Book reviews - Oaka Books
This selection of innovative Topic Packs may be just the thing to engage your child with learning - so do take a look at what is on offer. "Does your child struggle with lots of text on a page? Is he or she 'put off' at the sight of a big subject revision book? If so, Oaka Topic Packs might be just what you are looking for. Our curriculum based Topic Packs are colourful, fully illustrated, clearly laid out and include memory maps, glossaries of key words and terms and the Oaka Active Learning Maps (with character cards) or Games (with flashcards). Written by subject and SEN teachers, our packs are designed to help engage and interest children who find school work challenging. The Oaka System helps students retain focus and interest. Three methods of learning in each Topic Pack increase the long term memory recall needed for exams as well as presenting information in a clear and easy to understand format. Our packs have been produced following guidelines from the British Dyslexia Association. The CE/KS3 range was shortlisted for the Education Resource Award."
All the Topic Packs can be purchased on the Oaka Books website.
KS1
GeoGo! Map Reading Board GameGeogo! is an educational map reading board game in association with Ordnance Survey aimed at key stage 3. The aim of the game is to collect 6 different skill award counters before any other player and then return to one of the two O.S. HQ's found on the corners of the board. Inside the box you get: one playing board, 4 x counters, 2x dice, 4 x 10 skill award cards, 2 x double sided O.S. map inserts, 2 x O.S. 50,000 scale map extracts, 2 x 25,000 scale map extracts, 1 x 1:50,000 legend, 1 x 1:25,000 legend, 60 x question cards (with a total of 240 questions), 1 x measuring thread and instructions.
To play:
However, you might lose your skill awards! If you land on a 'Lose a Skill' square you have to lose one skill of your choice (if you have 3 or more) or you could stand to lose a skill if another player bumps in to you on the map and they want one of your skills! You can choose to change the map if you land on the 'Change the Map' square and this is also an option if you bump in to another player if you don't want to take any of their skill cards. The O.S. HQ's are placed at opposite sides of the board and once you have collected all of your skill cards you will need to roll exactly the right number to land on one of the HQ's to win. You can continue to collect skill cards along the way as extra ones will protect you against losses.
We really love this game, the board and all pieces included are of excellent quality and there is great attention to detail. This is such a fantastic way to learn or expand on a wide range of map reading skills and we found it really interesting as well as educational. While the game is aimed at key stage 3, slightly younger players would also benefit from playing in pairs with an adult as the game teaches the skills you need, rather than you needing to know the answers. Overall, the perfect game for teaching some helpful life skills and essential map reading skills, something that many children probably imagine that they don't really need today, but having taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh award when I was at school, this game is certainly something I would highly recommend for those taking part in this. Geogo! Geography Board Game is available from Oaka Books and you can find it here. |
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Science Scramble - Physics GameOaka Books bring us another educational board game, with a focus on physics and aimed at key stage 3. Inside the box you get: 1 playing board, 45 physics cards, 126 question and answer cards, 21 blank cards, 63 comet cards, 2 dice, 1 pack of merit currency and an instructions sheet. The aim of the game is to collect 6 physics cards and to head back to earth, collecting merits as you go.
To play: One person will need to be the 'Head Physicist' who will be in charge of the merits, to pay bonuses, to collect penalties and to hand the physics cards to the players. This person can choose if they play the game or not. Each player starts at the Head Astronaut and the person who rolls the highest number on the dice goes first, you must then head to Earth where you will be given your 6 physics cards. On the way to Earth you will land on various spaces such as comet spaces, which will either give you a reward or a penalty or question spaces where you will need to answer a question correctly before you can continue around the board. Once you reach Earth you will be given your 6 physics cards which you will then need to find on the board, as fast as possible; each time you find a card you will earn merit points and these tend to be of a higher value the further away from Earth that they are.
Once you have collected all of your cards you will need to head back to Earth once more, the play stops when the first person has returned back to Earth after finding all of their cards...but this won't necessarily be the winner! At this point in the game, every player adds up their cards and the winner is the person who has collected the most merit points.
