Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

What is rust?

Rust is an iron oxide and a form of corrosion.

It is caused by a chemical reaction that affects masses of iron and steel.

Once formed, rust begins to eat away at the metal, creating a crispy, orange-red coating that weakens the iron.

It occurs when the metal reacts with oxygen and water.

What causes rusting?

Water is the leading cause of rust.

Rusting is an example of corrosion, which occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and water:

iron + oxygen + water → hydrated iron(III) oxide

Hydrated iron(III) oxide is the orange-brown substance seen on the surface of rusty objects.

Due to water in the equation, rust is more likely to occur on metal that has not been treated or protected against moisture.

Salt also helps to speed up the rusting process.

Ways to prevent rusting

• Keep metal dry
• Protect metal with oil, grease, or paint
• Use galvanized metal
• Use other metal as sacrificial protection, allowing that to rust away to protect structural metal

Sight Words

Sight words are words children are taught to recognize “on sight.”

What are sight words?

Reading sight words is a significant part of phonics learning for kindergarten and first-grade children.

Some sight words don’t follow standard phonetic spelling patterns. These are known as non-phonetic or tricky words. Examples of these include “talk,” “walk,” “come,” “once” and “the.” Non-phonetic sight words are challenging to recognize, so children are taught to identify them at a glance through repetition and word games.

When do children start learning sight words?

Children begin learning sight words in kindergarten and continue through first grade. Although there is no set target and all children learn in different ways, and at varying speeds, a rough goal to aim for would be 20 sight words by the end of kindergarten and 100 by the end of first grade.

Five benefits of learning sight words.

• Confidence. Recalling sight words has a substantial positive impact on children’s confidence in the classroom. The Dolch List – the most widely-used set of sight words – includes 50-75% of all terms used in children’s books, newspapers, and magazines. Once children know those, they’ll be able to pick up most texts confident in their ability to understand them.
• Speed. Rapid recognition of sight words means kids don’t have to spend time decoding or breaking down unknown words into bite-sized chunks.
• Enjoyment. Reading should be fun! Sight word recognition enables children to read books independently and helps them see that reading is something to enjoy rather than endure.
• Progression. Solid knowledge of sight words allows children to focus on increasing their vocabulary to understand the remaining 25-50% of words not covered by sight word lists. Sight words lay the foundation for further learning.
• Self-esteem. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with being able to read independently can substantially impact children’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Definition of an isosceles triangle

An isosceles triangle has two equal sides and one unequal side.

The definition of an isosceles triangle has changed slightly over the years. Originally, Euclid, who was sometimes referred to as Euclid of Alexandria and is regarded as the Father of Geometry, defined an isosceles triangle like this: a triangle with two equal sides exactly. However, the terminology has changed slightly over time, while the sentiment remains the same. The more modern definition of an isosceles is a triangle with at least two equal sides. This change is seemingly minor, but it means that, by current standards, equilateral triangles, which have three equal sides, are a particular case of isosceles triangles.

In the case of an isosceles triangle with two equal sides, the equal sides are referred to as the legs of the triangle, and the third side as the base.

Name Origin: Isosceles comes from the Greek roots ‘isos’, meaning equal, and ‘skelos,’ meaning leg.

As well to the isosceles triangle, there are three other types of triangles:

• scalene triangles;
• right-angled triangles;
• equilateral triangles.

All triangles have three sides, but each type has special properties that make it unique. So why not quiz your class to test their memory of the different properties of each kind of triangle?

Properties of an isosceles triangle

• A triangle with two equal sides. These are known as the legs.
• One unequal side is known as the base.
• Two equal angles are opposite sides of equal length.
• All angles are acute (less than 90º).
• The sum of the angles is 180º.

Angles in an isosceles triangle

All angles in an isosceles triangle are smaller than 90º. It means that they are acute angles.

The sum of the three angles in an isosceles triangle is always 180º. So it means we can find out the third angle of the triangle if the other two angles are known.

Let’s look at how you can find the size of the angles in an isosceles triangle.

