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Engaging, classroom-tested resources created by an experienced UK primary teacher. Specialising in Key Stage 2 comprehension, creative writing, and cross-curricular literacy, my lessons are designed to save you time while inspiring your learners. Here you'll find rich content suited mostly for Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11); however, some lessons/activities could be used for either older or younger children. Lessons are editable, easy to use, and perfect for whole-class or targeted group work.

Engaging, classroom-tested resources created by an experienced UK primary teacher. Specialising in Key Stage 2 comprehension, creative writing, and cross-curricular literacy, my lessons are designed to save you time while inspiring your learners. Here you'll find rich content suited mostly for Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11); however, some lessons/activities could be used for either older or younger children. Lessons are editable, easy to use, and perfect for whole-class or targeted group work.
Mood in Writing – Chocolate Cake by Michael Rosen | Vocabulary, Emotion & Literary Techniques
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Mood in Writing – Chocolate Cake by Michael Rosen | Vocabulary, Emotion & Literary Techniques

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Make vocabulary and mood come alive in your classroom with this engaging and interactive poetry analysis lesson based on Michael Rosen’s hilarious and expressive performance of Chocolate Cake. Ideal for KS2 learners, this resource explores how a writer’s choice of words shapes the emotional tone of a text, supporting students in identifying mood and analysing literary techniques. Editable ActivInspire Presentation (and PDF) covering: What is mood? Includes explainer video link Vocabulary bank of mood words (positive, negative, neutral) Key literary techniques that help create mood (e.g. simile, metaphor, personification) Chocolate Cake performance by Michael Rosen – video link provided Poem annotation activity – identify mood through language Plenary discussion – share and compare analysis Key Features: Fun and familiar poetry performance to boost engagement Focus on writer’s craft – vocabulary choice, tone, and mood Scaffolded approach to poetic analysis Promotes collaborative discussion and annotation Aligned with UK National Curriculum and suitable for Common Core adaptation Editable for differentiation or extension Perfect For: KS2 English / Literacy/ Guided Reading lessons Poetry or figurative language units Reading comprehension & analysis Cover lessons or speaking & listening tasks
Inferring Character Feelings – Bao (Pixar Short Film) Inference Lesson
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Inferring Character Feelings – Bao (Pixar Short Film) Inference Lesson

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Help your students master the art of inference with this engaging, ready-to-use lesson based on Pixar’s short film Bao. Designed for KS2 learners, this lesson supports pupils in identifying and justifying a character’s thoughts, feelings, and motives using evidence from the text. What is included: Editable lesson slides (ActivInspire) and PDF version. Teacher prompts and role-play activity to explore how we interpret feelings and motives Film-based task using Bao (available via Youtube) with timed pauses for structured reflection. Printable worksheet where pupils record their inferences at key points in the story Plenary question to consolidate understanding and encourage reflection Video link included Key features: Supports KS2 English Reading – Inference objectives Builds empathy and analytical thinking through visual storytelling Encourages evidence-based responses Editable materials – easy to adapt to suit your class Aligned with the UK National Curriculum – adaptable for Common Core / international use Perfect for: English / Literacy lessons Inference-focused reading sessions Years 3–6 (KS2) Whole-class teaching, group work, or cover lessons Film and narrative comprehension Chinese New Year themed activities.
Scott’s Treasure (Short Adventure Story) – Differentiated Reading Comprehension Activity
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Scott’s Treasure (Short Adventure Story) – Differentiated Reading Comprehension Activity

