Primary Literacy

How to get ahead of the new primary curriculum – Early Years

It’s here the basics are begun but the new curriculum wants an emphasis on more formal learning. Earlier identification of potential problems is also proscribed with an intervention programme set up where necessary to try to overcome problems by the time the early learning goals are assessed. The indication is… Read More

Primary – Activities to encourage reading practice

Reading is a vital skill but so few get enough practice at it. It’s no wonder that many fall behind. To encourage reading we’ve come up with a series of activities that will make reading fun as well as stimulating and challenging. Activity One – Paired Reading Younger children… Read More

Primary – Holiday Learning

Suggest that kids do any kind of school work during the summer holidays and you’re likely to be met with a whole host of objections. Children need to keep learning going over the long summer break as research shows those that don’t, fall back over the summer and take up… Read More

Women’s Rights – Primary English

This month sees the publication of the Collins Big Cat Progress book on Votes for Women which was a pivotal issue in the emancipation of women. International Women’s Day, held once a year in March, highlights the on-going concerns over the rights of women and in this… Read More

Heroes and Heroines – Primary English

Our history books are full of stories of heroes and heroines that made history. They inspire and guide us, providing role models and informing the way we live our lives. What is a hero, or heroine? What do they do that makes them such? How do our heroes today compare… Read More

Primary literacy – animals that help us

Following on from our activity on helping animals we are now going to look in more detail at how animals help us; from providing food for us; company and companionship; working for us and saving lives. Why not invite organisations such as the police and fire service who visit schools… Read More

Primary literacy – helping animals

Children love animals and they love seeing animals being rescued, cared for or made better if they’re ill. In this activity the children will practise aspects of Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar as well as writing for different purposes. We’ve also put in a speaking and listening activity so, through the… Read More

What is grammar for? Two parables and an answer

A guest post by author David Crystal. ‘An alien visited Earth and encountered a car for the first time (they don’t have cars on their planet). He looked inside it, and asked questions (he was an English-speaking alien) about what things are called – the spark-plug, the hub cap, the… Read More

Primary English – 90th Anniversary of Tutankhamen’s Tomb opening

Ninety years ago, after much preparation and a lot of political arguments, the door to the tomb of the most famous Egyptian pharaoh was opened to reveal amazing treasures to the world. Still today the young pharaoh fascinates and to celebrate the anniversary, Collins have published a new book in… Read More