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Reviews

For teachers

Crafty ideas

This is a great resource to dip into for art and craft activities. The book is well organised into seasonal and topical activities and has background information for each theme.
Some of the activities are probably more suitable for home use, but ideas could be adapted for use in the classroom.

The CD is a great idea and is easy to use, with clear instructions. It allows you to share with the class step-by-step slide shows using the interactive whiteboard. The CD also contains extra activity ideas and printable templates.

Karen Cunnington
Easy to Do Arts and Crafts – 50 year-round activity ideas by Victoria Wilson. Educational Printing Services. £26.
ISBN 9781905637706.


Fun group interaction

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is not a new idea. This book offers a collection of games, challenges and activities based on the four suits from a pack of cards: diamonds – believe in yourself, hearts – know your strengths, clubs – have a plan and spades – go for it.

The WIIFM (what’s in it for me) question is often posed. Activities include tongue twisters, wheels on fire and I’ve changed my mind. There are some 54 activities that can be adapted for groups and individuals.

I have tried a number of these activities with my special needs pupils; they love them in terms of the activity, the fun enjoyed, the group interaction and self-exploration and learning that takes place.

Len Parkyn

The Little Book of Inspirational Teaching Activities – bringing NLP into the classroom by David Hodgson. Crown House Publishing. 214 pp £7.99 h/b. ISBN 9781845901363.


Sing your way to reading

The children loved these songs and activities, and they really supported the teaching and learning of phonics.

The songs motivated and engaged all our children, especially those with special needs, as the book develops language in a fun and interactive way. Having the songs on a CD meant we were able to use them at any time, promoting cross curricular links.

The photocopiable flash cards were beneficial as we used these too when working with our focus children.

Katie Ayres
Singing Phonics 2 by Helen MacGregor. A&C Black. £19.99 p/b + CD. ISBN 9781408114513.


For pupils

Looking at the world anew

Described as an interactive guide to exploring everyday life, this amazing book encourages readers to observe and record the world around them as if they’ve never seen it before.

We are shown that everything is unique, taught to look at things from many different angles and to document our findings.

The book is set out as a notebook to be filled in and there are 50 starting places. Will appeal to people of all ages who can read – I can’t wait to get started on mine!

Liz Rhodes

How to be an Explorer of the World – Portable Life Museum by Keri Smith. Perigee. 204pp £9.99 p/b. ISBN 9780399534607.


There's life after spinal injury

Aspire, the spinal injury charity, has produced It’s My Life with each page written by someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury.

NUT member Andrew Stitson is one of the contributors. Before his injury in 1992 he was head of PE but now teaches history, has pastoral roles and is head of a sixth form.

After a road accident, Andrew adapted with the help of the school to teaching from a wheelchair. He believes it is good for students to have first hand contact with disability.

“This said, I’m ’Sir’ first and a man in a wheelchair second – and they don’t offer much in the way of concession,“ said Andrew.

Janey Hulme

It’s My Life. £15 h/b. ISBN 9780956337108.
To order call Aspire 020 8954 5759 or visit www.aspire.org.uk.


Dog overboard

This is the second book of a new series about Colin the Coastguard on the theme of caring for one another and the environment.

In times of trouble Colin is assisted by his friend’s loyal dog Rocky and Slippy the seagull.

Aimed at four to five year olds, it is available from bookshops or at the series

website www.colinthecoastguard.com.

Janey Hulme

Frisky Falls Overboard by Catherine Shaw, illustrated by Steve Goodwin. Kittiwake. £3.99 p/b.
ISBN 9780956025715.