New Story Starts

This new video set for Story Starts won't be available until Jan 8th 2008 but here's the link ready for you!

This programme consists of nine short drama sequences that can be used in the classroom to stimulate creative writing amongst primary pupils.

Each story start presents a different scenario and characters which are open to interpretation by pupils and teachers, including:

- a girl who wanders into a spooky basement
- a kite that causes trouble in high winds
- a piglet that explores a farm

Each individual story start ends on a cliff-hanger, encouraging pupils to continue the story from this point.

Link to webpage: Story Starts 3

Story Starts 2

This programme focuses on three teachers, working across Key Stages 1 and 2, using specially designed whiteboard resources to teach literacy.

Offering a visual stimulus helps to develop with a class a common experience which the teacher can build upon using a variety of techniques like role play, group work and writing.

The children are engaged and excited as the teachers bring to life the demands of the curriculum.

To watch all three story starts featured in this programme, in addition to a further four bonus story starts, click here.

Link to site: Story Starts 2

Story Starts 1

More stuff from Teachers TV, this time about Story Starts on an interactive whiteboard.

This programe features seven video clips that are designed for teachers to use on their interactive whiteboard when teaching literacy.

Suitable for Years 1 - 7, each of the short clips sets up an environment or a narrative that can be used to fire the children's imagination.

An alluring jewellery shop, a ghostly graveyard and a tunnel with a warning are just three of exciting story starts included.

Advisor and deputy headteacher Simon Botten introduces the programme, providing some tips on how best to use these resources.

Link to the webpage: Story Starts 1

Teachers TV - Dangle

Reading Film at KS1: Dangle

An opportunity to view the short, live-action film Dangle, and to find out from writer/director Phil Traill about the making of the film.

Phil reveals where the idea for the film came from, and how the script evolved. He also describes the process of creating a storyboard and the decisions behind the use of different camera shots, such as close-ups, mid-shots and wide shots.

Sound plays a very important role in Dangle, though there is no dialogue and no music. The film also features some clever special effects; notably, making it look as though the sun can be turned on and off via a rope hanging down from the sky

Link to the webpage here: Dangle - Teachers TV

There's also some resources linked to the film.

Link to resources webpage here: Dangle Resources - Teachers TV