Wire is a wonderfully versatile material and a great introduction into sculpture. Here we explain how to make a 3D Wire Insect. Read more

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to make an electric fan-driven model boat. Read more

Classrooms are always in need of more storage; finding new ways to store the plethora of materials necessary is a never-ending teacher adventure. Fear not however, as we've compiled a list of storage solutions that will hopefully make mess a thing of the past ...maybe not entirely, but we hope it makes a difference! Read more

In the first year of life there are limitations in babies’ vision and they respond well to simple, bold patterns with high contrast. These types of toys and resources support their visual development, inviting babies to engage whilst offering stimulation that will keep them captivated for short periods of time. The visual contrast encourages babies to explore the different patterns and textures offered, giving a multi-sensory experience to young explorers. Strong black and white patterns also help babies to develop their ability to focus their attention and levels of concentration. Read more

Many adults would say they have no interest in politics at all and a significant percentage do not even exercise their right to vote. Could it be different for the next generation? Is there a need for children to learn about politics or is it a subject too far on their overloaded timetables? Politics is part of the curriculum for Citizenship, which is a compulsory subject for Key stages 3 and 4. What do your class know about politics and the recent referendum? How do you discuss the subject and answer the questions that they have? Teachers are not in the business of telling children what to think, but of giving them the tools to think for themselves. How would children have voted if they were able? Read more

We all have good intentions for being super organised when we return to work after a break. We have compiled a list below of top tips for getting organised. Read more

On windy days, the temptation is to stay indoors and keep warm, but there is a lot to be gained from experiencing and thinking about the effects of the wind! So brave the outdoors and try out any of the following ideas! Read more

Follow these easy steps and transform your classroom into an exciting magical learning location with dancing fireflies, a cosy leafy cave lit up with twinkling lights and an old mysterious tree. Can you find any fairies? Read more

A cross-curricular STEM class kit for 30 pupils to each design and make a model house with a working doorbell and light. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to make and wire up a model house. Read more

Many classrooms already have a variety of recordable devices, such as buttons, microphones and cards. Which are your favourites? Read more

Engage children in your science activities from the outset with these clever, thought-provoking lesson openers. As John Dabell recently wrote "Opening activities should be the hook to entice children deeper into the content. This isn’t some cheap trick, it plays an important role in activating prior knowledge, engaging children and establishing a purpose for learning. Openers need to question and challenge in spades." Read more

The current curriculum and assessment processes place greater emphasis on the teaching of spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) in the primary classroom. One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how do I teach SPaG effectively?’ Like all new learning, the process of ‘teach, practise and apply’ applies equally to SPaG. Read more

Here at Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School we have been teaching Maths using ‘Maths No Problem’ - a Singaporean approach. Singapore Maths is a problem-solving approach to maths, allowing children to relate what they have learnt in a variety of contexts. There is a big emphasis on ensuring the foundations for learning maths are in place (not just the content itself), so the children learn to think mathematically as opposed to merely reciting formulas or procedures. Read more

Valentine’s Day provides a great opportunity to celebrate friendships and to discuss why it is important to work together. It gives children the chance to talk about their feelings, and to make gifts to take home to their family or friends. With Christmas behind us, it's the perfect time to make a keepsake, a card, or decorations that the children are excited to take home. Read more

View the video above to find out more about how to use our circular light panel. Read more

The transition to school from nursery can be a stressful time for children, not to mention for parents and practitioners too. We asked almost 100 early years professionals what their top tips were to ensure their children were supported and how to make this transition a smooth, happy and effective one. Read more