In this section, you will find a range of activities for the classroom and a selection of useful websites. All our resources are perfect for using at home too. It’s time to have some fun with reading!
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 3
Websites
Lessons in Action
Win
         
Key Stage 2
Resources for lessons with 7-11 year-olds using Orion books.
 
 
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TEACHERS' NOTES

It’s not just the kids who want to have fun.
Take your pick for a fun-packed lesson.

 

The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness

Wolf Brother activity sheet

The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series is suitable for children in Upper Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 (9–13 years). The first book in the series, Wolf Brother, works well as an independent text-based unit or can be used in contrast to other books of the quest genre. These lesson ideas and the Survival Guide classroom resource are designed to be used alongside Wolf Brother without breaking the flow of the story. View and download the following pdfs:

 

The Raven Mysteries

Raven Mysteries activity sheet

The Raven Mysteries series is suitable for children in Key Stage 2 (7–11 years). The use of creative language and quirky illustrations provide a fantastic starting point for imaginative writing. These resources and lesson plans form the basis of a poetry unit of work for this age group. View and download the following pdfs:

 

Emily Windsnap

Emily Windsnap activity sheet

The Tail of Emily Windsnap is the first in a series of books following the adventures of a spirited heroine who discovers she’s a mermaid. These imaginative underwater adventures provide a perfect starting point for work in a range of subject areas for Key Stage 2 pupils. View and download the following pdfs:

 

Greek Beasts and Heroes

Sample Greek Myths Activity Sheet

The Greek Beasts and Heroes series is the perfect introduction to the Greek myths. The series fits particularly well as part of a Year 3 Narrative Unit on myths, legends, fables and traditional tales. View and download the following pdfs:

 

The White Giraffe

Sample White Giraffe Activity Sheet

This series of books follow the adventures of Martine as she starts a new life in Africa. The problems of growing up, loss, love and friendship are sensitively explored as she learns about Africa and its wildlife. View and download the following pdfs:

 
These fun-packed activities have been written by Louise Purnell.
 
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FOR MORE FUN ACTIVITIES CLICK HERE

 
Key Stage 3
Resources for lesson with 11-14 year-olds using Orion books
 
 
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TEACHERS' NOTES
It’s not just the kids who want to have fun.
Take your pick for a fun-packed lesson.
 

Marcus Sedgwick

White Crow and Revolver are two gripping thrillers by award-winning author, Marcus Sedgwick. These novels are an excellent way to engage with children in Key Stage 3 and have many talking points. The ideas in these teachers' notes are designed to explore literary techniques and discuss how history shapes the present. View and download the pdf:

 

Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Prince of Mist was the first novel published by the internationally bestselling author of The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and marked the beginning of his career as a writer in 1992. Translated for the first time into English, it is a thrilling read for the young, and the young at heart, and can serve as a wonderful tool in creative writing classes for Key Stage 3 pupils. View and download the pdf:

 

Sally Gardner

Sally Gardner’s French Revolution novels The Red Necklace and The Silver Blade are the perfect springboard for further discussions with Key Stage 3 pupils about the dramatic revolutionary period and how history has shaped the modern world and sparked much debate across all social classes. View and download the pdf:

 

Carl Hiaasen

The complex plot and unconventional characters of Scat provide an opportunity to discuss a range of issues, including capitalism, conservation, conflict and family relationships. These lesson ideas and resources offer a variety of different ways to use the novel to support the Key Stage 3 curriculum. View and download the pdf:

 

Michelle Lovric

The Undrowned Child is a stunning debut in which Venice is dying - and a long-ago prophecy of an enchanted child has been awakened from the canal's poisoned waters. These teachers' notes provide background material and talking point suggestions, including 'Adventures without wifi', 'Venice in peril' and 'Buildings that speak'. View and download the pdf:

 

Coming soon

  • Alan Gibbons
These thought-provoking activities have been written by Geraldine Brennan.
 
useful websites
 
Achuka
The independent website chock-full of information about children’s books. 		 
Write Away
Free online children’s book resource for teachers, students and librarians with support for literacy teaching, creative writing and reader development. 		 
Book Trust
An independent national charity which encourages people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading. 		 
Scottish Book Trust
The agency for the promotion of reading, writing and literature in Scotland. 		 
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups
Umbrella organisation for local Children’s Book Groups around the UK. 		 
Readathon
A chance to find out book news and take part in their annual sponsored readathon. 		 
National Literacy Trust
Independent UK charity that creates literacy partnerships to change lives. 		 
Booked Up
Organised by Booktrust. Each Autumn all Year 7 pupils have the chance to choose a FREE book from the Booked Up scheme through their school. 		 
Children’s Book Week
Find out when Children’s Book Week is, administered by the Children’s Book Council. 		 
Books we Love for children aged 0-7 years
All the information you will need on books suitable for younger readers. 		 
Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Learning
Find out all about the Centre for Children’s books with exhibitions, activities, events and much more. 		 
Parents in Touch
A great website for parents, it tells you what steps your child will go through on their journey through education. 		 
Reading Zone
Everything you need to know about children’s books and authors, including new books, extracts, reviews, interviews and competitions. 		 
World Book Day is a celebration of books and reading. Sponsored by National Book Tokens, it encourages children to read books.  
Book Time  
Book Bite  
Bookstart  
Children’s Laureate  
   

And you can find out even more about our authors here:

YOUNGER
    

Author

Books

Website

Richard Brassey Brilliant Brits series www.richardbrassey.com
Lucy Coats Greek Beasts and Heroes series www.lucycoats.com
Joe Friedman Boobela and Worm series www.boobela.com
Pippa Funnell Tilly's Pony Tails www.tillysponytails.co.uk
Liz Kessler Emily Windsnap and Philippa Fisher series www.lizkessler.co.uk
Caroline Lawrence The Roman Mysteries series www.romanmysteries.com
Michelle Paver The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness www.michellepaver.com
www.torak.info
Jamie Rix Grizzly Tales series www.jamierix.com
Lauren St John White Giraffe series www.laurenstjohn.com
Francesca Simon Horrid Henry www.francescasimon.com
www.horridhenry.co.uk
     
OLDER
    

Author

Books

Website

John Brindley The Rule of Claw www.johnbrindley.co.uk
Sally Gardner I, Coriander and The Red Necklace www.sallygardner.net
Alan Gibbons Thrillers and fantasy www.alangibbons.com
Carl Hiaasen Scat: a hilarious eco-thriller www.carlhiaasen.com
Michelle Lovric The Undrowned Child www.michellelovric.com
Cliff McNish Supernatural thrillers www.cliffmcnish.com
Carlos Ruiz Zafón The Prince of Mist www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk
Marcus Sedgwick Thrillers and adventure www.marcussedgwick.com
     

Lessons in Action

See for yourself how much fun you can have with our lesson plans.

Video of fun classroom activities with Wolf Brother
 
Children talking about Wolf Brother
Watch a video of children and teachers
working with the Wolf Brother materials. 		  Watch a video of school children talking about why they love reading Wolf Brother.
     

Monthly competition
Horrid Henry's Bodies

Each month we will have a new competition to win one set of books for your class.

This month we are giving away copies of Horrid Henry's Bodies: A Horrid Factbook.

Please email competitions@orionbooks.co.uk, with the words "Horrid Henry's Bodies" in the subject line by 28 February 2011
to be in with a chance of winning.

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