The countdown to Sport Relief 2010 kicks off this month with the launch of exciting, free education resources for primary, secondary and early years groups. The resources, spanning the English, physical education and citizenship curriculums, bring alive the stories of young people in the UK and overseas. Sport Relief’s School Kits are available to order for free at www.sportrelief.com/schools. The kits provide teachers with all the tools they need to get set to ‘Rise to the Challenge’ and inspire their students to get active to help some of the world’s poorest people, both at home in the UK and overseas.

Sport Relief’s free to order resources range from lesson and assembly plans to photos, videos and real stories about children and young people supported by Sport Relief funded projects.

Sportacus, from BBC’s LazyTown is back to excite and inspire early years groups with a host of learning ideas. Early years kits will also include a full colour story book, helping children to understand the differences between their lives and those of other children around the world.

For primary and secondary schools, Sport Relief offers English, PE and citizenship lesson ideas and resources for key stages one to four, including lesson plans and activities that will get students thinking like journalists, with a dedicated area on www.sportrelief.com/schools for them to upload their reports on the issues affecting them in their communities, for all to see.

Get Your Socks on for Sport Relief with the Sport Relief Sock Deposit Scheme for schools. An easy way for schools to fundraise, simply pay a deposit for an order of Sport Relief stripy socks from the website and sell the socks in your school. For every pair of Sport Relief socks ordered through the Sock Deposit Scheme, Sainsbury’s is kindly giving one Active Kids voucher to the school. The Sport Relief sock will also be available to buy in UK Sainsbury’s stores for £2.

The Sport Relief fundraising campaign kicks off in January, when schools will be able to find a wealth of ideas to inspire kids of all ages to rise to the challenge and raise money for Sport Relief.

Important date for your diary – 19^th March 2010: Sport Relief Friday across schools in the UK kicks off the Sport Relief weekend of fundraising fun!

The Mind-Mapping software, Concept Draw, has been reviewed on the site before, but a new update has been launched and as our school was looking at evaluating different software to help with our curriculum planning, I agreed to trial it.

When you download and open the software, you are taken aback with just how complicated it appears. However, a ‘bubble sheet’ of options pops up to select from, which is quite user- friendly. The options include a Getting Started Tutorial; Start to MindMap; Create MindMap from template; Begin Brainstorming; Outline new idea; Open last edited mind map and Explore Existing MindMap. Being a ‘manual-reader’ person, I selected the Tutorial, to see if it would guide me through the icons on the screen (of which there are a plethora!)

When clicking on the tutorial, you are taken to quite a daunting
Windows style Help page, with 8 different lessons to choose from. From
the titles on the help pages, I felt that this is definitely geared
more towards the business market, rather than the education sector. The
screen shots are useful, and do go some way to explain how to move
forward, but maybe if they were labelled as to what each individual
icon does, it would be much easier to follow.

After a while, I opted to leave the tutorial and just ‘played’ with
the various tools that were presented in the typical windows drop-down
menu style.

The brainstorming facility is useful when getting ideas down, as it
allows the ideas to flow, without having to think of where to put the
floating ideas. Once you finish brainstorming, just click on the
‘organise ideas’ icon, and they are exported to the mindmap, although
only as floating ideas. Once you create extra ideas linked to the main
theme, these can then just be dragged and dropped to the correct place
on the map. The links are then made for you, including the creation of
subtopics.

When inserting clipart, it has a limited range of business icons,
but it does take the images from your ‘My Pictures’ folder to use –
ideal if you are using a school machine, but not so good if you don’t
want to share your holiday snaps with the rest of the staff!

I like the idea of being able to export the file to Powerpoint, Word
and PDF, so that all staff could have access to the map, although it
did lose some of the formatting in the transfer, but this may have been
something that I did wrong, rather than the program itself.

Being able to add notes separately, meant that the map itself didn’t become over-cluttered, which was a useful feature.

Also, because this was used to try out curriculum development,
hyperlinks could be added straight onto the map, which made it easier
than searching through the notes.

All in all, Concept Draw is a very professional MindMapping package,
which offers possibly far more than one could ever hope for (or indeed
use) in the Primary Sector. It definitely has a place for Staff use,
although many colleagues who are just coming around to the idea of
using computers for planning may be a little disheartened by the
complexity of the program.

I have used mind-mapping software for many years for my own personal use, so when Andrew asked me have a look at the ConceptDRAW Mindmap Professional software; I was intrigued to see what this software had to offer over the programme I use.