Finding the size of angles in isosceles triangles

Some maths problems might require children to find the size of missing angles in triangles. For example, it is relatively straightforward for an isosceles triangle since we all know that two angles are the same size.

Here are some tips for finding the size of angles in the isosceles triangle:

1. The two angles opposite the two matching sides are the same size. Therefore, if you know one of the angles’ sizes, you see the other’s. For example, if one of them is 46º, you know the matching angle is 46º.
2. All of the angles add up to 180º. If you know the size of two of the angles, you can add them together and subtract the sum from 180º to find the other angle. For example, if one angle is 88º and the other is 46º, they add up to 134º. 180º – 134º = 46º.
3. If you know the size of one of the equal angles you can subtract the sum of both from 180º to find the size of the unequal angle. The sum for this would be 180º – (46º x 2) = 88º.

Isosceles triangle lines of symmetry

An isosceles triangle has one line of symmetry.

By definition, an isosceles triangle can only have one line of symmetry. So it is because a triangle can only be an isosceles triangle if it has two equal sides.

The line of symmetry on an isosceles triangle can be drawn by connecting the vertex between equal sides and the center of the opposite side.

Other isosceles triangle properties:

• It has rotational symmetry of order one.
• It has two equal angles

There are three other types of triangles that have different properties:

Triangle	Line(s) of symmetry	Other properties
Scalene	A scalene triangle has no lines of symmetry.	It has rotational symmetry of order one. It also has no equal angles or sides.
Equilateral	An equilateral triangle has three lines of symmetry.	It has rotational symmetry of order three. It has three equal angles, all at 60°. It also has three equal sides.
Right-angled	A right-angled triangle has no lines of symmetry.	It has a rotational symmetry of order one and one angle of 90°.

Different types of isosceles triangles

There are three vital types of isosceles triangles, i.e., triangles with two equal sides, that we will be discussing. They are as follows:

• Isosceles acute triangle: In this type of isosceles triangle, all three angles are less than 90°, and a minimum of two of its angles have an equal measurement.
• Isosceles right triangle: In this type of isosceles triangle, two of the legs, and their corresponding angles, are of equal measure.
• Isosceles obtuse triangle: In this type of isosceles triangle, one of the three angles is obtuse, meaning it measures between 90° and 180°. The other two angles in this triangle are acute and equal in measurement.

The area of an isosceles triangle

There is a specific formula that you can use to find the area of an isosceles triangle. This formula is as follows:

A = ½ × b × h

Key:

• A = area
• B = base
• H = height

The perimeter of an isosceles triangle

There is a specific formula that you can use to find the perimeter of an isosceles triangle. This formula is as follows:

P = 2a + b

Key:

• P = perimeter.
• A = the length of the equal sides of the isosceles triangle (also known as the legs).
• B = the length of the third, unequal side of the triangle.

Base Form Verbs

The base form is one of five verb forms in English. A base form is the simplest form of a verb, without subject pronouns like ‘I’ or ‘we’ attached. You’ll hear it referred to as a verb’s infinitive or root form. Read on to find out more.

What is the base form verb (or the root form)?

A base form is the simplest form of a verb, without subject pronouns like ‘I’ or ‘we’ attached. You’ll hear it referred to as the infinitive or root form of a verb – it’s what we change when we want to make it agree with different tenses and subject pronouns. When you search for a verb in a dictionary or thesaurus, this is the form you’ll find.

Though they’re functionally identical (except for the 3rd person singular), the base form is different from the present form of a verb in that it doesn’t appear with a subject pronoun. So, for example, this is the difference between ‘I write’ and ‘write.’

What is the base form verb in English literacy? (Examples included)

A verb’s base form can be considered the most basic verb form. The base form verb is listed in the dictionary and can also be referred to as the root word. It is the version or form of the verb without any additional letters or phrases referred to as prefixes and suffixes (such as -s,-ing, and ed).