Highly recommended as a revision tool and a learning aid and the Science Scramble games are also available for Biology, Chemistry and Geography. This game retails at £29.98 and you can purchase directly from the Oaka website here. |
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Science Scramble - Chemistry Game
To play: You need to appoint a Head Chemist (this person can choose to play or not), their job is to control the merits and equipment cards, to pay bonuses and collect penalties and to give equipment cards out. The person who rolls the highest number on the dice can go first, everyone starts in the Classroom and you need to get to the Chemistry Lab to collect your equipment cards from the Head Chemist. Once you have been given these cards, you will need to find those pieces of equipment on the board as fast as possible and you will earn a set number of merits once you reach them.
As you go round the board you might land on an atom card, these could either be a penalty (such as paying merits back, missing a go or going to detention) or a reward such as a toilet pass which will let you move anywhere on the board during your turn or helping a friend, which will earn you extra merits. If you land on a question card space then another player will pick up a question card and ask you the question on it, if you don't get it right then you cannot move around the board - and you cannot move until you get a question correct! Play stops when the first player collects all 6 pieces of equipment and returns to the Chemistry Lab, at this point all of the merits are added up and the winner is the player with the most merits. Games are a fantastic way to engage children and this Chemistry game is full of twists and turns, the added competitive element of collecting the most merits, rather than finishing first, adds a fun aspect. There are 126 question cards (answers included) so this game can be played over and over to reinforce what has been learnt in the classroom or at home. It is suitable for up to 4 players and you can buy it directly from the Oaka Books website. |
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Sports Confidence: How You Can Help Your ChildThis topic booklet is designed for adults working with children age 5 to 8, whether parents or teachers, specialists or not. I was immediately struck by the approachability of the booklet, enhanced by the cartoon-style illustrations which clearly demonstrate the techniques. Sports Confidence brings key skills to life across a variety of sports (football, rugby, tennis, netball, hockey, basketball, running and water confidence) and can be read by parents, teachers and children themselves to help get early techniques right. The book demonstrates basic core skills for each of the key sports introduced at school and these skills can be easily practised in a variety of places. Sport can, sadly, be divisive in schools and cause children to lose confidence, so it's the responsibility of adults to ensure all children have the best opportunities and this booklet helps build the needed confidence. It's a really useful book as we tend to assume children will enjoy sport but that's not always the case; but using this simple book can have a real impact. |
The Great Fire of London: Primary Topic Pack: Bringing Learning to Life!I have been reviewing the wonderful Oaka Topic Packs over the past few weeks and every time I review one, I am struck afresh with the innovative approach and valuable learning offered by these packs. Clear, colourful and easy to understand, the material is presented in a variety of ways, ensuring there is an approach to suit every learner. SENCOs and others working with lower-ability children will find the packs especially useful as they will engage pupils who find learning less easy than others do. Having said that though, the books are eminently suited to all learners and this dual use makes them a really valuable classroom resource, allowing for differentiated learning from the same base. This pack covers all that KS1 pupils need to know about the Great Fire of London, from its start to the rebuilding of the city. It includes a topic booklet with timeline and glossary; an active learning map with questions and character cards to act out the story of The Great Fire of London and a write your own notes illustrated booklet.
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Florence Nightingale: Primary Topic Pack: Bringing Learning to Life!It's great to see that the innovative learning format of Oaks Books is available to children in KS1. Florence Nightingale has remained a constant in the KS1 history curriculum for many years; this new approach to her life and achievements will add a refreshing new resource for teachers and children. This comprehensive pack includes a Topic Booklet packed with information (plus a timeline and glossary; this is complemented by a Write Your Own Notes booklet for children to complete the sentences, either from memory or by referring to the Topic Booklet. The Active Learning Map has questions and Pop Out Character cards so children can reinforce learning by acting out the story of Florence's life. This focused approach ensures that children gain a really comprehensive knowledge, using three different learning methods - reading, writing, and an interactive activity. This synaptic strengthening increases long term memory recall. |
The game can be played with between 2-4 players, everyone places their counter on the start square and you roll the dice to determine who goes first. There are 4 maps to choose from; Aviemore and Mumbles are 1:25,000 scale maps and Hereford and Liverpool are 1:50,000 scale, one will need to be chosen before you start but the map is likely to change several times during the game to keep the map reading practice varied. Play moves clockwise around the board and when you land on a skills square you will need to answer a question from one of the colour coded question cards. The question cards are divided in to 10 different categories and each card has four questions on - one for each map, so you get asked a different question depending on which map is in play. If you get the question correct you are awarded with a skill award counter and you need to get 6 of these and then make your way back to O.S. HQ in order to win. The 10 question categories are: Land Use, Industry, Transport, Settlement, Landforms, Relief, Grid Reference, Direction, Symbol and Distance (you will need the measuring thread for these questions).