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Engage your students with this exciting, original adventure story Scott’s Treasure and its differentiated comprehension questions designed to support learners across a range of abilities. This ready-to-use resource includes three leveled question sets, each focused on different comprehension skills and tailored for Lower Ability (LA), Middle Ability (MA), and Higher Ability (HA) students. What’s Included: Original short story Scott’s Treasure (PDF and editable Word formats) LA Worksheet: Basic recall and literal understanding questions to support emerging readers MA Worksheet: Questions requiring inference, vocabulary understanding, and textual evidence HA Worksheet: Challenging analysis, interpretation, and critical thinking prompts Answer keys for all levels Clear formatting for easy printing and classroom use Key Features: Differentiated by ability for inclusive teaching Focus on narrative structure, character motivation, tension, and theme Promotes inference skills, close reading, and critical analysis Supports National Curriculum objectives for KS2 (UK) and is easily adaptable for other curricula Encourages discussion around bravery, courage, and decision-making in literature Perfect For: Whole-class guided reading or literature circles Independent comprehension practice Homework or remote learning assignments Assessment preparation for KS2 English reading Mixed-ability classroom settings requiring differentiated resources
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (The Simpsons Version) - Inferring Character Feelings - KS2–KS3
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The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (The Simpsons Version) - Inferring Character Feelings - KS2–KS3

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Introduce students to classic literature with a spooky twist in this engaging inference lesson based on The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe — brilliantly retold by The Simpsons! Perfect for Upper KS2 or Lower KS3, this no-prep resource helps students practise inference skills by exploring a character’s thoughts and emotions across a structured video viewing. What’s Included: Editable ActivInspire flipchart with learning objective and structured tasks (PDF included). Link to The Simpsons retelling of The Raven Clear explanation of inference and how to use it effectively. Printable worksheet - Structured video pause points to scaffold analysis of character emotions. Copy of the poem (public domain) and website link Plenary quiz question. Key Features: No-prep, editable ActivInspire flipchart & worksheet Accessible introduction to classic poetry and literary analysis Fun, familiar characters make challenging content more engaging Ideal for teaching inference, empathy, and emotional literacy Links to the National Curriculum (UK) and Common Core standards Ideal for UKS2–LKS3 (UK) / Grades 4–8 (US) Suitable for Halloween, poetry units, or film literacy Perfect For: English / Literacy lessons Inference practice or guided reading activities KS2–KS3 / Years 5–8 / Grades 4–8 Cover lessons, whole-class teaching, small-group interventions or enrichments. Linking classic literature with modern media for engagement
Identifying Features of a Biography (KS2)
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Identifying Features of a Biography (KS2)

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Take your class on a dynamic learning journey with this engaging literacy lesson introducing the purpose, features, and techniques of biography writing. Designed to capture learners’ attention and develop their critical language skills, this structured and interactive session helps students identify, analyse, and apply the features of biographical texts. What’s Included: Focused learning objective: To identify the features of a biography. Two original short biographies: Peter Pan and David Walliams. A fully guided ActivInspire lesson (7 slides) walking pupils through the features of a biography (PDF included). A feature identification task. Built-in video link, structured partner talk. Key Features: Focus on essential biography elements. Editable files for easy adaptation Fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum – also adaptable to Common Core or international frameworks Perfect For: English / Literacy lessons (KS2) Writing units and genre study Whole-class teaching, guided reading, or writing warm-ups Cover lessons or independent text analysis activities
Ghosts: Fact or Fiction? – KS2 Non-Fiction Reading Comprehension
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Ghosts: Fact or Fiction? – KS2 Non-Fiction Reading Comprehension

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Engage your students this spooky season with this thought-provoking nonfiction reading comprehension activity, exploring the mystery of ghosts through both scientific and supernatural perspectives. Perfect for developing critical reading skills, this ready-to-use resource includes a well-structured text and carefully designed multiple-choice questions to support comprehension, vocabulary development, and analytical thinking. What’s Included: Non-fiction text: Ghosts - Fact or Fiction? 6 multiple-choice comprehension questions Glossary of key terms (e.g. poltergeist, apparition, hallucination) Teacher answer key Editable Word document Key Features: Focus on key nonfiction skills: main idea, vocabulary in context, paraphrasing, and viewpoint analysis Clear structure and accessible language, with opportunities for extension Fully editable: easy to adapt for your learners Linked to the UK National Curriculum – easily adapted for international or Common Core frameworks Suitable for a range of abilities (differentiation tips included in teacher notes) Perfect For: English / Literacy lessons KS2 – KS3 (Years 4 – 8 / Grades 3 – 7) Guided reading, whole-class discussion, or independent comprehension tasks. Halloween, spooky season themes, or critical thinking lessons on belief vs. evidence. A fantastic way to build nonfiction reading confidence while diving into a topic students love to debate!
Identifying Features of an Adventure Story (Narrative Writing Lesson) - Scott's Treasure
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Identifying Features of an Adventure Story (Narrative Writing Lesson) - Scott's Treasure