The base form verb is one of five verb forms in the English language. Other verb forms include root, third-person singular, present participle, past, and past participle.

The Base Form Appears in the Present Tense

The base form of a verb appears in versions of the present tense except the third-person singular. For example, I play, walk, and talk in the first-person singular form.

Examples of base for verbs: What are the different verb forms with examples?

The base form of the verb: As we have learned, the base form verb is the form listed in most dictionaries featuring the verb without using prefixes or suffixes. For example, ‘see,’ ‘be,’ ‘wear,’ and walk.’

Third-Person Singular Form: the third-person singular verb form is used by adding the suffix -S or -ES to the end of the base form of a verb in the present tense when it enables a singular subject in the third person, for example, ‘walks.’

Past Tense Verb Form: Past tense verbs refer to actions or events in the past. They can be regular verbs that end with a “d” or an “ed” or can be irregular and change their spelling to show the past tense, for example, ‘walked.’

Present Tense Verb form: The current tense verb form indicates that an action is present, now, relative to the speaker or writer, for example, ‘walking.’

What is a base word in English?

In English, like in other languages, a base word is a word that serves as the base form of a verb. The base form of a verb is what’s changed to make other verb forms. When learning any language, it’s important to memorize these verbs and how they’re changed depending on the person or group of people acting. In English, the base form of a verb is used to make four other forms, which are used to make up the different tenses. These are outlined in the next section.

Examples of base form verbs and how they change

• The base form verb – love/ drink/ walk
• Third-Person Singular Present Tense Form – loves/ drinks/ walks
• Past Form – loved/ drank/ walked
• Present Participle Form – loving/ drinking/ walking
• The Past Participle Form – loved/ drunk/ walked

What are the five different verb forms in the English language?

There are five different verb forms in the English language. Using the base form to write, here’s a summary of what they are:

1. Base form – write
2. 3rd person singular – writes
3. Past tense form – wrote
4. Present participle/gerund – writing
5. Past participle – written

Unlike most verbs, the verb to write is considered to be an irregular verb. That means it doesn’t follow the standard rules regarding making the above five forms. For example, the past tense form of a verb is usually caused by adding the suffix -ed, which isn’t the case here. Also, in regular verbs, the past participle is usually the same as the past tense form, with -ed added to make the conjugation.

What are the different tenses of verbs?

You could be forgiven that there are only three basic tenses of verbs: the past, present, and future. But there’s a lot more than that. One of the things people find difficult when learning another language is learning about different verb tenses, what they are and when to use them. For example, English speakers use tenses like the present continuous almost every day, but how many people know that it’s just -ing words like I’m writing?

Here’s a list of the most common verb tenses, with information about when to use them, as well as some examples:

Simple present

It is the most common verb form in the English language. It’s used to express habits and general truths, among other things. You can make the present tense by combining a subject pronoun with the corresponding verb conjugation. For example, ‘he’ and the verb ‘write’ make the simple present tense ‘he writes. Easy.

Simple past

As the name suggests, the simple past tense is used to describe completed actions that happened in the past. To make the simple past tense, combine the desired subject pronoun with the past tense of a verb. For most words, this means adding -ed to the end, but this isn’t always the case. The simple past tense is sometimes called the preterite tense.

Simple future

The last of the simple tenses, the simple future tense, is used to talk about things that haven’t happened yet. You can make the simple future tense by combining a subject pronoun, the modal verb ‘will,’ and the base form of a verb. For example, ‘I will write the first-person, simple future tense of ‘write.’

Present perfect

The present perfect tense is used to talk about actions that have or haven’t happened in the past. It’s made by combining a subject pronoun, the auxiliary verb ‘have,’ and the past participle of a verb. So, for example, ‘I have written’ is the first-person, present perfect tense of ‘write.’

Present continuous

English speakers use the present continuous tense to talk about actions that are currently ongoing. To form the present continuous, combine the simple present form of the verb ‘to be’ with the -ing form of the verb (this form is known as the gerund). For example, by combining ‘I am’ with the gerund of ‘to write,’ we get ‘I am writing.’

