Outside the Box (Ages 9 to 11) (Photocopiable)

An easy to use book, with each activity split between a page of all the information the teacher needs, including extension ideas, and all the information the children need. The activities are best for one off lessons and I use them at the end of term when I prefer to keep the children going with some degree of timetable normality rather than going down the quiz route. However, some fit perfectly into the curriculum - the design a plant/animal is now a staple of our habitats topic as a fantastic way to explore adaptation.

This is one of those books where you think 'it looks good on paper, can it really be that good in real life?', and, I have to say, this book is better that various other I have tried. The children were naturally enthusiastic to several of these lessons (no mean feat, all things considered) and many children displayed hidden depths. I am now trying to incorporate these ideas into my medium term plans so that the enthusiasm for the topic is heightened before we get into the dry stuff. My only disappointment is that Molly Palmer is alongside me doing that.

Some really great ideas to get kids thinking. I wouldn't restrict it to post SATs work. There is a lot in here that can be incorporated into topics.

I love this series of books- Good variety of motivational activities that really do engage students.

Some interesting and engaging ideas that can be picked up quickly and taken into any class. Great to get the children thinking.

This is a must have resource for teachers. It is well laid out, interesting and gives extention activities. You can pull the activities straight from the book to use with a class or use them for lesson ideas e.g. designing a plant. Great for end of term one off activities or being on supply.

This book gives excellent ideas to make all children think about things differently. It covers four areas design, Creative thinking, Language and Problem solving. A must have classroom resource.

Some excellent ideas to get children thinking in a more creative way. Good for periods where there is some spare time and for getting children mixing in different groups.