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Take your class on an unforgettable journey with this engaging literacy lesson including an original adventure story Scott’s Treasure. Designed to help learners recognise and explore the conventions of adventure narratives, this structured and interactive session is perfect for deepening understanding of narrative writing. What’s Included: Focused learning objective: To identify the features of a narrative (adventure). A high-quality, original adventure story: Scott’s Treasure A fully guided ActivInspire lesson (7 slides) walking pupils through the features of an adventure narrative (PDF included). A feature identification task with a comprehensive story analysis grid. Built-in video link, structured partner talk. Key Features: Focus on essential narrative elements: Heroic characters, faraway settings, and high-stakes dilemmas Story mountain structure (Opening, Build-Up, Dilemma, Resolution, Ending) Figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification) Complex sentences (fronted adverbials, relative clauses, gerund phrases) Suspense and tension techniques Time connectives and past tense consistency Dialogue Editable files for easy adaptation Fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum – also adaptable to Common Core or international frameworks Perfect For: English / Literacy lessons (KS2–KS3 / Grades 4–7) Narrative writing units and genre study Whole-class teaching, guided reading, or writing warm-ups Cover lessons or independent text analysis activities
Predicting with Pokémon | KS2 Comprehension Lesson
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Predicting with Pokémon | KS2 Comprehension Lesson

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Engage your learners with this fun and familiar prediction-focused comprehension lesson based on the iconic first episode of Pokémon! Using a short video clip, students practise making predictions about what will happen next, using evidence from what they have seen and their own reasoning. Perfect for KS2 (possibly LKS3) English or Literacy lessons, this interactive resource helps pupils deepen comprehension skills in a format they will love. What’s Included: Full lesson ActivInspire flipchart with clear learning objective and step-by-step slides (PDF included). Guided video prediction activity using Pokémon: I Choose You (YouTube link included) Differentiated prediction table with time-stamped events, guiding prompts, and space to compare predictions with actual outcomes Plenary reflection questions to extend higher-order thinking and inference Editable format for easy adaptation Key Features: Video-based lesson using a popular, engaging source Supports the reading domain objective: predicting what might happen from details stated and implied Encourages evidence-based discussion and collaborative thinking Editable slides and worksheets – easy to customise or expand Accessible for KS2 and lower KS3 (Years 3–8 / Grades 3–7) Can be used for whole-class teaching, small group work, cover lessons, enrichment or homework tasks Perfect For: English / Literacy / Guided Reading lessons Developing comprehension strategies (especially prediction) Reluctant readers or visual learners Pokémon fans! KS2 and KS3 classrooms (UK), Grades 3–7 (US) Cover lessons or cross-curricular PSHE links (empathy, respect, friendship)
Differentiated Horror Poetry Analysis Activities – Halloween Themed (LA/MA/HA)
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Differentiated Horror Poetry Analysis Activities – Halloween Themed (LA/MA/HA)

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Engage your students this spooky season with this differentiated horror poetry bundle, designed to support learners across a range of abilities. This ready-to-use resource includes three leveled analysis worksheets, each focused on a fictional horror poem tailored for LA (Lower Ability), MA (Middle Ability), and HA (Higher Ability) students. What’s Included: LA Worksheet: Halloween Night – A simple, structured activity focusing on classic horror characters and identifying basic poetic features. MA Worksheet: One Good Scare – A suspenseful, narrative poem with sensory language and figurative techniques for middle-ability learners to explore. HA Worksheet: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe – A challenging literary text supported by guiding prompts for analysis and interpretation. Key Features: Differentiated by ability (LA/MA/HA) Editable Word documents – easy to adapt Focus on key poetic features: short sentences, figurative language, descriptive vocabulary, and horror-specific elements Linked to the National Curriculum (UK) – can also be adapted for Common Core / other frameworks Ideal for Halloween, poetry units, or creative writing prep. Perfect for: English / Literacy lessons KS2–KS3 / Grades 4–8 Whole-class differentiation or small group work Cover lessons or homework tasks
Ghosts: Legends, Science & Mystery – Differentiated Reading Comprehension KS2
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Ghosts: Legends, Science & Mystery – Differentiated Reading Comprehension KS2