A contents page is a list, usually found before the start of any writing, that outlines what is included in a piece of written work.

Most commonly found in books, contents pages (or tables of contents) are hugely important in helping the reader navigate and understand the text they are reading.

Contents pages generally include chapter or section titles and the page number they’re found on, giving the reader crucial information such as where the most relevant chapter for them is, how long each chapter is, and what different sections of the book look like.

Why do we need content pages?

Though only a tiny part of a book, contents pages are one of the most crucial components. In fiction, contents pages might include unique names for each chapter, giving the reader an insight into the story and possibly even persuading them to buy the book – if the titles are exciting enough!

Content pages in non-fiction works, such as textbooks or journals, help the reader determine whether this text is relevant to them and, if so, which sections are most helpful.

Contents pages provide readers with a guide to the book – a roadmap that helps them figure out how to navigate the text to get the most out of it. They also prevent a text from becoming overwhelming by breaking it down into smaller chunks, meaning a reader is less likely to put it down.

Contents pages also make reading in the classroom more accessible, as teachers can direct students to the correct page or chapter using the table of contents for reference.

What should a content page look like?

A good content page should be simple, straightforward, easy to read, and contain all the critical information a reader needs.

It should always include the names of each book section, the title of each chapter, and the page numbers on which each section or chapter begins.

Contents pages should always be laid out like lists, and the chapters and sections should be listed in chronological order. It means you should list your sections and chapters in the same order as they appear in the book.

Occasionally, content pages will include subheadings underneath the chapter or section title. One example of a book this might happen in is a cookbook. For example, the chapter title ‘Desserts’ might have subheadings underneath for the ‘Chocolate Cake Recipe,’ ‘Cheesecake Recipe,’ and ‘Apple Pie Recipe.’

Another example of a time when subheadings might be used is in a textbook or journal where multiple authors have contributed chapters or essays on the same topic.

In this case, the title of the chapter or essay and the author’s name will be included as subheadings under the section title, which would be the topic of the writing.

Some things to remember

• Page contents are only needed in long writing pieces with multiple sections or chapters. That’s why you generally won’t find one at the start of a short story or poem.
• If you are writing a content page, remember to keep it clear and organized. For example, list the names of the sections or chapter titles in chronological order, and make sure to include page numbers.
• Contents pages rely on your work having page numbers to direct the reader to, so don’t forget to include them!
• Always keep the reader in mind when designing a content page. Think about what they want from the book and what information they need to find it.

What is Form in Writing?

For starters, what is a form in English?

Form means the style in which a text is presented. There are several different forms, including poems and novels. Writers can use a form, alongside structure and language, to create meaning within their writing.

What are the Different Forms of Writing?

Now that we know the answer to ‘what is a form in English?’, let’s take a look at some of the different kinds:

• short story;
• novel;
• novella;
• play;
• script;
• poem.

These are usually categorized into three primary forms: prose (stories), poetry, and drama (plays and scripts).

There can also be different forms within these forms. For example, a poem could be a sonnet or even a haiku.

Why is Form Important in Writing?

We’ve figured out the answer to ‘what is a form in English?’, but why is it such an essential part of the writing process?

The form of a piece of writing can tell us a lot about a writer’s intentions, as well as the characters and themes. For example, many novels are written in the first person so that the reader can sympathize and empathize with the main character.

The form of a piece of writing can completely change how we view it. For example, what if the novel Matilda by Roald Dahl was a considerable poem? What if Shakespeare’s plays were written as short stories? The result would be completely different from what they are now!

What Form Should You Use?

We’ve now explored ‘what is a form in English?’ and why it matters. But before any writer can start work on their writing, they first have to choose which form to write in.

