Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

An article is a name given to a word used to identify the noun or a noun phrase that comes after it. There are two kinds of the article: definite and indefinite articles. Definite articles refer to a specific noun using ‘the,’ while indefinite articles are used when a noun is unclear.

What is an article in English?

For starters, what is an article in English? First, let’s define what we mean when talking about ‘articles.’ It can be a tricky concept for children to grasp, so it’s essential to be well-versed in them before you begin teaching.

An article is a word that identifies the noun or a noun phrase that comes after it as being either general or specific. Articles are similar to adjectives because they change or modify a noun. For example, in the English language, there are three different articles: ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘the.’

Now that the question of ‘what is an article in English?’ is behind us let’s explore definite and indefinite articles in more detail!

What are definite and indefinite articles?

By now, we’ve answered the question, ‘what is an article in English?’. But when it seems like we’ve got articles figured out, we still need to break down the difference between the two kinds of the article: definite and indefinite articles. Below, we’ll explain what these two kinds are and when they’re used:

Definite article

‘The’ is called the definite article and refers to specific nouns. The definite article can be used with singular, plural, or uncountable nouns. For example:

• ‘The man’s hat is blue.’
• ‘Please pass me the red cup.’

In both of these examples, the nouns are specific: there’s no uncertainty about who or what they are!

Indefinite article

If the definite article refers to a specific noun, then the indefinite article is used when a noun is non-specific or more general. The indefinite article takes two forms:

• The word ‘an’ when precedes a word that begins with a vowel.
• The word ‘a’ when it precedes a word that starts with a consonant.

Both cases indicate that a noun refers to a general idea rather than a specific thing. Here are a few examples:

• ‘Please pass me a knife.’
• ‘Can you buy me an apple from the shop?’

In both of these examples, neither the knife nor the apple is specific. It could be any either item.

How do you choose between definite and indefinite articles?

Understanding the difference between definite and indefinite articles helps us better answer the question, ‘what is an article in English?’. But how do we know when to use each one?

While learning about articles, many children might ask you when to use ‘a’ and ‘an’ as definite and indefinite articles. It’s often a tricky grammar concept for children to grasp, but with support and practice, they can learn whether to use ‘a’ or ‘an’ for specific sentences.

Generally, we use ‘an’ before a word beginning with a vowel and ‘a’ when a term starts with a consonant. But unfortunately, this is just the general rule of thumb, and not all words follow this pattern. In addition, there are some exceptions to the rule that children must memorize when deciding whether to use ‘a’ or ‘an’.

However, there’s a helpful trick for deciding which to use; we need to distinguish consonant sounds and vowel sounds rather than just consonants and vowels.

For example, the first letter in ‘honor’ is a consonant but also unpronounced. Instead, the word begins with an ‘o’ sound, a vowel sound. So, we use ‘an’ rather than ‘a’ as we would with other words beginning with ‘h.’

• ‘It is an honor to meet you.’

Some words beginning with ‘x’ start with the vowel sound ‘e,’ so we use ‘an’ for those as well:

• ‘He had an X-ray.’

However, the word ‘xylophone’ has a consonant sound, ‘z,’ so we use a:

• The band has a xylophone.’

But when it comes to choosing between definite and indefinite articles, it’s words beginning with ‘u’ that usually trip people up. So again, we focus on the sound that the ‘u’ makes to decide. Is it a consonant or vowel sound? Here are some examples to help.

U’ Word	Consonant or Vowel Sound?	‘A’ or ‘An’?
Umbrella	Vowel	They held an umbrella.
Unfortunate	Vowel	It was a regrettable event.
Underdog	Vowel	He’s an underdog in this competition.
University	Consonant	She is going to be a university student.
Union	Consonant	Marriage is a union between two people.
Uniform	Consonant	The pupils have to wear a uniform.

Using articles with pronouns

Fortunately, there’s a much more straightforward rule: we avoid using them altogether. Possessive pronouns such as his, her, our, and there are already specific to a person or group. Moreover, adding an article can create a confusing sentence for the readers.

How are definite and indefinite articles taught in primary school?

At some point, your pupils may wonder, ‘what is an article in English?’. Articles are essential for children to learn because they show us if a noun phrase is specific or general. In addition, it helps children with their grammar, making their writing much more straightforward.