Board games are a fantastic way to reinforce learning in an exciting way and the Science Scramble - Physics game certainly delivers with this fun and engaging game. The blank question cards are a great idea if there are areas of the subject that you feel need more of a focus on and the physics cards give you both the name of what you need to find, as well as a description of it which also acts as a revision reminder. The comet cards add to the game play as they give an extra factor of competitiveness and we really like the fact that the winner isn't the person who gets back to Earth first as it gives the game an element of suspense before you find out who has won!
Science Scramble - Chemistry from Oaka Books is an educational science game aimed at key stage 3. Inside the box you get: a game board, 3 sets of merit cards (20, 10 and 5), a pack of question cards, a pack of atom cards, a pack of equipment cards, 4 player counters, 2 dice and some instructions. The object of the game is to collect 6 pieces of equipment that you need for your experiment and to get to the Chemistry Lab, collecting merits as you go.
KS2
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Predators and Producers: Biology Board Game for KS2This is an excellent addition to the Oaka range, and is one of several games that will help children with curriculum subjects. It is closely aligned to the KS2 Living Things syllabus and in format is very similar to the other Oaka products, with clear presentation and good illustrative material. Using active learning, the game involves fast-moving attention-keeping fun as players make their way around the board. Much like Snakes and Ladders, players climb up Producers and sliding down Predators, to try and rescue Rainforest Rob on the other side of the rainforest. An extra element to make the game more exciting is that you collect Cocoa Beans and Bananas as you go along - but beware of the lurking dangers in the rainforest . And - you will need to answer biology questions along the way (so adults need to make sure their subject knowledge is up to scratch!). A great, fun way to reinforce classroom learning and help with revision in an engaging format. The board is well made, a good size and attractively illustrated and the game cards are equally appealing. It's a great way to stimulate interest in the topic. Check out the other products in the KS2 Board Game Series - Space Race (Physical Processes) and What's The Matter? (Materials). This is another product that ably demonstrates Oaka's commitment to bringing us curriculum based material with a difference and it's very well done. Buy from Oaka Books.
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Oaka Topic Pack Living Things and Their HabitatsEngaged children learn best, and the multi-faceted approach taken by these innovative packs means that they will appeal to a wide range of learning styles; they are especially good for reluctant learners. Oaka Books are bringing out a superb range of project packs, and they are adding to them all the time. All the packs are closely matched to the curriculum and they are ideal for home and school learning - they are a good way to stimulate further learning and research too. This pack covers Living Things - what makes something 'living'?; Life Processes (MRS NERG); Food Chains;. Habitats; Protecting Habitats; Extinction; The affect of change in habitats and the danger it presents to living things; Adaptation; Classifying groups of organisms; Vertebrates and invertebrates and How to use classification keys. Comprehensive coverage ensuring children have a good grasp of this area of the science curriculum. 9781909892903 NOTE: There will be a further topic pack to look at life cycles of mammals, amphibians, insects and birds.
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Oaka Topic Pack: Our Bodies, How They Grow and MoveThe three KS2 science packs reviewed here each include a revision booklet with glossary of key terms, an active revision game, Q&A flashcards and write your own notes illustrated booklet. This pack covers Bones and our Skeleton; Types of joints; Muscles, ligaments and tendons; Different skeletons for different animals; The importance of exercise; Eating the right food for growth; Animals finding their own food; Plants are the only living organism to make their own food; Looking after your body; The effects of drugs, smoking and excess alcohol on your body. The colourful topic booklet splits information into easily digestible sections - four boxes to a page, each including key facts and an appropriate illustration. The write your own notes booklet follows the same format, but with spaces in the text for children to complete The fun game will reinforce learning (playing pieces are included). 9781909892907
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Oaka Topic Pack Plant Growth and Life CyclesAgain, a pack which gives excellent coverage of the subject - it includes Plants that we eat; The different parts of the plant and their functions; The plant life cycle; Parts of the pant involved in reproduction; Seed dispersal; Flowering and Non-Flowering plants; The requirements of plants for healthy growth; Water & Light; How water is transported around the plant; and Plants in different environments. Each of these science packs includes sheets of perforated cards to use as quick revision, with a question on the front and the answer on the back. These are really good for use almost everywhere and perfect for last-minute revision. Fun to use with the family too, as is the game, of course. 9781909892804
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Nelson Mandela - KS2 Topic Pack: Bringing Learning to Life!This fully illustrated History topic pack is suitable for KS2/3 pupils. It includes a revision booklet which features succinct and informative information, clearly presented; an active revision game plus question and answer flashcards to check and reinforce learning and a write your own notes booklet. The revision packs are engaging and visually interesting to encourage even the most reluctant student to enjoy their learning.
