Using GPC Characters for Engaging Phonics Teaching and Learning

Phonics Shed / By

Why use GPC Characters? Associating the characters with GPCs lends itself to story telling and putting these characters in meaningful contexts, which the pupils can relate to. These characters underpin the whole of the scheme and are referenced in the flashcards, decodable books, lesson plans, interventions, teaching books and formation rhymes. The characters are used …

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What are bar models and how to use them to solve problems

Maths Shed / By

What are bar models? Where did they come from? Bar models have been part of the Singapore Ministry of Education’s mathematics’ concrete, pictorial, abstract process since the late 1980s. Their origins date back further than the late 1980s, though. They were used as part of the American psychologist and educationalist, Jerome Bruner’s three-part lesson process …

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The best ways to run and prepare your class for the Phonics Screening Check

Phonics Shed / By

About the Phonics Screening Check What is it? A statutory phonic knowledge screening for Year 1 pupils was introduced in 2011/12 in England. It is conducted orally and 1:1 with teacher, usually lasts 5-10 minutes (although there is no set time limit). The test should be done with a teacher that the child knows to …

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How to Plan and Run Impactful Phonics Interventions

Phonics Shed / By

What are the essentials of an evidence-based intervention? Prior Knowledge By activating prior knowledge, teachers help students become ready to assimilate new information. This cueing helps the learner associate new information with previously learned knowledge. Wendling, B.J. and Mather, N. (2008) ‘Donald Hebb who was influential in the area of neuropsychology famously said that “Cells …

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What is meant by mastery in mathematics and how to use MathShed to incorporate it into your classroom

Maths Shed / By

What is mastery in mathematics? The term ‘mastery’ means pupils acquiring a profound, secure, lasting and adaptable knowledge and skillset in mathematics. You will sometimes also hear the phrase “teaching for mastery” which refers to schoolwide policies and classroom practices that come together to allow children the best opportunities to achieve mastery in mathematics. For …

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