According to the 2014 revised primary curriculum, children should learn the correct grammatical terms. For example, they’ll learn that articles are one of several determiners (a word that specifies whether a noun or noun phrase is known or unknown).

Children will likely come across examples of definite and indefinite articles in the texts they read throughout primary school. In these texts, a person or thing is typically introduced by an indefinite article and then referred to with the definite article. For example:

• ‘A cat entered the garden. The children wondered who the cat belonged to.’

Are classroom pets a good idea?

But – yes! Classroom pets are a great idea, especially for younger students. Not only does the job of caring for animals help to promote children’s emotional awareness, but it can also provide opportunities to model good behavior and demonstrate how we show respect for all animals. Furthermore, having classroom pets can be an effective way to boost mental health – studies show that animals can help relieve anxiety and stress symptoms – meaning that your classroom will be happier by their presence.

In broader terms, having a classroom pet can also introduce the concept of responsibility – each child in your class may have a different task, such as changing the water or cleaning the cage. Working together as a team is also important – because the shared incentive of caring for your classroom pet is the ultimate end goal.

However, it’s also important to emphasize to your students that these pets are not toys – they are living creatures and have as much right to their personal space as we do. So be mindful of your class’s age and the pets you may choose. Very young children can’t always understand care and consideration, so smaller pets that can be looked at but not touched are often better choices. In addition, having a classroom pet is a great tool to teach self-regulation – we’re sure that none of your class would want to harm their pets and would adjust their behavior accordingly.

What animals can you have in a classroom?

So you may have your mind made up about having a classroom pet – awesome! But now you need to consider which animal is right for you. Due to the logistics of space constraints, you’ll need a reasonably small pet that can be kept enclosed; we wouldn’t want the classroom pet on the loose! And ideally, the animal you choose needs to be pretty low-maintenance – you’ve got enough to contend with without adding the need to be an amateur zoologist onto your “to do” list. Of course, we don’t want anything dangerous – especially animals that can bite your students. And it needs to be an animal that is happy in an enclosure of a smaller size – we don’t want to limit their freedom and impact their well-being.

With all of that being said, the range of animals you can have is still pretty wide-reaching. Therefore, this blog lists our top ten best classroom pets. With pros and cons for each pet included, we hope this list can help you to get a better handle on what classroom pet is “purr-fect” for you.

1. Fish

One of the most versatile classroom pets is having one (or several) fish – after all, we’re pretty sure that plenty of classrooms have seen a goldfish or two over the years! Fish are super low-maintenance and don’t require any handling, so they’re ideal pets for students with sensory issues or young students who aren’t developed enough to hold small animals. However, the old-fashioned goldfish bowl won’t be adequate for the space fish need, so you’ll have to have ample room for a proper fish tank. Certain fish also need to be cared for differently, so be mindful of the breed of fish you choose.

Pros: Aquariums can be calming and soothing for children, and fish are low-maintenance pets.

Cons: Adequate space for an aquarium/good-sized tank is needed.

2. Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are some of the most social pets you could have for your class, boosted by their gentle, calm nature. So handling the guinea pigs would be perfect for teaching your students the importance of carefulness and delicate consideration of living creatures. Guinea pigs need clean, spacious habitats, so routine cage cleaning is essential here (and be mindful to avoid plastic or wire mesh since guinea pigs chew everything!).

Pros: Gentle, social animals that are child-friendly.

Cons: Adequate-sized cage which needs to be kept very clean.

3. Rabbits

Rabbits can make excellent pets, as, much like guinea pigs, they are gentle, social creatures. However, there are some considerations to take into account. Rabbits generally are active during dusk and dawn – meaning that they’ll spend most of your school day sleeping, which your students will need to be considerate of. Rabbits also need adequate space to exercise in, so be mindful of this and make sure you keep your diet consistent.

Pros: Gentle, social animals that can be handled and petted.

Cons: Need adequate exercise space and to exercise for 2-3 hours a day.

4. Hamsters

Hamsters can be super entertaining for your children, especially if they have a cage supporting their exploration and exercise in their hamster wheel. However, hamsters aren’t the most friendly creatures and might not be suitable to be handled by younger children. That being said, hamsters are low-maintenance and spotless animals, meaning that if you’re looking for a pet that can be looked at (but not touched), they are perfect.