The Oaka Steps to Learning Success:
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The Stone Age: KS2 Topic PackBring the Stone Age alive for children through the pages of the colourful and well illustrated Topic Book which contains information in the form of a story. Then find out what children can recollect as they complete the accompanying Write Your Own Notes booklet; the layout of both is identical, so children who struggle with text will appreciate the familiarity of the layout. The information is presented in a clear and accessible manner, with a font that is easy for struggling and dyslexic readers. Topic Book is worth noting - with its clear layout and ease of use, it's a real asset. The glossary in the The pack also includes an Active Learning Game which is ideal for classroom use. The pages of the booklets can be pulled out and hole punched to slot into school folders so the information is always organised and easy to find. Closely aligned to the National Curriculum, this is a great way to support learning both at home and at school. |
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Life in Roman Britain: KS2 Topic Pack: Bringing Learning to Life!This innovative series from Oaka Books certainly does bring learning to life. Taking a completely fresh approach to revision, this pack includes an illustrated booklet (which includes a timeline and glossary of key words) plus a write your own notes booklet; this follows the format of the illustrated booklet so pupils can transfer their knowledge from one to the other. Topics covered are The developments the Roman brought to British towns; Foods the Romans brought to Britain; How living styles changed (or not) under the Romans; Roman roads; Hadrian's Wall; Roman ruins, archaeologists and artefacts and how they tell us about Roman life and The legacy of the Romans in Britain. To complete the pack, there is an active learning map and a pop-out characters sheet. The characters slot into the plastic holders which are included and are then inserted on the active learning map. The illustrations throughout are lively and engaging and help pupils get a good picture of live in Roman Britain. Together with the two packs described below, this makes up a really comprehensive resource for the study of Ancient Romans. |
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The Roman EmpireAs with the other Oaka Topic packs, the information in the topic booklet is succinctly presented in a numbered series of fact boxes, each with its own illustration. This makes the information accessible for even struggling and reluctant readers yet in no way does it talk down, so the packs are eminently suitable for all pupils in KS2. Text is set out in a clear font, set on alternate pale blue and yellow backgrounds which obviate the problem of 'dancing' letters which can make black on white hard to dyslexic readers. The information is engagingly presented and perfectly geared to the KS2 history curriculum. Subjects covered are the legend of Rome; People of the Roman Empire; Important buildings of Ancient Rome; Roman leisure activities; Roman Villas; Roman Baths; Gods, Goddesses and Religion and Just how big was the Roman Empire and modern countries it would have included? Usefully, the booklets can be hole punched to slot into school folders so the information is always organised and easy to find.