Each form of writing has its strengths and weaknesses. Some stories fit best with one form over another. Below, you’ll find a handy breakdown of each of these different forms and when they might be most suitable:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Poem	Lots of room to play with language and rhyme. Many forms of poetry to choose from. Great for expressing emotions. Appeals to children.	Epic poems are no longer in style. Challenging to use characters in a poem.
Play	Character and dialogue-driven. Suitable for writing emotional conflicts. Lots of room to develop characters.	Action is often unseen. Little room to play with description and language. Character movements are limited to stage directions. Setting descriptions are limited.
Novel	Lots of room for character development and action. There’s space to describe settings in great detail. Choose between first, second, or third person. Great for internal conflicts and thoughts.	The plot should be linear. Less room for language exploration compared to a poem.
Short story	Driven by the plot and action. Teaches word conservation and is concise. You can keep the plot, characters, and themes neatly tied up.	Less room for emotional exploration and character development than in a novel. Usually, focus on one main event.
Film script	Focuses on dialogue, similar to a play. Good for showing visuals.	Limited on inner conflicts and internal emotions.

Most of these forms can be used when telling a story, but poetry is a less popular choice for a linear tale. Poetry is more likely to be used to emphasize a message or moral. However, the poem form has been used throughout children’s literature because they’re written in verse and rhyme.

What’s the Difference Between Form and Structure?

Earlier on, as we were talking about ‘what is a form in English?’, we mentioned how it’s used alongside structure and language. But what’s the difference between the two?

• Form, as we know, refers to how a text is presented. In other words, it can mean the physical ‘form’ a piece of writing takes, such as a book or poem.
• But when we talk about structure, we’re referring to how the text has been organized and put together. For example, poets might use different line structures and lengths to create a design that communicates their meaning. The structure is also essential in other forms, including novels. For example, writers might split their stories into paragraphs and chapters to change the story’s pace.

Now that we know the difference between form and structure, the question of ‘what is a form in English?’ might be easier to answer!

A dash is an adaptable punctuation mark that can indicate parenthesis within a sentence and can be used instead of a bracket or a colon.

The primary use of a dash in English is to separate or connect two independent clauses. A clause is a phrase made up of a subject and a verb, and modifying words and dashes can create a ‘bridge’ between them. Therefore, using a dash in writing is usually considered informal.

A dash can sometimes be confused with another punctuation, the hyphen. However, they’re quite different: A hyphen is slightly shorter than a dash and is used to combine two words.

There are two main types of the dash – the ‘ em‘ dash and the ‘en’ dash. Let’s take a closer look at these two kinds and find out when to use a dash in a sentence.

What are the two types of the dash?

As we mentioned, there are two different types of the dash in English. And while they might look alike, it’s essential to be able to tell them apart and how when to use a dash in a sentence for both of them:

The Em Dash (—)

The em dash is the longer of the two dashes (—) and can be referred to as the ‘double dash.’ It can be used when a writer wants to emphasize additional information.

Dashes may be used in pairs to separate the words from the surrounding text.

For example:

• ‘The man was dressed—rather plainly — in a black suit.’
• ‘Your exam results will depend—as my mum says —on how much hard work you put in.’
• ‘Use double dashes— if they are appropriate for the type of sentence —in moderation.’

Looking at the above examples, you can see how the sentences would still make sense without including the clause between the dashes. However, the inclusion of em dashes represents how the writer interjects with their idea or opinion.

Em dashes are often used in fiction, magazines, and other informal types of writing to create an abrupt shift in the narrative or the writer’s train of thought. It makes them a fun technique for pupils to use in creative writing, especially if they’re writing from a character’s point of view.

Em dashes are used for a few other reasons. But first, let’s look at when to use a dash in a sentence.

• The Dramatic ‘Em’ Dash:

Another example of when to use a dash in a sentence for the ‘em’ dash is if we want to create a dramatic effect. Using the ‘dramatic dash’ means that only one dash must be included in the parenthesis at the end of the sentence.

A dash found by itself can be used to separate something dramatic or show a contrast between the two sentences.

The idea of the ‘dramatic dash’ is to shock or surprise the reader at the very end of the sentence.

For example:

‘It was a long wait—perhaps the longest of his life.’