Pros: Low-maintenance animals that are easy to care for.

Cons: Not social or suitable to be handled by children – also typically follow nocturnal patterns.

5. Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons may sound fearsome, but these curious creatures are very gentle, meaning they are perfect to be handled (carefully) by your students. Bearded dragons require a heated tank due to their desert-dwelling origins, so be mindful of having the right environment for your pet. However, they are low maintenance and easy to handle, making them one of the best classroom pets.

Pros: Very gentle creatures that are low-maintenance pets.

Cons: You will need a heated tank year-round, even in the summer.

6. Tortoises or Turtles

Both tortoises and turtles are docile and sweet-natured, making them a significant calming influence on your students. As such, tortoises and turtles can make excellent pets, but it’s essential to understand that they require special care. Loud classrooms are not ideal – these animals need calm and quiet environments, so be mindful of that – young children are not the class to go for here. Also, tortoises and turtles need plenty of space to roam and exercise, and you’ll need a tank fitted with unique heated lights.

Pros: Docile and sweet-natured animals that are a calming influence.

Cons: Require extra-special care and (sometimes costly) special tanks and heated lights.

7. Frogs

Frogs make fantastic pets for the classroom because they’re super low maintenance – indeed, frogs can be left unattended for days. The African clawed frog, for example, only needs feeding 2 to 3 times a week, making them super convenient to fit into your classroom schedule. What’s more, frogs are hypoallergenic – meaning allergy-prone children can still experience having a pet. However, it’s essential to remember that frogs are primarily nocturnal and work best as display pets due to the salmonella they can carry on their skin.

Pros: Low maintenance and convenient for allergy-prone children.

Cons: Mostly nocturnal and can carry salmonella on their skin.

8. Butterfly

Okay, so a butterfly technically isn’t a pet – or at least a pet you can keep for very long. But one pro of hatching butterflies in your class is to teach your students about the life cycles of animals and insects. With a handy butterfly kit, your students can see the life stages of a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly in real time – and when you’re finished, you can let the butterflies loose. The only con is that this “pet” does not hang around for long, meaning you have a limited window of enjoyment for your students.

Pros: Teaches children about how life cycles work.

Cons: Butterflies have to be set loose when they’re ready.

9. Snails

Snails are one of the most accessible classroom pets to have – not least because you’ll probably find a bunch of them in your school garden! You’ll need a glass tank or container filled with soil, and you’re good to go. Moreover, snails can eat vegetable peelings or leftover scraps of vegetables, meaning their diet is cost-effective. The only downside? Snails aren’t the most exciting pet in the world!

Pros: Low maintenance and low cost to care for.

Cons: There are more exciting classroom pets that children will enjoy.

10. Gecko

Another reptile that’s super easy to care for is the leopard gecko. These animals are small and super-docile, making them great for classroom pets. But be mindful that leopard geckos are crepuscular – meaning they primarily operate at dusk and dawn and will sleep during the day. They’re also pretty shy about interaction, meaning they might hide away from your students, making them better to be looked at rather than touched.

Pros: Small, docile, and very easy to care for.

Cons: Crepuscular and shy animals.

Rising action in literature refers to all the events in a story on the way to the climax. The rising action pushes the plot along, building tension to keep us invested in the story as it moves forward. It is the second stage in the plot, after the initial exposition.

The rising action is a vital part of the plot in any piece of literature. It is a device authors use to keep us interested in the story, making us want to find out what the climax will be and how the initial conflict will get resolved. But how is rising action conveyed in narrative writing? And what does the rising step of a story usually involve? Here we take a look at increasing activity in literature so we can answer these questions. We’ll also suggest plenty of tips and resources to help you teach your classes how to write rising action in their compositions.

The plot of a story refers to all the events that occur within the narrative. It almost always has a logical structure, containing five distinct elements in the same order. These are:

Exposition

The exposition is where every story begins. In this report section, the author introduces us to the main characters and settings and suggests some of the story’s themes. The exposition section is usually where the story’s central conflict is introduced. The conflict is the whole reason for the story – ultimately, the story is about how the conflict is resolved.

