Using stimulating PE equipment has been shown not only to raise achievement in physical development, but across the curriculum too. Read more

The whole curriculum jostles for time and priority in the life of a school and each one will set their own hierarchy. Just like English, computing has its place as a stand-alone subject, but can also be part of the learning across all other curriculum subjects. However, learning about computers and learning with computers are two very different things, which is why many schools have discreet computing sessions, as well as using the cross-curricular approach. Read more

A quick class project to design a Bee-Bot jacket. Read more

A survey from TES (Hazell, 2017) found that while 43% of girls surveyed enjoyed Art and considered it to be one of their favourite subjects, just 14% of boys were of the same opinion. A difference of 29% is worrying as it points to the fact that Art teachers are not addressing boy’s needs or allowing them to fulfil their potential in a subject that should allow all students to progress. Furthermore, girls have outperformed boys for the past 6 decades at GSCE - of all students gaining grades A*-C, 79% are girls, while 59% are boys. Read more

I was recently sent a new book to review. It is called Cities Unfolded; London through Time. It is a zig-zag fold-out book that has one large picture of London on each page. Basically it shows the development of London from a Roman city, through to today. What a great idea for helping our children develop a sense of continuity and change over a long span of time - except by having one topic or period per page, we get no sense at all of the passage of time. Read more

We often treat speaking and listening as one activity, but for English as an additional language learners, especially those who are very new to learning English, each mode has particular challenges and we should plan our activities with this in mind. Read more

Mirrors encourage inquisitive minds and stimulate curiosity. By observing how a child interacts with mirrors, you're likely to discover a lot about how they like to learn. Consider how the child responds to the experience in an exploratory way. How do they demonstrate their innate curiosity? In what ways does the child become completely focused on the activity and is not distracted? How do they demonstrate satisfaction when engaged in the activity? How does the child offer ideas of why things happen and how things work in their exploratory play? Read more

This Christmas Fireplace and hearth ‘how to’ blog looks at another creative display idea that will allow any aged child to use their Art, craft and design skills and create a little festive magic in school. Read more

Chinese New Year is a time for families to be together. Celebrations include having dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve, setting off firecrackers, giving lucky money to children, ringing the New Year bell, sending New Year greetings, Dragon and Lion dancing. Read more

Explore the oldest form of textile making known to man using a gorgeous range of dyed Merino wool tops. Available in seven mouthwatering colour ranges these super soft fibres are perfect for wet felting, needle felting and hand spinning activities. Using the wet felting process children can work together to design and produce a large statement piece of art work to display in school or as an individual to make decorations, wall hangings or pictures. Read more

These beautiful wire flowers are ideal for older pupils to make using modelling wire. The same technique can be used for other designs too so encourage pupils to get creative and make different flowers and shapes, even tea cups and spoons. Read more

When TTS first sent me this big wooden spoon, I have to say I was a bit shocked. The quality of the spoon is amazing – it feels beautiful to touch, with lovely rounded edges. But when I say it’s big, I mean it's really, really big – its length is 84cm, by 17cm wide! Read more

These cute pool noodle boats are so easy and cheap to make and are ideal for outdoor play over the summer months. Read more

Operating in a packaway setting brings its own challenges, but all the boxes still have to be ticked, including providing a quiet, cosy place for children that can often help promote language development. Read more

Topics relating to the sea and seaside are always very popular. They can be truly cross-curricular and are a great way for children to learn about (amongst other things) different types of environment, about creatures who live there and historical changes. There is so much fun to be had visiting and investigating the seaside and there are many wonderful resources to inspire children. Read more

A range of immersive classroom display ideas to inspire. Engage reluctant readers by using these inspiring learning locations to make cosy reading areas. Read more