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The Roman Invasion: KS2 Topic Pack: Bringing Learning to Life!The active learning map and characters sheet which form part of each of these packs on Roman Britain are perfect to capture pupils' attention and they give an fresh dimension to learning which helps make facts memorable. Concise information is given on the following key topics: The reasons the Romans invaded Britain; The Roman Army and why it was so strong; the Roman soldier, his armour and weapons; The difference between Roman soldiers and Celtic warriors; Celtic tribes in Britain; Boudica and the Iceni tribe and Boudica's rebellion. Oaka Books are designed to encourage children to learn using three different methods - reading, writing, and an interactive activity; this synaptic strengthening increases long term memory recall. |
KS3
Biology Pairs GamePerfect for classroom or home , this is a fun and effective way to reinforce important key words without it feeling too much like work - it's perfect for a refreshing break from more formal revision. This fully illustrated game for KS2 and KS3 pupils contains five different sets of cards (each a different colour) giving 75 different biology words to pair up with their meaning. Players can either use one set at a time, or add other sets to increase the challenge. This simple memory game requires players to match up the image, word and its definition. There's a bit more to it than just matching pictures together but it keeps learning fun and adds a little bit of competition! It's ideal for reluctant learners, and this sort of hands-on learning does focus the attention and remain in the memory. |
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Write a Great Colour Coded Essay PlannerWhere do I start? This is heard so often by parents and teachers, and especially as pupils move into KS3 where longer essays are required. This innovative pack from Oaka Books is just what they need to encourage them to get started, and build a good foundation for essay writing. The pack includes a very practical topic booklet which gives key tips on writing a great essay, all succinctly presented to make for easy use and review; it also includes sentence starters and useful words. Alongside that are double-sided colour coded essay planning sheets which are laid out in sections including introduction and conclusion. This is a downloadable product so you can print as many copies as you need. Good essay writing is important and it's a skill that will be needed into adult life, so give pupils a head start with this appealing way to structure good essays. Buy from Oaka Books. |
Physics: Useful Energy - KS3/CE Revision Topic PackThis fully illustrated revision guide for is suitable for physics Common Entrance at 13+ and KS3 pupils covering Useful Energy. The pack covers work, what it is and why we need it, different types of energy, the transfer of energy, wasted energy and useful energy, how we calculate useful energy, Sankey diagrams, saving energy, how a power station works, power and costs and how to work out costs for different appliances. It's a practical approach and the costs section is also useful to tie in with the requirement to teach financial education. The Revision Guides are topic specific which makes them short and focussed, covering key points your child needs to know for their exams. This approach really helps in focusing on key areas, ensuring in-depth knowledge in a memorable way. Most importantly, the revision packs are engaging and visually interesting to encourage even the most reluctant student.
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Biology: Fit & Healthy - KS3/CE Revision Topic PackThis pack covers how we measure fitness, the need for energy, nutrition and part it plays in our health, harmful substances and how they affect us, the effect of smoking on our health, measuring lung capacity and vital capacity, asthma, micro-organisms and disease, antibodies and how they work. Every Oaka Books Topic Pack includes a revision booklet with a glossary of key terms and a case studies sheet; an active revision game; question and answer flashcards and a write your own notes illustrated booklet. This unusual and very effective approach is perfect for all visual and kinesthetic learners as well as dyslexic children - and it makes a refreshing change for anyone who is bored with standard black and white text books! "Written by subject and SEN teachers, our visual learning packs are designed to help engage and interest children who find school work challenging. As with many visual learners your child may have reading, concentration or processing issues but they still need to keep up with their work and not be left behind in these all important Key Stage years. We are now working with the ISEB and our Common Entrance guides will soon gain accreditation from them."
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Physics: Light - KS3/CE Revision Topic PackPerfect for revision and for consolidating learning, and succinct enough for last-minute support, the pack covers light as energy, how light travels, shadows, diffusion, reflection, refraction, the angle of incidence and reflection, normal, white light and prisms The write your own notes booklet is a very effective way to reinforce learning - after all, many of us remember things better if we have written them down. Just think of that everyday item, a shopping list - even if you don't have it with you in the shop, it's much easier to remember things once you have put them into writing. The three methods of learning in each Topic Pack increase the long term memory recall needed for exams as well as presenting information in a clear and easy to understand format; the visual approach is very attractive and a good way to prompt memory. The game included with every pack brings a refreshing change to learning and the games are ideal for classroom use.
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Biology: Puberty, reproduction & Birth - CE/KS3 Revision BookletOaka Revision Guides are ideal for all children but especially struggling and dyslexic readers. Short sentences, basic words and structure, numbered sections and colour illustrations make the Topic Booklet engaging yet simple to read.. The illustrations help the recall of information enabling pupils to complete the task easily, giving a sense of achievement. This pack covers: Puberty. Changes in Males. Changes in Females. Feelings & Responsibility. Get Advice. Female Reproduction System. Male Reproduction System. Sexual Intercourse. Fertilisation. Pregnancy. Menstruation Cycle. The Oaka Books Revision System is designed to encourage your child to revise using three different methods. This synaptic strengthening increases long term memory recall which is exactly what is needed in those all important exam situations. Our booklets can be hole punched to slot into school folders so the information is always organised and easy to find. An excellent series which really helps learning, understanding and memory.