Rising Action

In most stories, the rising action forms most of the plot. We learn about characters and settings and the novel’s themes. The events of the rising action often present numerous challenges that build on the initial conflict of the story. The rising action raises the stakes, keeping us invested in the story and making us want to keep reading to find out how the story will evolve and resolve.

Climax

The climax is the point of the story where the tension has built to a maximum, and the initial conflict must be resolved. The climax is the inevitable event we’ve been waiting for as readers. It may involve a confrontation between the hero and the villain of the piece or a couple finally realizing how they feel about each other, for example. It is the most exciting part of a story that all the previous rising action has been building towards.

Falling Action

The falling action is what comes after the climax of the plot. It serves as a way of reducing the tension and allowing the characters, and the reader, some much-needed breathing space. The falling action will sometimes include characters speculating what will happen now that the central conflict has been resolved.

Resolution

The resolution is where the author wraps up the story, neatly tying up any loose ends and establishing what the characters’ lives will look like now the story is over; this provides a satisfying ending for the reader. But, of course, if the author plans a sequel, not everything will be wrapped up neatly!

What makes effective rising action?

As we can see, the rising action is probably the essential part of any plot, as this keeps us caring about the story. Ultimately, the rising action has to persuade us to keep reading until the climax and the resolution. Because of this, the increasing action needs to have several elements to create a successful story:

Tension

The point of the rising action is to build suspense and tension. It has to make us care about the story’s central narrative by raising the stakes; this means the increasing action needs an element of conflict to keep pushing the story along – the protagonist has to be on a journey we can care about. The ultimate purpose of the rising action is to keep us turning the pages, so there has to be enough interest in this section of the story to make us want to keep reading!

Relevance

The rising action has to be relevant to the rest of the plot; this won’t build tension if it’s just a series of unconnected events. The reader won’t be invested in the story unless they believe it will all fit together and all the elements will resolve in the end. Of course, introducing subplots is fine; these can be part of the rising action. However, the story has to fit together as a cohesive whole, rather than the different elements not having any relationship with each other.

Characterization

The rising action has to show us more detail and depth about each character. A lot can be revealed about a character by how they react to events and deal with crises that might happen during the rising action. In addition, the character’s actions and reactions during the increasing action make them more understandable and relatable – this is where we decide whether we like or dislike each character.

Themes

As the rising action usually forms the bulk of the plot of any story, this is the part where we get to explore the novel’s themes. The author may convey these in several ways – through events in the story, contemporary social commentary, or symbolism, for example. We need to see how the characters’ journeys illustrate the story’s themes so that we’ll feel we’ve learned something by the time we resolve.

What are some examples of rising action in literature?

All stories have rising action, from fairy tales to Booker prize winners! Here are some examples of rising action that you might be familiar with:

• Cinderella. In this classic fairy tale, the rising action begins when Cinderella’s family receives the invitation to the Prince’s ball. It continues through Cinderella’s transformation to the climax, where she loses her slipper at the ball.
• A Christmas Carol. The rising action in A Christmas Carol begins when Scrooge is visited by Jacob Marley’s ghost, who warns him that three spirits will see him. The visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present are both parts of the rising action, building towards the climax of the visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
• The Lord of the Rings. When Frodo leaves the comfort of the Shire, this is when the rising action begins. So it continues for the entire quest until the story’s climax, when he reaches Mount Doom.
• Romeo and Juliet. The rising action in Shakespeare’s tragic story begins as soon as Romeo realizes Juliet is a Capulet; therefore, he’s not supposed to associate with her. The rising action builds tension by having them meet and marry secretly. However, there is some disagreement about where the climax occurs in this text. Some critics argue that it occurs when Romeo kills Tybalt. However, most people agree that the story’s ending is where Romeo finds Juliet, believes her to be dead, and then kills himself.

The Parable of the Lost Son (also known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son) is one of Jesus’ best-known parables.

In the story, we learn about the relationship between a father and his two sons. The plot centers around the younger son, who, impatient and greedy, asks his father for his inheritance. The father agrees, but the son wastes his money, eventually becoming homeless and destitute.

To the son’s great surprise, he is welcomed back into the family by his father and brother. If you’d like to read the Parable of the Lost Son yourself, it appears in Luke 15:11-32. Or, you can scroll down to read our overview.