My initial impression when opening the program was WOW! The screen was filled with icons and file options in abundance. Apparently there are 3000 icons! The initial dialogue box gave me 7 options: new blank document; new document with brainstorming; create a mindmap with the assistant; create a mindmap based on a template; open existing mindmap; open last-edited mindmap and getting started tutorial – luckily there was the option to tick a check box ‘don’t show this dialogue box again’. Guess which option I chose?

There is no doubt that this is a powerful programme having extensive features and functionality – an fully functioning help system, a huge range of libraries and templates and there are many options regarding formats – the maps can be saved as JPEGs, PDFs, PowerPoints, HTML etc. etc. I am sure the versatility of this programme will appeal to many. You can even export the map, the text notes and the outline to your iPOD. Apparently this is the first program devoted to mind mapping that supports both Macintosh and Windows platforms. All documents and libraries can be freely exchanged between versions.

The brainstorming function allows users to capture ideas in both Outline and MINDMAP views and uses a timer to limit the brainstorming session. There is also a text notes facility to supply additional information where necessary. You can edit them in the floating window. When exported to HTML, notes come up as hints in the browser. Although I cannot pretend I explored them all, apparently ConceptDraw MINDMAP features powerful flowcharting tools: vector drawing tools, automatic shape connectors and more for creating pro-quality flowcharts and diagrams.

As far as using the programme with children goes, I can imagine using it to introduce mind-mapping to children so that they can develop their own paper-based examples and it would be useful too in making up blank concept maps for children to fill in. However, my feeling is that this program is far too complex for my children to use. My Year 6 children are very good at ICT but the skills needed for this programme are advanced and many of the features are too complicated for their use. They and their teachers would need a far simpler tool.

I tried to remain as objective as possible when reviewing this software and am very aware that my judgement may be clouded due to many years’ experience using another mind-mapping programme but, in my view, this software is far more complex than I or my children would ever need but recognise that this is a powerful piece of software that could be a useful tool for older children and their teachers.

Today I’ve received a copy of Microsoft ‘Classroom assistance for Learners and teachers.’   This two CD pack contains ‘Learning Essentials’ and the ‘Best of Innovative Teachers’.

According to the website Learning Essentials “helps students get started, stay organised, and successfully complete
high-quality assignments. Learning Essentials can help educators easily
create effective instructional resources, complete administrative
tasks, and implement new teaching strategies and with the Content
Development Kit, you can create even more templates and tools to use
with Learning Essentials.”

Included on the CD, (or in the free download) there is a big collection of templates (although most of them are more for secondary teachers) including handwriting sheets, graph paper, certificates,  multiplication tables and student awards.  One of the more interesting and useful templates is for making tests for the children.  This allows you to quickly set up a quiz / test using common types of question such as true / false, multiple choice, short answer, missing word etc.  All you need to do then is type in the question.

The second CD, the ‘best of Innovative teachers’ is a smaller version of the Innovative teachers microsite at Microsoft.  All the activities and resources are for British schools rather than American.  There are very few primary resources included on the CD.  Maths has a number patterns PowerPoint, Literacy has a nursery rhymes and fun with words activity and there are a few general KS2 / 3 resources.  All of these, plus many others can be downloaded from the website will a little searching though.  This CD is obviously more use for the secondary teachers.

As a free resource it can’t be knocked and I’ll certainly be using some of the templates to help me, especially the graph paper ones which I can edit, it’s just a pity there isn’t more primary friendly resources on the CD.  Have a look and download what you need.

At last I’ve had time to get together a review of the Labours of Heracles by Gareth Pritchard!

Last weekend I downloaded a copy of
Primary Extra’s new pack – The
Labours of Heracles.  I’ve used the story of
Heracles (or Hercules if you’re Roman) a number of times in the
past, often using the cartoon version from Greek
Myths for Young Children by Marcia Williams.

Downloading Gareth’s version was
easily done – payment made by PayPal and then instant download.  You
can also order a copy on CD for an extra £2.50 if you wish.  On
extracting the files (a simple matter of double clicking the
downloaded file) you are presented with details of all the documents
included.

The first is ‘The Labours of
Heracles’ Presentation.  This is the full story in a presentation
that’s suitable for use on large screens/interactive whiteboards
using Microsoft PowerPoint.  A free PowerPoint viewer program has
been included in case you do not have access to suitable software to
view it.   There are 109 slides to the story, each with a bright and
clearly drawn cartoon.  The language used is simple and precise
making it more suitable for Year 2 – Year 5, linking particularly
well with Year 3 and Year 5 Myths and Legends. It’s a pity that you
are unable to edit the text in the PowerPoint file as this would
allow you / the children to create their own versions.  Maybe the
password can be removed to allow this?