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Engage your students this spooky season with this differentiated non-fiction comprehension activity, designed to develop reading skills across a range of abilities. This ready-to-use resource explores the mystery of ghosts through engaging texts at three levels – perfect for Halloween or any time your class is exploring myths, legends, or critical thinking. What is included: LA Worksheet: Ghosts – A simple, accessible text introducing key ideas and vocabulary with structured questions and a fun drama activity. MA Worksheet: The Truth About Ghosts – A mid-level text using clear non-fiction structure, followed by retrieval, inference, and opinion questions. HA Worksheet: Ghosts Legends Science and Mystery – A detailed, thought-provoking article with a glossary and higher-order questions promoting evidence-based reasoning and creative writing. Key features: Differentiated by ability (LA, MA, HA) Editable Word documents – easy to adapt to your class Focus on key reading skills including inference, evidence retrieval, comparison, and opinion writing Integrated glossary to support vocabulary development Linked to the National Curriculum (UK) and adaptable for IPC, PYP, or Common Core Ideal for Halloween, legends and myths units, or non-fiction comprehension practice Perfect for: English and Literacy lessons Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 or Grades 4 to 8 Whole-class differentiation or guided reading groups Homework, cover lessons, or themed weeks such as Halloween or storytelling
Shy Shark - Vocabulary, Retrieval and Inference Lesson(s)
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Shy Shark - Vocabulary, Retrieval and Inference Lesson(s)

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Bring literacy to life with this engaging, text-based reading comprehension lesson inspired by the imaginative story Alien Invasion! Designed to build both retrieval and inference skills, this fully resourced and differentiated activity is ideal for UKS1 -LKS2 learners working on deepening their reading responses. Perfect for science-fiction lovers and reluctant readers alike, the lesson uses the video version of the book to hook students and guide them through targeted questioning. What is included: Video link Part 1 (First Half of the Story): Vocabulary Activity Slide of 9 Retrieval Questions (with page references) Slide of 7 Inference Questions encouraging deeper thinking (with page references) Part 2 (Second Half of the Story): Vocabulary Activity Prediction Tasks Slide of 9 Retrieval Questions (with page references) Slide of 8 Inference Questions to explore character motives and themes (with page references) Key features: Linked to the National Curriculum (UK) – reading comprehension objectives including inference and retrieval Editable Slides (ActivInspire) – easy to adapt for different learners or themes Accessible Video Format – ideal for engaging visual and auditory learners Page-Referenced Questions – directly tied to the story, reducing prep time Can be used flexibly – as a single lesson, across two sessions, or split for group work Perfect for: English / Literacy lessons Years 2–4 (KS1-2) Whole-class or guided reading Cover lessons, interventions, or themed units Cross-curricular links to science or geography.
Alien Invasion - Vocabulary, Retrieval and Inference Lesson(s)
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Alien Invasion - Vocabulary, Retrieval and Inference Lesson(s)