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Cells and OrganisationThese Oaka revision guides are ideal for KS3 revision, or for common Entrance preparation. It's an innovative format which, with its variety of teaching and learning styles, has something to offer every type of learner. This pack covers cells & organisation by using an active revision game and illustrations alongside the key points. This is a fully illustrated revision guide for CE/KS3 pupils, covering: Cell structure; Features of cells; How cells are adapted; Specialised cells and life processes; Diffusion: moving substances between cells; Unicellular organisms; Multicellular organisms; Fertilisation of cells; Looking at cells and Examining plant cells & animal cells. This pack includes: Illustrated Topic Booklet with Glossary of Key Terms and Words; Active Learning Game, with die and playing pieces; Question and Answer Flashcards and Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet.
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Working ScientificallyStarting in KS1 and KS2, and progressing into KS3, pupils will learn to 'work scientifically'; there are five strands to this: Observing changes over time; Looking for naturally occurring patterns and relationships; Identifying and classifying things; Researching using secondary sources and Comparative and fair testing. This revision pack will help KS3 pupils engage with their own learning in this important area. It covers: Working scientifically; Variables' Taking measurements; Measuring liquids; Risk assessment; Reducing the risks; Conducting an experiment; Displaying the results; What the results show; The conclusion and how to improve your experiments. Included are an Illustrated Topic Booklet with Glossary of Key Terms and Words - this has information presented in four boxes on each page, each covering a sub-topic. The text, which is bullet-pointed for easy learning is enhanced by lively drawings and diagrams. There is also an Active Learning Game; Question and Answer Flashcards and Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet. The approach is very user-friendly and the succinct presentation of facts makes for quick and memorable revision.
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Simple Chemical ReactionsThis is a fully illustrated revision guide for CE/KS3 pupils, presented in a way that makes learning easy and fun by breaking it down into bite-sized sections. Simple chemical reactions; Combining & decomposing reactions; Combustion reactions; Burning; Burning a Hydrocarbon; Fossil Fuels; Hydrogen; Metals & acids; Carbonates; Carbon Dioxide; Good chemical reactions; Bad chemical reactions are the topics covered. This pack includes: Illustrated Topic Booklet with Glossary of Key Terms and Words; Active Learning Game which is fun to play in a group but which can also be used individually to test and refresh learning; Question and Answer Flashcards; Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet. |
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Skeletons and MusclesWe all know that children learn better when their learning is made fun, and that is just what these innovative packs do. Revision is broken down into easily assimilated blocks of information to help students; the packs are far from dull! In this, pupils will revise Skeletons & Muscles; Joints; Muscles & joints; Muscles & tendons; Muscle movements; Eye muscles.; Eye movement; Types of muscles; Keeping muscles healthy; The Skeleton and Muscles around the skeleton. As with all the packs, there are Illustrated Topic Booklet with Glossary of Key Terms and Words; Active Learning Game; Question and Answer Flashcards - 21 cards have a question one side and the answer on the other and they are perfect for taking out and about for some quick revision; and Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet.
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Vibration, Waves and SoundKS3 and CE pupils will enjoy learning about - How the ear works; Sound energy and moving molecules; The decibel scale; Vibrations; Speed of sound; Particles in air; by using the Sound waves; Frequency; Good vibrations; Changing pitch and Echoes Illustrated Topic Booklet with Glossary of Key Terms and Words; Active Learning Game; Question and Answer Flashcards and Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet. the latter follows the format of the Topic Book, but key words are left out so pupils have to use their knowledge to complete the text. The words are given at the top of the page and, combined with the glossary, the words make good learning of scientific vocabulary.
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Cells, Tissues & Organ SystemsThis topic pack will ensure children enjoy learning and provides an excellent basis for revision of the subject. The Oaka topic packs focus on a small topic within the main subject, meaning revision is really focused and all key points can be covered. This pack help pupils revise Animal cells & tissue; Organ systems; Organs of the digestive systems; Organs of the circulatory system; Organs of the nervous system and Organs in a plant. Pupils revise these in a variety of ways - Illustrated Topic Booklet with Glossary of Key Terms and Words; Active Learning Game; Question and Answer Flashcards and Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet. These excellent guides are invaluable for revision.