‘Lilies are my favorite flowers—after tulips, of course.’

‘I enjoy playing on my trampoline—I can jump higher than my sister.’

2) The Interrupting ‘Em’ Dash

The em dash can also be used when writing dialogue to show that someone has been interrupted while talking. Again, this is an excellent way to make dialogue seem more realistic in writing.

For example:

‘I hate superhero films—‘

‘What?! Superhero movies are my favorite!’

It is an excellent example of when to use such as a dash in a sentence. The em dash is used to represent how the first speaker is being interrupted by the second. It makes them a helpful punctuation mark when conveying an argument or rapid back-and-forth dialogue between characters.

3) The Repeating ‘Em’ Dash

Dashes can also be used to show the repetition of a word or phrase for effect. Typically, repeating dashes indicate that someone is nervous or scared.

For example:

‘No – there’s no way – it can’t be…’

The En Dash (–)

Now that we’ve covered the em dash and know when to use it in a sentence let’s learn about its cousin: the en dash.

The en dash (–) is shorter than the em dash, and we use it for various reasons. Unlike the ‘em’ dash, we’re less likely to use the ‘en’ dash for literary and dramatic effect and more likely to connect words or phrases. Let’s explore a few uses of this type of dash:

1) To show time ranges:

We often use the en dash to show date or time ranges.

For example:

He worked at the business from 2008-2012.

I work between the hours of 9:00 am-5:30 pm.

2) To connect compound adjectives

Another example of when to use a dash in a sentence is if we want to connect compound adjectives. A compound adjective is an adjective that is created out of two separate words.

Some writers might use an en dash instead if we have an open compound (where a space separates the words) or a hyphenated compound (where a hyphen joins the combination).

Let’s take a look at an example:

She is an award–winning sportswoman.

3) To show a connection or divide:

Another instance of when to use a dash in a sentence is if we want to emphasize a connection, or a conflict, between two separate things. Let’s take a look at some examples:

There is a north-south football match happening today.

I am taking the London-Manchester train this morning.

Technical Words

Technical words are often found in informational texts, such as fact files and reports. These words have specific meanings for the field they belong to, such as an academic subject area or a profession.

When are technical words used?

Technical words, also known as terminology or jargon, are a vocabulary used to explain concepts unique or specific to one area. Let’s look at technical words for different academic subjects and professions.

• English – metaphor, simile, and personification.
• Biology – photosynthesis, gestation, and respiration.
• Welsh-soft mutation, nasal mutation, and aspirate mutation.
• Medicine – benign, malignant, and anti-inflammatory.
• Mechanical engineering – abrasion, acceleration, and torque.
• Beauty therapy – exfoliating, microdermabrasion, and porosity.

Want to check your pupils’ prior knowledge? Challenge your class to add as many technical words as possible to these lists or develop their own for other areas. You might also like to create your list for teaching. You might also want to consider all the technical words, terms, and acronyms you and your colleagues use at work.

Understanding technical words.

A doctor will be familiar with technical words that belong to the field of medicine, and a nail technician will be friendly with those that belong to beauty therapy. However, technical terms belong to many areas, and nobody will be familiar with them all.

That’s where those handy inference skills come in. Making inferences about the meaning of technical words will help children understand better informational texts, such as school textbooks, book reviews, and case studies.

For example, young learners aren’t expected to be experts in biology. However, we can equip them with the tools to decode scientific and technical words in their textbooks by showing them how to examine unfamiliar words’ broader context.

Sometimes, a text will feature a glossary. Show your pupils how to navigate dictionaries to check the meaning of unfamiliar technical words. Glossaries feature a list of specialized words placed in alphabetical order. Each word will have a straightforward definition.

Including technical words

Once children are confident at identifying technical words and inferring their meaning, you can encourage them to use them in their writing. Technical terms are an essential part of nonfiction writing. Throughout their learning journey, children will be taught how to write a variety of nonfiction texts, such as:

• informational leaflets
• informational posters
• fact files
• news articles
• reports
• explanation texts

Teaching technical words

Explanation texts describe how or why something happens. As explanation texts are usually focused on a process, they often include specific technical words.