The presentation is also available as a
32 page colour booklet for printing out.  The booklet contains 4
slides to a page as well as a title page and blurb.  It’s
interesting to note that the title includes – Primary Extra Quick
Myths – are there to be more?  There is also a monochrome version,
for printing out.  It’s great that this is included – all too
often coloured sheets photocopy poorly.  The children also love
colouring these in when they have spare time or at home – I know
this from the Greg
Arious pack!

The teachers pack gives plenty of
further details on the story as well as clearly pointing out how
different versions of the story vary.  Each task is explained,
linking it to a story plan – problem / solution.  A background is
given to each of the characters in the story allowing the teacher to
look extra knowledgeable! There are
a number of activities linked to the story which are suggested
including comprehensive details on how to write your own version of
Heracles or a modern version. The story can obviously used in a
cross-curricular topic and there are numerous other possible
activities for RE, art, music and drama.

A number of support sheets are also
included to support the children in their literacy work.  These
include monster and hero description sheets, sequencing activities
creating your own cartoon text etc.  As an added extra there are 12
Labours Of Heracles Award Sheets.  These will be great to give out to
those children that work well during the course of the work.

For me I think that this is a real
bargain at £12.50.  If all of these resources where in a book
you’d easily pay £20 for it.  If you’re teaching Myths and
Legends then you can’t go wrong with this pack.

I came across the Teachers TV video library the other day – there is an impressive collection of all kinds of different types of videos that are all free to watch online. Use the search tool to find videos in either the Primary, Secondary or General Zones. Some videos are just 1 minute long, other videos last around 15 minutes.

The ‘Teachers’ Trade Secrets’ videos are accessible by just pressing ‘Go’ on the search menu without selecting a specific search criteria. These videos are great 1 minute tips from teachers on areas such as:

• Managing assemblies
• Using a class mascot
• Times table raps
• Learning vocabulary

The Primary section of the videos library (accessible by searching just for videos under the ‘Primary Zone’) contain a huge range of videos on teaching primary subjects and information and advice on areas such as behaviour management and settling in as an NQT. Here are just a few of them:

• Early Years – The outdoor environment
• KS1 Numeracy – Teaching Place Value
• KS2 Literacy – Boys’ writing 1
• Primary ICT – Whiteboard top tips

All in all there are just under 600 videos to choose from on this site, 160 of them are in the Primary Zone. They are well worth a view and great if you want to just sit back and watch.

I have just read an excellent review of “How to Use an Interactive Whiteboard Really Effectively in Your Primary Classroom” by Jenny Gage, on TES Online.  This is a book for users of SMARTboard or Prometheon ACTIVboards.

Tes Online states:

As well as giving examples of good practice, the book also sets out some of the pitfalls which can easily be avoided, once you know they are there. And this is the strength of this book – it allows you to learn from others, not re-invent the wheel.

Full of practical tips, this book doesn’t try to over-awe you with all the features, but rather to take you from familiarising yourself with the basics to a point where the IWB is integrated into your teaching in a seamless and stress-free way.

Deb

Last month I was
talking about the PE Primary resource website.  After discussion with
the Huw, the site founder, they have very kindly allowed us access to
the site to review the resources.

PE Primary is a
resource website aimed at teachers of PE in primary school.  The site
contains over 480 lessons plans linked to the QCA scheme of work for
both key stage 1 and key stage 2.  The lessons cover gymnastics,
dance, games, athletics, outdoor activities and physical development
in the foundation stage.   There are over 250 work / activity cards
and over 100 thumbnailed photographs linked to the lesson plans which
can be used by both teachers and children.  PE Primary also provide
members with on-line support in all aspects of physical education
related to materials on their site.  The site is under constant
development and further materials are uploaded regularly.  For an
example of the materials being evaluated please visit the PE Primary
website sample
page.