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Bring literacy to life with this engaging, text-based reading comprehension lesson inspired by the imaginative story Alien Invasion! Designed to build both retrieval and inference skills, this fully resourced and differentiated activity is ideal for UKS1 -LKS2 learners working on deepening their reading responses. Perfect for science-fiction lovers and reluctant readers alike, the lesson uses the video version of the book to hook students and guide them through targeted questioning. What is included: Video link Part 1 (First Half of the Story): Vocabulary Activity Slide of 10 Retrieval Questions (with page references) Slide of 8 Inference Questions encouraging deeper thinking (with page references) Part 2 (Second Half of the Story): Vocabulary Activity Slide of 10 Retrieval Questions (with page references) Slide of 9 Inference Questions to explore character motives and themes (with page references) Key features: Linked to the National Curriculum (UK) – reading comprehension objectives including inference and retrieval Editable Slides (ActivInspire) – easy to adapt for different learners or themes Accessible Video Format – ideal for engaging visual and auditory learners Page-Referenced Questions – directly tied to the story, reducing prep time Can be used flexibly – as a single lesson, across two sessions, or split for group work Perfect for: English / Literacy lessons Years 2–4 (KS1-2) Whole-class or guided reading Cover lessons, interventions, or themed units Cross-curricular links to science-fiction or space
Explore Inference Through Lyrics: Differentiated Guided Reading Using Adele’s “Hello”
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Explore Inference Through Lyrics: Differentiated Guided Reading Using Adele’s “Hello”

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Bring character analysis to life with this engaging and differentiated comprehension activity, based on the powerful lyrics and music video of Adele’s hit song “Hello.” Designed to develop inference skills in upper Key Stage 2 and lower Key Stage 3 learners, this ready-to-use resource supports students across a range of abilities with structured, thought-provoking tasks. What’s Included: Editable lesson flipchart (ActivInspire) and PDF. Links to websites required. LA/Not Sure Questions – A scaffolded set of comprehension questions focusing on identifying the speaker’s feelings and retrieving key details from the lyrics. MA/Confident Questions – Mid-level inference and interpretation prompts exploring deeper meaning, emotional context, and figurative language. HA/Very Confident Questions – Challenging, open-ended tasks analysing metaphor, emotional nuance, repetition, and creative writing from alternative perspectives. Teacher Answer Guide – Suggested responses for all three levels to support marking, discussion, or peer assessment. Key Features: Fully differentiated by ability (LA / MA / HA) Editable Word documents – easy to adapt for your class needs Focus on inference, emotional understanding, and figurative language Based on UK National Curriculum reading objectives Ideal for developing empathy and emotional literacy through text analysis Perfect for: English / Literacy lessons KS2–KS3 / Years 5–8 Whole-class guided reading or independent tasks Cover lessons, homework, or PSHE/SEL-linked discussions
Lion King: Be Prepared – Character Inference and Motive KS2/KS3 Lesson
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Lion King: Be Prepared – Character Inference and Motive KS2/KS3 Lesson

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Explore villainy, motive, and manipulation through Scar’s iconic song! Bring critical thinking to life with this engaging character analysis lesson, based on Scar’s chilling musical number ‘Be Prepared’ from Disney’s The Lion King. This resource supports students in identifying a character’s feelings, thoughts, and motives using lyrics, visuals, and inference skills. What’s Included: Full lesson ActivInspire (editable) and PDF with 6 slides guiding students through: How to infer thoughts and feelings from characters Watching and analysing the Be Prepared scene and lyrics Group and individual discussion questions with textual evidence Key vocabulary including “motive”, “tenacity”, and “murkiest scam” Worksheet focusing on quotes and what they reveal about Scar Plenary discussion for consolidating understanding Lyrics link & video clip included for easy access Key features: Focus on character analysis and inference Ideal for exploring villain archetypes and persuasive language Aligned with UK National Curriculum KS2 Reading Comprehension objectives Suitable for KS2–KS3 / Years 4–8 Editable format for easy adaptation to your class needs Ideal for English, guided reading, literacy, drama, or media studies lessons Great for cover work, guided reading, or film-based literacy units Perfect for: Exploring themes of power, manipulation, and ambition Lessons on lyrics as text or film in literacy Deepening students’ use of textual evidence in responses Any time you want to spark discussion and engagement through a well-loved film
Prediction Skills with a Twist: Alma – Short Film Prediction and Inference Lesson
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Prediction Skills with a Twist: Alma – Short Film Prediction and Inference Lesson