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Biology: Variation & Classification - CE/KS3 Revision Guide: Bringing Learning to Life!This fully illustrated revision guide is suitable for Biology Common Entrance and KS3 pupils studying Variation and Classification. It includes Variation; Species; Inherited and environmental factors affecting variation; Continuous and discontinuous variation; Collecting and displaying data; Correlations; Selective Breeding and Genetic Modification; Taxonomic Classification; Classification Keys; The Animal Kingdom Features of the different types of animals; Vertebrates and invertebrates and their features. The comprehensive coverage is broken down into easy to assimilate sections. The information is clearly presented and the visual presentation is highly accessible to all learners, and especially to visual learners; the Active Learning Game reinforces knowledge. The packs are especially good for struggling and dyslexic learners who will respond well to the clear presentation and the variety of learning styles supported.
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Biology: Plants & Photosynthesis - CE/KS3 Revision Guide; Bringing Learning to Life!This comprehensive guide covers The differences between plant and animal cells. The importance of photosynthesis and plants in the production of oxygen; The percentages of gases in the air; The difference between respiration and photosynthesis; Equations for respiration and photosynthesis; The seven life processes; Specialised plant cells; The importance of water for plants; Osmosis and diffusion; Plant growth and biomass; Soil, enzymes and fertilizers; Biofuels; The Carbon Cycle and How to test for starch in a leaf. A comprehensive list which will stand students in good stead for GCSE as well as earlier learning. The variety of learning strategies, which include games, is excellent for reinforcing information and strengthening learning.
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Geography: Coastal Erosion - CE/KS3 Revision Guide: Bringing Learning to Life!Everything KS3 and CE students need to know about coastal erosion presented in Oaks Books' wonderfully stimulating learning format. They will learn: What is the coastal zone? Erosion, transportation and deposition and how they affect the coast; Rock type and structure, the shape of the coast, wave power and how they affect the coast; How waves work; Swash and backwash; Types of waves; Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition and corrosion; The formation of cliffs, bays and headlands; The formation of caves, arches, stacks and stumps.; Longshore drift and the formation of beaches; Features of beaches caused by erosion; Living by the coast - conservation and conflict. and Flooding and coastal management. All presented in bite-size nuggets of information, with the opportunity to check and revise learning by using the Write Your Own Notes booklet - writing the information helps reinforce memory. Teachers will also like the opportunities the packs all give for visual display material.
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Chemistry: Reactions of Metals - CE/KS3Revision Guide: Bringing Learning to Life!Complex topics are made accessible and easy to understand with this innovative presentation. The presentation in brief focussed form makes the information easy to assimilate, enjoyable to read and memorable. Learners will really appreciate the presentation. The Periodic Table, groups and periods; Properties and uses of metals; Where metals come from; The Reactivity Series; Reactions of metals and acids; Reactions of metal compounds; Displacement reactions; Testing for carbon dioxide and hydrogen; Metals and oxygen; Metals and steam and Metals and water. The Revision Booklet explains the topics and comes with a Glossary of Key Terms and Case Studies sheet.
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Geography: Weather & Climate CE/KS3 Revision Guide: Bringing Learning to Life!This fully illustrated revision guide for Geography Common Entrance and KS3 pupils covering Weather and Climate, including The difference between weather & climate; Factors affecting weather & climate; Types of rainfall; Weather in the UK; Tropical storms and how they are formed and The Water Cycle. These packs really live up to their title - they undoubtedly do bring learning to life. Students will enjoy playing the game and they will be surprised at how much they have learnt - a good way to build confidence. Oaka Topic Packs are a wonderful way to enthuse learners and I hope there will be lots more produced.
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Biology: Environment & Feeding Relationships - CE/KS3 Revision GuideThis pack covers different types of habitat; why rainforests are important; environmental factors affecting habitats; how the seasons affect environment; how plants and animals react to changing environments; adaptations. and plenty more to ensure that the whole syllabus is covered. The lively style of the illustrations will appeal to students at this age. Learning is reinforced by completing the Write Your Own Notes booklet and by playing the Active Learning Game. Students will find their confidence is vastly increased when they play the game and realise just how much they have learnt. These packs are really well thought out; the differing approaches to learning contained in each means there is something to help every student in the classroom and teachers will really appreciate knowing that a range of learning styles are being covered in one excellent value pack. |
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Geography: Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes & Earthquakes - Revision Guide from Oaka BooksThis fully illustrated revision guide is suitable for Geography Common Entrance and KS3 pupils. It covers why tectonic plates move, the volcanoes they can create and the resulting natural disasters. Each page of the Topic Booklet covers 4 key areas, each of which is simply explained and illustrated. This highly visual approach is perfect for visual learners and those who struggle with high volumes of text. It also covers the differences between MEDC and LEDC countries in their responses to disasters and provides a Case Study page for pupils to complete to give them a comprehensive understanding of their chosen case studies. It is accompanied by a Write Your Own Notes Booklet. An accompanying set of Q&Q flashcards gives an added dimension to learning; these also form part of a game which is an additional way of reinforcing learning. With this varied approach to learning, there is something to engage all styles of learner - an excellent mix of resources. They've thought of everything - even the playing pieces are included!