What is a parable?

A parable is a short, memorable tale designed to teach whoever reads it a moral lesson they can apply to their daily life.

Parables use relatable stories to illustrate broader points about issues of morality, such as forgiveness, loss, redemption, temptation, and mercy. The word “parable” comes from the Greek “parabole,” which means to “compare or illustrate.”

There are at least 36 parables in the Bible, and these can be broken down into specific themes, such as hearing, seeking, and growing; love and forgiveness; and prayer. Along with the Parable of the Lost Coin and the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Son is part of a trilogy of Bible stories that touch on themes of loss and redemption.

The Parable of the Lost Son for kids

Here is a simple retelling of the Parable of the Lost Son for kids:

There once was a father and two sons. One day, the youngest son asked his father for his share of the brothers’ inheritance. The father was unsure but decided to give both brothers their inheritance money.

At first, the youngest son was delighted. Then, finally, for the first time in his life, he had plenty of money, and he could spend it however he pleased!

Not long after, though, the youngest son ran out of money, squandering it all. With no money and no home, the youngest son’s only choice was to find a job. But the only one he could see was feeding pigs, which he didn’t like.

So, in desperation, he decided to go home and ask his father for a job as a servant. When the son returned, his father hugged and kissed him and welcomed him back into the family home. The youngest son was surprised, having expected his father to be angry and reproachful. But instead, the father gave his son the finest robes, sandals, and even a ring to wear. He also threw a big party to celebrate his son’s safe return.

Seeing his father’s happiness at his younger brother’s return, the second brother became upset and angry. He thought it was unfair that his younger brother should make such a big mistake only to be rewarded for it. So he refused to go to the party.

Noticing his eldest child’s disapproval, the father told him:

You are ever with me, and all that I have is yours, but thy younger is lost, and now he is found.

What can children learn from the story?

In the Parable of the Lost Son, the father shows that he loves his youngest son unconditionally.

The son’s transgressions were forgiven because he returned, and to his father, that was all that mattered. So, in a Christian context, the moral of the story is that no matter what you’ve done, God will forgive you if you’re willing to be humble and own up to your mistakes.

What are Cause and Effect?

A cause-effect relationship is when a specific event (the cause) makes another event happen (the effect).

A single cause can have multiple effects.

Cause and effect may also be called causality.

Cause and Effect Examples

Cause	Effect
Your alarm clock makes a loud noise.	You wake up in time for school.
You break your arm.	The doctor gives you a cast.
You flip a light switch.	The lights turn on.

Causes can also lead to more than one effect.

Cause	Effect
A light bulb blows	The lights turn off.
	You trip over a coffee table.
	You bruise your shin.

What is cause and effect in reading and writing?

Cause and effect is an important concept to consider when reading and writing texts.

The cause is the reason things happen in the text – without a cause, there is no effect; without a cause, the reader would be stagnant, and nothing more would happen. How boring of a story would that be?

So, cause and effect are significant when moving a story along. It allows the characters, and the reader, to move from plot point to plot point.

When writing a story, thinking about cause and effect is essential. Everything we make the characters do (the reason) will affect the rest of the story.

Why are cause and effect important?

Cause and effect give us a logical explanation for why something happened.

Think about it: if a ball has landed at your feet, it hasn’t just magically appeared there. Instead, something caused it to happen – most likely, someone threw the ball.

Causality allows us to explain events logically; this helps to solve problems and provide reasoning for why something happened. In addition, it means we can (somewhat) explain what’s happening around us.

When we understand cause and effect, we can also predict an effect if we know the reason.

While reading fiction and non-fiction, we can make connections and predict what will happen by using this concept.

The national curriculum for English states that children in KS1 should learn to ‘predict what might happen based on what has been read so far. Cause and effect are essential to helping children achieve this objective.

Drawing connections between cause and effect will deepen children’s reading comprehension skills when they read fiction and non-fiction.

Writing Cause and Effect

Children should connect their ideas using the concept of cause and effect when writing. We can use signal words and phrases for each. This help to explain the ‘what’ and the ‘why.’

Cause

• because;
• because of;
• since;
• as a result of;
• as a consequence of;
• now.

