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This resource comprises a picture-poem frame and a one-page guide for the teacher’s use. Both are in PDF format. The picture-poem frame features a huge ladybird (hand-drawn). Above it is an opening phrase: ‘This ladybird is’, inviting describing words on the short, thick lines in and around the insect. Below it, there is a line for a simile, with the starting phrase ‘He is as red as’. The sheet is designed for emergent writers and newly independent ones, also providing colouring opportunities. Book news! ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’ was published by Otter-Barry Books in January 2025. ‘Brilliant resource for schools’ - School Reading List.

An imaginary castle can be any sort you like - fairy-tale pink or iron grey, for instance, so your children can have fun with this sheet, thinking what their castle could be like as well as thinking up effective similes for them. The two blank lines at the end are for totally free expression. Some children might like to add further similes, others might like to add a warning, or a comment about the castle’s inhabitants, or a rounding-off rhyme, or even a metaphor (the castle is a …). The example sheet can be read out to demonstrate the simile concept and trigger ideas. Recommended for lower juniors, and older writers as a starting point for individual poem-crafting. Book news - ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’ was published by Otter-Barry Books in January 2025. “Brilliant resource for schools”- School Reading List.

Castle writing and vocabulary-stretching fun is offered in this attractive picture-writing frame. Independent and emergent writers will love thinking up words, similes and phrases to fill the ten gaps in and around this atmospheric photo of historic Caerphilly Castle, Wales. The GUIDE sheet supplies teachers with handy ideas for words and similes to give as prompts and examples, at all levels. The gap-free version of the picture, also included, will inspire pupils to think up their own words too. Uses: poetry-writing preparation, vocabulary stretching, writing confidence, castle topic enhancement, story-writing starter and more. Also useful as a gap-filler, any time, any class from around Yr 2-6. Book news - My book ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’ was published by Otter-Barry Books in January 2025. “Brilliant resource for schools”- School Reading List.

Peeping, creeping; chattering, pattering; barging, charging; flapping, snapping - these are a few of the 24 rhyming action verbs suggested here for rainforest or jungle poems. Examples of completed couplets are also provided. Select, build and edit with your pupils, to create your own vibrant, action-packed class poem! It’ll bring your topic to life, enhancing literacy skills along the way. Book news - ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’, is published by Otter-Barry Books. “Brilliant resource for schools”- School Reading List.

This free poem draws attention to how precious our world is through simple, meaningful concepts, such as the importance of not leaving lights and taps on or letting litter wash into the sea. The lines are short, punchy and rhyming for easy listening. I wrote the piece with schools in mind, and am offering it free for classroom use. Suitable for KS1/2 . Can be read out in sections for youngest children, with accompanying actions, and given out for individual reading for oldest, then used for discussion or as a spur for individual writing or artwork. Book news! ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’ was published by Otter-Barry Books in January 2025. ‘Brilliant resource for schools’ - School Reading List.

This is a punchy, fun, rhyming poem that raises awareness of, and concern about, the climate crisis. I wrote it with schools in mind and am offering it free, as with all my climate crisis poems. (More to come.) Book news! ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’ was published by Otter-Barry Books in January 2025. ‘Brilliant resource for schools’ - School Reading List.

A space project is never complete without a few aliens, and children can let their imaginations go wild with this simple writing frame. The starter phrases and illustrations will all trigger ideas, motivating even reluctant writers to have a go. The accompanying sheet of guidance notes provides all sorts of suggestions to prompt for, line by line, should any children be stuck for ideas. Follow-on rhyme ideas are also included in the Guide, with examples. This hand-illustrated, home-produced, black-and-white sheet has been used successfully in classrooms. Recommended especially for Years 2-3. Book news! ‘SQUEAK! SQUAWK! ROAR!, Amazing Animal Poems’ was published by Otter-Barry Books in January 2025. ‘Brilliant resource for schools’ - School Reading List.