• How a caterpillar turns into a butterfly – technical words from biology are needed here, such as metamorphosis.
• How a train’s engine works – children can use technical words from mechanical engineerings, such as electric traction.
• Why the polar ice caps are melting – mathematical and scientific-technical words can be used to explain texts on this topic, such as exponential and anthropogenic.

Blending

Blending is a method used to help children learn to read by combining different sounds, also known as phonemes, to form words. Blending sounds teaches learners how words are sounded out, which will help them to decode long and unfamiliar words when they’re reading.

What is blending in phonics?

Blending is an effective method to help children learn to read. Through blending, pupils will join individual sound spellings (called letter-sound correspondences) to form a complete word. This skill allows pupils to decode words that they are unfamiliar with.

Blending words in phonics is taught alongside segmenting, where a word is broken down into its sounds (called phonemes). By separating a word, kids can see all the different sounds it’s made up of before blending them back together again. So you could say that blending and segmenting are complementary to one another.

What are some examples of blending words in phonics?

But how does it work? Well, let’s take a look at some examples to see what blending words in phonics looks like in practice, starting with the word ‘dog’:

When the word ‘dog’ is segmented like this, we can see that it’s made up of three different phonemes (sounds): /d/, /o/, and /g/. So if you’re teaching a pupil how to blend this word, you could start them off by encouraging them to pronounce these phonemes individually.

Once they’ve nailed each of the individual sounds, they’ll be able to combine them and form the word ‘dog’!

But as kids move through their phonics education, they’ll also learn to blend some trickier words, which may have new sounds, spellings, or letter combinations. So to illustrate this, let’s have a look at a slightly more complex example, this time using the word ‘black’:

bl – a – ck

Blending the sounds in this word might be trickier for pupils because it contains an adjacent consonant at the beginning (b-l) and a consonant digraph (ck) at the end.

The critical difference is that all of the sounds in an adjacent consonant can be heard individually, whereas a digraph is where multiple letters represent a single sound. So, as kids learn to blend this word, make sure that they sound out both the ‘b’ and the ‘l’ while sounding out the ‘ck’ digraph as the /k/ sound.

Why is blending words in phonics important?

Blending is a crucial skill that kids need to learn to become fluent in reading and writing. Rather than just learning and memorizing the different sounds and their graphemes, phonics also allows children to manipulate them and see how they form words. Blending words in pronunciation is a crucial part of this.

By practicing blending, children will gradually improve their skills at identifying which sounds are represented by graphemes and combining them to decode unfamiliar words. This process is key to reading because children need to be skilled at blending phonics words to make sense of words, passages, and full texts. When they’re fluent readers, this process will feel like second nature to them!

The national curriculum for England reflects the importance of blending phonics words. At the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), kids should be able to read terms consistent with their phonics knowledge by blending sounds.

Once they advance into year 1, pupils should be able to use blending to read unfamiliar words that contain GPCs (grapheme-phoneme correspondences) that they’ve seen before. Blending is a skill kid will need to keep developing and improving, making practice very important.

Before we answer how many seconds are in a year, we need to understand each of the time measures we’ll need to work through to reach the answer.

One year is made up of 12 months, or 365 days. Within each day, we have 24 hours, each containing 60 minutes. Within each minute, you’ll find 60 seconds.

So, the maths problem that we need to answer to solve this is as follows:

365 × 24 × 60 × 60

Now, if we pop those numbers into our calculator, we’ll find 31,536,000 seconds in a year! That’s quite a lot, so maybe you shouldn’t sit down and try to count all of them.

How many seconds are in a leap year?

Of course, that isn’t always going to be our final answer. For example, in a leap year, we have 366 days! So, we need to add an extra 24 × 60 × 60. So, in a leap year, there’s an additional 86,400 seconds, meaning the whole year will have 31,622,400 seconds.