Linking activities can be found in the December ‘08 issue of Junior Education PLUS.
Poster: Romeo's monologue
This beautifully-illustrated poster features a famous monologue from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Linking activities can be found in the December ‘08 issue of Junior Education PLUS.
Other resources this month
- Worksheets: Romeo and Juliet quotations
- Poster: History of theatre
- Worksheets: History of theatre
- Worksheets: Grammar safari park - prepositions
- D&T activities: Puppets
- D&T activities: Puppet theatre
- December '08 contents page
- Numeracy activities: Place value
- Poem: King of Seasons
- Poem: Winter
- Worksheet: Maths and drama games
This month's calendar
| Calendar for Dec 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Rebuilt St Pauls Cathedral opened (1697) | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Marie Celeste found |
Give-Aways
We’ve got a stash of giveaways! Check out our great offers and win some fantastic prizes — all at the click of a button!
What’s coming up in our January ‘09 issue?
Explorers creative topic including linked activities to The Famous Five’s Survival Guide, fascinating facts, an assembly idea and stunning poster!
Plus… FOUR fantastic new series to kick start 2009:
- Science: Thermal insulation
- Maths in pictures: Measuring
- ICT & picture books
- Indian food and festivals
Also next month… Special CPD section; celebrate Burns Night; grammar: connectives; PE and music, writing strategies, and lots more!
Christmas activities
How children think and learn
Psychologist, Kairen Cullen, provides advice on how you can use an understanding of child psychology to support your class:
• Introduction to child psychology
• Supporting learning in general
• Independence and organisation
• Feelings and emotional development
• Help children function well socially.
Did you know we have back issues online?
We have oodles of resources from past issues of Junior Education PLUS. Take a look!
Discover your inner animal!
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