Welcome back to 2010. The start of the school year is an exciting time – especially with a new class of students. In our first update for 2010 we feature lesson ideas designed to break-the-ice with your new class so you can get to know them better – and they get to know you better.

Check out our new, updated and expanded Study Skills and Literacy programme featured below). All in pdf format and full teacher answer sheets.

QUIZ CARDS: – The Ultimate Word Study/Literacy Programme (All in pdf format plus teacher answers)

6 Levels with 12 Quiz Cards in each level.

The Quiz Cards promote the following student outcomes: meaningful and confident use of a dictionary; atlas and glossary skills; logical thinking; lateral and deductive thinking; interpreting and answering questions; responding appropriately to directions; enriching vocabulary; and expanding geographic knowledge of the world. Perfect for your literacy programme, homework, and learning centres.

Many experienced teachers find that scheduling a week of art for every afternoon is a wonderful way to start the year. Below we list sure-to-succeed art activities to try with your class during your art week.

PAINTING: LINE, COLOUR, TEXTURE

In this multi level unit we explore the essential elements of painting - line, colour and texture. For students of all ages to succeed in painting they need to be taught the skills of using these three essential elements. This unit, not only teaches these skills but also produces a stunning set of paintings allowing every student to succeed. Try it with your class - you won't be disappointed.

EXPLORING CONSTRUCTION

A major Level 2-5 visual arts project where students use imagination, design techniques in construction, to turn their classroom into a vibrant, colourful and stimulating environment.

LOGO DESIGN

Our most popular lesson ever. Designing logos. Logos are all around us - visual identifiers for people, products and services. These classroom ideas allow teachers to use the logo as a major Art/ Language/ Technology unit where students explore the fascinating and creative world of logo design.

INTRODUCTION TO MARBLING

One of the most exciting and creative of all visual arts experiences. A step by step introduction to the wonderful world of marbling featuring many different projects

NEWSPAPER MATHS

A newspaper can provide a wealth of mathematical tasks, posers and activities as well as being a 'lot of fun'. In this unit we challenge students of year 4-9 to complete four challenges based on the Births/Deaths/Marriages, News Content, Speed of Reading and Advertisements for Cars. Great for early finishers, homework and learning centres.

KNOWING OURSELVES MATHS

Independent individual and group tasks for most children in the Level 2-4 area of the school. ( The activities encourage discussion and a problem solving approach. (Level 2-4 New Zealand = 9-13 year olds approx)

NEIGHBOURHOOD MATHS

Your local school block or any block in your local area provides plenty of number, graphing and mapping opportunities for your students. Activities are best suited to small groups. Curriculum Levels 2-4 (Years 4-8)

TREES FOR MATHS

Activities in problem solving, logic and reasoning and communicating mathematical ideas based on an environmental theme of trees. Full objectives and assessment activities provided plus strong links to the visual arts and English Most suitable for years 4-8. (8-12 year olds)

REPORT WRITING

Writing a report is not as daunting as it first seems. In this lesson, we get students to understand the purposes of reports and introduce them to an easy-to-follow template involving six sections and the purposes of each section.

OUR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

The Aquatic Environment is very much a part of the New Zealand experience. We enjoy these aquatic environments for their beauty, for relaxation and for sport and recreation. But just how much about our aquatic environment do your students really know? This unit uses the Aquatic Environment to develop research and study skills; oral presentation skills, and design skills.

THE EVER VERSATILE LETTER

A major language unit to explore the purposes of letter writing and to teach students how to construct and write both formal and informal letters.

RUNNING A BOOKWEEK

By presenting a wide range of cross curriculum activities centered around books and reading, even the most reluctant reader can be caught up in the enthusiasm. A great idea to start the year

CELEBRATE LANGUAGE DIVERSITY

A major language and languages unit where students celebrate the diversity of languages in their local community.

BUBBLES – A MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING

Bubbles: Not only are they fun to make but they also motivate students to draw, speak and write in many ways. Try this creative language lesson where students learn about recipes, make predictions, make bubble machines and generally have a great bubbling time. Best suited to Years 1-3 although older students love it too!

DICTIONARY SKILLS

THE DICTIONARY #1: A Prince Amongst Books Lesson 1

THE DICTIONARY #2: A Prince Amongst Books Lesson 2

THE DICTIONARY #3: A Prince Amongst Books Lesson 3

Just how well do your students know the dictionary? Can they use it adequately? Is it just for spelling or does it contain a wealth of other information? These three lessons are designed to teach students the sometimes forgotten art of using a dictionary and is designed for students aged 9+