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Spark prediction skills with this suspense-filled short film activity, based on the haunting animation Alma. Ideal for KS2, this resource guides students through structured prediction tasks while building inference and thematic understanding. Perfect for spooky season, literacy units, or narrative comprehension practice. What is included: Editable lesson slides (ActivInspire) and PDF version. LO: To predict events in stories. Guided film pauses at key moments with scaffolded prediction questions Plenary task to reflect on the film’s moral or message Video link included (Alma, from Literacy Shed) Key features: Curriculum-linked (UK National Curriculum for Reading – prediction, inference, theme) Editable and ready to teach Builds higher-order thinking through discussion and writing Ideal for cover lessons, thematic units, or Halloween week Perfect for: English / Literacy lessons Years 3–6 (KS2) Whole-class or guided reading Prediction and inference focus Film and narrative comprehension Spooky-themed activities in autumn or Halloween
Terrifyingly Good Descriptions – Character Description: Child Catcher (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang))
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Terrifyingly Good Descriptions – Character Description: Child Catcher (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang))

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Hook your students into descriptive writing with this engaging, eerie lesson based on the infamous Child Catcher scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Designed to inspire high-quality vocabulary and figurative language, this lesson guides pupils in analysing and crafting powerful character descriptions — ideal for spooky season or any time you want to sharpen descriptive writing skills! What’s Included: ActivInspire Slides (Editable) and PDF: Introduces descriptive writing techniques Video prompt: Child Catcher clip (linked) Group discussion + model writing analysis Writing task and plenary reflection Model Text: Rich character description for analysis (similes, metaphors, expanded noun phrases, mood) Key Features: Encourages ambitious vocabulary and figurative techniques Strong focus on characterisation, audience, and tone Supports students in using similes, metaphors, and sensory description Fully editable resources – easy to differentiate further Ideal for building towards creative writing assessments Perfect For: KS2–KS3 English / Literacy lessons Descriptive writing units Halloween-themed writing tasks Creative writing prep Cover lessons or group work
Inference Lesson – Bigger Than Alexander | Character Feelings
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Inference Lesson – Bigger Than Alexander | Character Feelings

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Develop your students’ inference skills with this thoughtful and emotionally resonant lesson based on the animated short film Bigger Than Alexander. Perfect for KS2 learners, this resource encourages pupils to “read between the lines” to understand character thoughts, feelings, and motivations through visual storytelling and discussion. What is included: ActivInspire lesson (editable) and PDF: Slide 1: Introduction to inference (with clear strategy breakdown) Slides 2–3: Visual inference warm-up using pictures and thought-provoking questions UNCRC Articles 24, 27, and 28 integrated for rights education links Slide 4: Video task – Watch Bigger Than Alexander and answer 3 key inference questions Plenary: Discussion of the moral/theme of the story Video link included. Key features: Editable ActivInspire format Emphasises critical thinking and empathy Integrated UNCRC connections Encourages class discussion and deep reflection Ideal for PSHE-linked literacy work, rights-based learning, or emotional literacy sessions Perfect For: KS2 English or Literacy lessons. Could also be used in Year 2 (KS1). PSHE/Child’s rights cross-curricular learning Inference practice in guided reading Cover lessons or emotional literacy units
Inference Through Song: Differentiated Guided Reading Using Adele’s “Easy On Me”
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Inference Through Song: Differentiated Guided Reading Using Adele’s “Easy On Me”

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Help your students sharpen their inference skills using this engaging, differentiated comprehension activity based on Adele’s emotional ballad Easy On Me. Designed for upper Key Stage 2 and lower KS3, this lesson guides learners in exploring character thoughts, feelings, and motives through a familiar and relatable text — song lyrics. What’s Included: Editable lesson flipchart (ActivInspire) and PDF. Links to websites required. Differentiated Question Sheets (Editable Word Documents): LA/Not Sure Questions – Simple retrieval and basic inference (e.g., word meaning, mood) MA/Confident Questions - Deeper exploration of metaphors, song meaning, and emotional tone HA/Very Confident Questions – High-level analysis, perspective writing, and thematic reflection Teacher Answer Guide: Example responses and discussion points provided for all levels Plenary Prompt: Discussion/reflection question on the theme/message of the song Key Features: Differentiated by confidence level – Supports a wide range of learners Editable and flexible – All worksheets provided in Word format for easy adaptation Real-world engagement – Uses a globally known artist to capture attention and provoke thoughtful analysis Focus on inference – Targets key reading objective: deducing thoughts, feelings, and motives from a text Cross-curricular potential – Links literacy, music, and emotional literacy Curriculum Links: English Reading Comprehension (UK National Curriculum) Inference and interpretation skills Textual analysis and personal response Perfect For: KS2 and KS3 (Years 5–8) Guided reading, whole-class lessons, or small group intervention Cover lessons or homework tasks Emotional literacy & PSHE tie-ins
Dining Room Drama – A KS2 Reading Comprehension Mystery Unit
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Dining Room Drama – A KS2 Reading Comprehension Mystery Unit