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French: All About Me - Revision Guide from Oaka BooksThe innovative format of Oaka Books is consistent across the range, so please appreciate that my general comments apply to every Topic Pack. This colourfully illustrated revision guide covers learning for for French Common Entrance and KS3 pupils. Topics include dates and numbers, months, personal description, family and friends, meeting people, conversation practice, present tense and regular verbs plus useful adjectives and vocabulary. The Topic Booklet includes key verbs, vocabulary and adjectives as well as practice conversations. The material is partially repeated in the Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet, which includes spaces for pupils to complete based on their learning in the Topic Book (they can refer back if necessary). The set includes an Active Learning Game and the reverse of the game has a self-assessment sheet where pupils can gauge their own understanding. Ideal for all visual and kinaesthetic learners as well as dyslexic children, careful attention has been given to making the books user-friendly. Features include coloured backgrounds, easy to read font and clearly numbered sections; the careful attention to detail is clearly shown.
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Physics: Forces - Revision Guide from Oaka BooksThis fully illustrated physics revision guide for Common Entrance and KS3 pupils covers Forces including gravitational force, magnetic force, floating and sinking, friction and air resistance. It shows how forces act on moving and static objects, what happens to a sky diver jumping from a plane and how we use friction in everyday life; all relevant to everyday life and presented in such a way that pupils will really learn and remember. The Test Yourself section includes questions and answers to help your child learn the information by really thinking about it rather than just writing notes. The Active Learning Game provides yet another way to learn and use knowledge. Text is presented in easily assimilated short sections, using bullet points and images to focus the attention; images are important to many learners, making topics easier to understand and remember; perfect for revision. The presentation of all the Topic Packs is such that many KS2 learners will find the KS3 material is at a suitable level; as with the topic of forces, much of the material is also relevant to KS2.
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Battle of Hastings Revision Pack from Oaka BooksThis pack includes: Revision Booklet with Memory Maps and Glossary of Key Terms; Active Revision Map; Character Sheets and Write Your Own Notes illustrated booklet. Starting with the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, pupils learn who did what to whom and why as well as the events of the Battle, detailing why William won and Harold lost. This is slightly different from the other packs, as the Revision Notes book simply has lined boxes, numbered to match the Revision Booklet; pupils write in their own words. Character cards can be used with the Active Revision Map to act out the events - yet another dimension to learning. So well thought out - there are stands for the character cards and even a spare bag to hold the cards once pressed out. As with all the Topic Packs it is ideal for Visual Learners, Kinesthetic Learners and Dyslexic pupils. Oaka Revision Guides are topic specific which makes them short and focussed, covering key points your child needs to know for their exams. Each pack includes a very helpful A4 sheet of instructions for teachers and parents which explains how to use the Topic Book and the Write Your Own Notes Book, as well as explaining how to use the game or map included. This ensures learners get the very best out of their packs.
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Biology: Food & Digestion - CE/KS3 Revision Guide from Oaka BooksThe topic area is comprehensively covered with information on diet, nutrients, different food types, how we store energy from food, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibre and water, vitamins,food tests for starch, glucose, sucrose, proteins and fats, and digestion. A useful glossary ensures familiarity with all the terminology. These excellently thought-out packs give a comprehensive learning experience, clearly and succinctly focused on a specific topic so learning can be targeted. The wide range of activities means all learning styles are well covered and students will really enjoy the bright colourful presentation. Brilliant for school use and to help differentiation in the classroom, teachers will have material to suit all their learners whatever their ability and learning style. Do look at the whole range and make good use of this innovative and unusual approach to learning. I really hope the range will continue to grow and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
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