Having researched various Schemes of Work via school websites, I have suggested some creative ideas which could be incorporated into lessons to aid motivation and reinforce content. These are based upon KS3 but can be adapted for all ages and abilities.
English-Onomatopoeia
Boom! Pow! Whoosh! Wham! are all examples of onomatopoeia. They sound like what they are describing.We often see examples in comic books.
Activity:
Ask the group to brainstorm ideas and collate a list of onomatopoeia words. Discuss why these are important. Show examples of Pop-Art and ask students to create their words into bright, bold, vivid, creations using various papers, felt-tips, magazine cuttings, etc... Make a stunning display to embed words over a period of time.
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English-Novels
Novels such as a Christmas Carol are read and shared by many children and adults alike. The descriptive content helps to visualise images for many but some struggle to picture scenes and may need visual aids to understand.
Activity:
Props can be created from clay or paper-mache, costumes and accessorises could be made using various textures (even unwanted clothes can be adapted) , background scenery can be designed and painted for school plays based on the novel and comic strips can be drawn to simplify story lines.
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Mathematics-Angles, Area & Symmetry
Paper was invented around 105 AD in China. However it was the Japanese who first used paper as a form of art. Origami was initially known as orikata (folded shapes). In 1880, however, the craft became known as origami. The term origami comes from the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper). Benefits of origami include: fine motor skills and brain development, concentration and spacial awareness, accomplishment and pride, as well as being therapeutic and calming.
Activity:
Origami can be used as an icebreaker or wind down activity to embed knowledge based upon angles, symmetry, circumference, area, etc... It can help children who struggle with academic processes as it becomes a visual tool which is fun. Angles can be measured and written on the shapes and a fantastic display formed to reinforce that math can be visual too.
Geography-Modelling
Learning about our world can being inspiring in itself but to understand the structure/content behind the main themes can be tricky to embed. Visits to help reinforce knowledge can break down perceptions and being creative throughout lesson time can aid this topic.
Activity:
Collect clean recycled rubbish such as egg cartons, boxes, string, etc... and ask students to create a 3D model based on the topic, Eg: Volcanoes, Nature Parks, Cliffs, etc... Have some images printed for inspiration and allow pupils to work in pairs if preferred. This hands on learning will be fun, therapeutic, informative and creative so allow them to enjoy without worrying too much about the mess.
History-Props for Role Play
History is full of fantastic facts but these can be hard to remember. Occasional role play would make sessions interactive and memorable. Although not to every ones taste, the lively members would certainly benefit if delivered in a controlled and creative manner.
Activity:
Props could be made based upon relevant design, colour and styles of the era thus making it a research project initially. Then, photographic evidence of the practical element documented and evaluated. Wooden templates are available to buy in bulk which could easily be adapted using imagination. These could be based on: Vikings, Celts, Romans, Saxons, Normans, etc... These could be displayed after the role play activity, with the photographic evidence and certain facts relating to the specific time frame.
Visits to Roman grounds such as Burgh Castle would also be beneficial for visual learning. Trips could involve sketches and photography which can be useful when back at school.
Other Subjects:
Food Technology-
Topic such as British food, healthy eating, fast food, culture and home cooking can all be reinforced by students creating stunning dishes and designing the presentation before actually cooking. Display boards can be used for visual displays of photographic work as well as hand drawn or computer aided designs. Key facts could be written in colourful, eye catching fonts to aid interest and prompt motivation.
Science:
As above, models can be created based upon: particles, forces, atoms, light and sounds, space, the earth, ecosystems, health & lifestyle & photosynthesis. Experiments could be actioned to represent colour mixing including food dye, tissue and glass beakers. These visual aids would reinforce fundamental scientific processes within the education sector.
Drama:
Subjects such as: Expression, mime & movement, fairytales, Anne Frank, Victorian melodrama, comedy, theatre, costume, design, language, DNA, surrealism and finding me, can all be broadened to include props, costume, posters, displays, photographic evidence, etc... The act of performing is highly beneficial to the creative sector and allows for self-expression which helps to build positive mental health.
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