In The Development of Writing in Mesopotamia , archaeologist and historian Richard Miles shares how the invention of writing transformed civilization in Mesopotamia and beyond. Writing began as a way to record purchases and evolved into sophisticated systems for expressing ideas, creating myths, and preserving culture. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Ranger tales! Our friends at the Chester Zoo have put together some written accounts of real-life rangers' animal encounters. Read about:
- Waiting to catch a poacher
- Setting a snare
- Finding an elephant
- And more!
Then you'll use those to reflect on how descriptive writing can enhance storytelling and eventually write your own!
These worksheets accompany a Chester Zoo interactive lesson on descriptive writing.
Meet Alphablock N, who loves to say “no!" N needs something. Is it a nurse? A new net? How about nice notes? Write over the letters to help N decide. Once you've helped N, write lots of lovely n letters for him.
Watch full episodes of Alphablocks on their official YouTube channel!
Turn your classroom into a global exploration hub! This country report template invites students in Grades 3–8 to become curious investigators — uncovering what makes each country unique and sharing their discoveries in creative ways.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the resource includes two approachable formats:
- Snapshot Style: A lively, visual option that’s perfect for quick learning or younger students. Learners can sketch, label, and highlight key features — like flags, landmarks, foods, and traditions — while building confidence with short responses.
- Explorer Style: A more in-depth format for students ready to dig deeper. It guides learners through topics such as geography, wildlife, culture, and history, helping them organize ideas and develop clear, informative writing.
Best of all, this template pairs seamlessly with BBC videos — bringing countries to life through real-world sights, sounds, and stories. Students can watch, wonder, and then weave what they’ve learned into their own reports.
Quick Teacher Tips: Use country studies as a springboard into wider learning across subjects:
- Geography: Map skills, climate zones, landforms, and ecosystems
- Language Arts: Informational writing, summarizing, note-taking, and presenting
- History: Key events, timelines, and how the past shapes the present
- Math: Population comparisons, distances, currency conversions
- Arts & Culture: Traditional patterns, music, celebrations, and food
- Current Events: Tie in informational reading and media literacy by exploring what’s happening in that country today in an age-appropriate way.
This Women’s History Month, invite your students to step into the role of historian, storyteller, and researcher as they create profiles of extraordinary women in history. Our Women’s History Biography Template is designed for ages 8–14 and helps students organize key facts, explore challenges and accomplishments, and reflect on why these figures still matter today. With guided sections for important life events, obstacles overcome, and lasting impact, this ready-to-use template supports research skills, critical thinking, and strong writing.
To get started, visit our Figures in Women’s History microsite and explore a rich video library featuring trailblazing leaders, artists, scientists, and activists. Learn about Jane Goodall and her pioneering work in conservation and animal behavior, or dive into the groundbreaking research and storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston, who preserved and celebrated African American folklore and culture. Students can also discover figures who fought for women's suffrage, advanced medicine, and transformed sports. This is a great jumping off point for students to begin further research on their chosen icon.
In The Development of Writing in Mesopotamia , archaeologist and historian Richard Miles shares how the invention of writing transformed civilization in Mesopotamia and beyond. Writing began as a way to record purchases and evolved into sophisticated systems for expressing ideas, creating myths, and preserving culture. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Ranger tales! Our friends at the Chester Zoo have put together some written accounts of real-life rangers' animal encounters. Read about:
- Waiting to catch a poacher
- Setting a snare
- Finding an elephant
- And more!
Then you'll use those to reflect on how descriptive writing can enhance storytelling and eventually write your own!
These worksheets accompany a Chester Zoo interactive lesson on descriptive writing.
Meet Alphablock N, who loves to say “no!" N needs something. Is it a nurse? A new net? How about nice notes? Write over the letters to help N decide. Once you've helped N, write lots of lovely n letters for him.
Watch full episodes of Alphablocks on their official YouTube channel!
Turn your classroom into a global exploration hub! This country report template invites students in Grades 3–8 to become curious investigators — uncovering what makes each country unique and sharing their discoveries in creative ways.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the resource includes two approachable formats:
- Snapshot Style: A lively, visual option that’s perfect for quick learning or younger students. Learners can sketch, label, and highlight key features — like flags, landmarks, foods, and traditions — while building confidence with short responses.
- Explorer Style: A more in-depth format for students ready to dig deeper. It guides learners through topics such as geography, wildlife, culture, and history, helping them organize ideas and develop clear, informative writing.
Best of all, this template pairs seamlessly with BBC videos — bringing countries to life through real-world sights, sounds, and stories. Students can watch, wonder, and then weave what they’ve learned into their own reports.
Quick Teacher Tips: Use country studies as a springboard into wider learning across subjects:
- Geography: Map skills, climate zones, landforms, and ecosystems
- Language Arts: Informational writing, summarizing, note-taking, and presenting
- History: Key events, timelines, and how the past shapes the present
- Math: Population comparisons, distances, currency conversions
- Arts & Culture: Traditional patterns, music, celebrations, and food
- Current Events: Tie in informational reading and media literacy by exploring what’s happening in that country today in an age-appropriate way.
This Women’s History Month, invite your students to step into the role of historian, storyteller, and researcher as they create profiles of extraordinary women in history. Our Women’s History Biography Template is designed for ages 8–14 and helps students organize key facts, explore challenges and accomplishments, and reflect on why these figures still matter today. With guided sections for important life events, obstacles overcome, and lasting impact, this ready-to-use template supports research skills, critical thinking, and strong writing.
To get started, visit our Figures in Women’s History microsite and explore a rich video library featuring trailblazing leaders, artists, scientists, and activists. Learn about Jane Goodall and her pioneering work in conservation and animal behavior, or dive into the groundbreaking research and storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston, who preserved and celebrated African American folklore and culture. Students can also discover figures who fought for women's suffrage, advanced medicine, and transformed sports. This is a great jumping off point for students to begin further research on their chosen icon.