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Uncover the secrets behind the original story ‘Dining Room Drama’ in this immersive, murder mystery-themed reading comprehension pack, ideal for upper KS2. Dining Room Drama is a chilling short story that grips readers from the opening line—perfect for developing inference, mood analysis, vocabulary understanding, and retrieval skills. This 4-lesson unit guides learners through structured reading analysis with modelled teaching slides, discussion tasks, and engaging comprehension questions that target key National Curriculum objectives. What’s Included: Original short story: Dining Room Drama (PDF and editable Word formats) Lesson 1 – Setting the Mood: Focus: Language that creates atmosphere Interactive analysis of descriptive phrases Engaging video introduction + whole-class discussion Independent task: identifying mood-rich vocabulary Lesson 2 – Word Choice and Author’s Intent: Focus: Why authors choose specific words Game: “Why This Word?” (with definitions and context) Speech comparison task with performance element Lesson 3 – Character Inference: Focus: Understanding thoughts, feelings, and motives Inference questions on key excerpts Drama plenary: act out a tense interview from the text Lesson 4 – Retrieval and Summarising: Focus: Text understanding and summary writing Retrieval questions from short extracts Summarising task with writing support Key Features: Original short story written for KS2/LKS3 Fully editable ActivInspire slides (and PDF) Differentiated questioning built in Encourages deeper reading and discussion Supports National Curriculum objectives in reading comprehension Perfect For: KS2 / LKS3 learners (Years 5–8 / Grades 4–7) Whole-class literacy lessons Guided reading groups Cover lessons or homework
Dining Room Drama (Short Mystery Story) – Differentiated Reading Comprehension Activity
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Dining Room Drama (Short Mystery Story) – Differentiated Reading Comprehension Activity

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Unravel a chilling mystery with this atmospheric murder-mystery comprehension pack – perfect for building inference, deduction, and analytical reading skills. This differentiated resource is based on an original short story, Dining Room Drama, a suspenseful whodunit set in a storm-lashed castle. With three levels of challenge, this resource is ideal for engaging a wide range of learners in higher-order thinking and text-based analysis. What’s Included: Original short story Dining Room Drama (PDF and editable Word formats) HA Worksheet: Murder, Motives & Misleads – A challenging comprehension for higher-ability readers exploring symbolism, narrative technique, character motives, and thematic analysis. MA Worksheet: Clues & Conclusions – A balanced worksheet focusing on key plot points, evidence gathering, character interactions, and deduction-based questions. LA Worksheet: Who, What, When, Why? – A structured comprehension targeting key details, basic inference, and recall questions to build confidence with narrative texts. Answer keys for all levels Clear formatting for easy printing and classroom use Key Features: Differentiated by ability (LA / MA / HA) Editable Word documents – fully adaptable to suit your learners’ needs Focus on key reading skills: inference, evidence selection, deduction, and narrative analysis Perfect for spooky season, mystery units, guided reading, or comprehension skill practice Linked to the National Curriculum (UK) – easily adaptable for other frameworks including Common Core Perfect For: KS2 / KS3 learners (Years 5–8 / Grades 4–7) Whole-class comprehension with built-in differentiation Guided reading Cover lessons or homework tasks Literacy lessons during Halloween or mystery-themed units