The materials on
the site are mainly written by Huw Davis, the founder of PE Primary
Ltd, Graham Haines, Kevin Morgan, Alison Davies, Tansin and Barry
Benn and Merie Eglesfield-Hope.  Huw is a senior lecturer in PE at
the University of the West of England, Bristol, Graham and Kevin are
both senior lecturers in PE at the University of Wales Institute,
Alison Davies is an early years teacher and PE co-ordinator at
Crickhowell Primary School, Powys, Tansin is head of the Creative and
Cultural studies Department at the University of Birmingham, Barry is
a lecturer in the School of education at the University of
Birmingham University and Merie works across two Sports Colleges in
the West Midlands, supporting first and primary schools in PE,
particularly dance.

Before logging on
I had been sceptical about how useful this site would be to Primary
teachers but after logging on for the first time I was amazed at just
how much material was available.   Just clicking on Warm-Ups brought
up over 120 different warm up activities, labelled foundation stage,
keystage 1 or keystage 2.  Some of these you will have used before,
such as Arches Tag (aka scarecrow tig), but there are lots (and
lots!) of other warm-ups which you won’t have used (Spinal Twist,
Chain Hopping etc.)  Cool downs are similar with just under 50
different examples.

For each of the
main focuses – gymnastics, dance, games and athletics there is some
general advice on what each foundation and keystage should be taught
and achieving.  There are also links to generic skills for each area,
for instance floor work in gymnastics, stimuli for dance, principles
of play for invasion games and jumping activities in athletics.
Clicking on these links takes you to the relevant information on the
page. 

The site also
provides information on how ICT can be used in the PE curriculum,
support for management of the subject and how to get though an
OFSTED.  These areas are useful for those interested but will
probably not be as valuable to teachers as the lesson plans.

The main part of
the site for me, and I would imagine most of the users, is the
lessons, assessments and activities.  Clicking the link opens a
general page, with a pop-up menu at the top, with information on how
to use the lesson plans, work cards and assessment sheets.  There is
also information on new material on the site including an outdoor
adventurous activities scheme.  Although not immediately obvious this
menu expands when you click on a particular subject.  You can use the
menu to quickly go to a QCA unit of your choice or look at the work
cards linked to the dance, games etc.  For each QCA unit there is a
sequence of 6 lessons (12 for athletics) which can be viewed
independently or all together.

Each lesson plan
includes focus, vocabulary, learning outcomes, assessment and a
resources section.  Next comes details of the warm-up, main activity
and cool down.  The lessons are generally about 50-60 minutes long
for KS2 and 35-40 minutes long for KS1 .  The lessons could easily be
shortened or extended as required.  Where necessary links to other
website are given.  For example a dance unit planned on Times Past
links to websites useful for the first world war.  The main session
of the lesson includes diagrams which I found particularly useful.
The games lesson plans for example, had detailed drawings of the
layout of the pitches showing where cones could be placed, where
players can go etc.  This allows teachers an easy reference for
setting up the work area.   The activities in the lesson are short,
numerous and most importantly the children enjoy them very much.
Some of the lessons are intensive on resources, particularly if your
school doesn’t have many, but not unmanageable.

Work cards and
assessment sheets for above average, average and below average
complement each area but these I found to be a slightly poorer
quality.  The information on the cards is and the assessment sheets
will allow you to assess the children quickly and easily.  There are
also options to allow peer assessment which is a great idea.
Unfortunately the pictures are sometimes fuzzy and the grid around
the writing is very distracting and untidy looking. It looks as
though they have been made with a spreadsheet package and not
properly finished.

Although the site
obviously has a lot of excellent planning teachers will need to
annotate it to make it suitable for their class.  This is where my
main problem with the site arises.  The information on the site can’t
be edited on your home machine as easily as you would expect.  It is
possible to copy the page into a word processor but it is more
difficult to edit due to the table structure.  It would make it a lot
easier to just provide a downloadable version of the file as a
Microsoft document or similar. That said the site has provided an
option to choose a ‘print version’ of each page so that the
surrounding menu doesn’t appear on your printouts. 

I was originally
concerned with the pricing structure on the site.  £100 for a
years subscription – What more could be added.  Primary PE got back
to me with some of their future plans which include videoing children
performing in PE.  They plan to use this material so that teachers
will be able to see video footage of children performing across all
PE activity areas.  The footage will then be broken down into key
teaching points and linked to the appropriate lessons.  The images
will also be used to improve the quality of some of our activity
cards.  I certainly look forward to this in the future.

Having seen the
whole site I can see what a great resource it is to any school,
particularly if they need support for PE and I think the lessons
plans along with the warm-ups, cool-downs and support available are
worth the £100 (and you can use e-credits I believe) that the
site is charging for a years subscription.

Overall a very
useful site with some excellent resources on.