Effect

• so;
• therefore;
• consequently;
• hence;
• accordingly.

Example Sentences

• The school’s sports day was canceled because it was raining. Therefore, it was moved to next week instead.
• Now that I have my new computer, I can play online games with my friends accordingly.
• Since we ran out of milk, I couldn’t make my coffee. So, I had to go to the shop.

Nocturnal animals are up during the night and sleep during the day. Animals active during the day and sleep at night are known daily – the opposite of nocturnal.

Nocturnal animals tend to have increased senses due to their activity in the dark. To survive, nocturnal animals tend to have a more highly developed sense of smell, sight, and hearing.

Why are some animals nocturnal? There are various theories for how animals became nocturnal, but evolutionary biology is the most widely accepted theory. Millions of years ago, when the ancestors of modern-day mammals lived and evolved, they developed nocturnal characteristics to evade diurnal (active during the day) predators.

Becoming active at night, when their predators were sleeping, allowed certain species to survive and continue to pass on these nocturnal characteristics to the various nocturnal animals in the world today.

The Advantages of Being a Nocturnal Animal

Many animals hunt the same prey, for example, birds such as owls or hawks. However, as hawks are diurnal and owls nocturnal, there is reduced competition for food as the hawk hunts during the day and the owl at night; this allows for the continuation of the species as there is no need for conflict between the two.

Successful hunting is another benefit of nocturnality for predatory animals. Take lions, for example; their prey consists of zebra and antelope. Hunting prey at night gives the lion the advantage and increases their likelihood of success because the diurnal zebra and antelope have poor night vision.

The Impact of Human Activity on Nocturnal Animals

Both diurnal and nocturnal animals have been negatively affected by human activity. As humans increasingly expand the land they occupy and utilize, along with increasingly advanced technological innovations. As a result, animals are more at risk of becoming endangered.

The impact on nocturnal animals can be seen through light pollution (artificial light) and habitat destruction.

As humans expand the land they occupy and bring their technology with them, unnatural light is more common in territory occupied by various wild animals. As cities are lit up throughout the day, and into the night, this is now increasingly apparent in the further reaches of the world due to electricity. Nocturnal animals now do not have the darkness they require for successful activity at night. At the same time, unnatural light allows diurnal animals to have longer hunting hours, placing the nocturnal animals avoiding them at greater risk.

The destruction of habitats due to human activity and expansion has endangered a range of nocturnal species; this is due to an increasing presence of carnivorous predators, who are less afraid of human existence, while more animals will begin showing nocturnal characteristics to avoid humans. Creating an unbalanced circle of life in some ecosystems, with predators increasing presence presenting a more significant threat to nocturnal animals.

Examples of Nocturnal Animals

Owls

• Wondering where the phrase night owl comes from? Owls are one of the most well-known nocturnal animals.
• Owls hunt small mammals and insects
• Owls have evolved to be successful nocturnal hunters, having huge eyes compared to their bodies.

Bats

Unlike owls, bats can’t see very well. To be able to see during their nocturnal activities, bats use echolocation. They send out beeps and respond to the echoes that bounce back, allowing them to navigate where they are and successfully hunt.

Bats’ prey consists of insects and fruit.

Bats hang upside down when sleeping and wrap their wings around themselves to keep them insulated and warm.Top of Form

Hedgehogs

• Some hedgehogs can hibernate, remaining in a dormant state all winter.
• Hedgehogs use their heightened sense of smell and hearing to hunt insects; their long snout allows them to forage efficiently and find berries.
• Hedgehogs protect themselves from predators, such as badgers, by tucking themselves into a spiky ball.

Foxes

• Foxes use their incredible sense of hearing to find prey and navigate.
• They eat various things, including worms, berries, and spiders.
• Foxes communicate with each other using a variety of calls; there are over 28 fox calls.

Leopard

• A leopard’s spots provide effective camouflage so it can rest in trees or caves during the day.
• Leopards also use unique calls to communicate with each other.
• Leopards have a varied diet, eating other mammals like antelope, deer, bugs, and fish.Top of Form

Mouse

• Mice are another example of a nocturnal animal with poor sight, relying on their highly developed sense of hearing and smell to hunt and navigate.
• Mice are herbivores and eat different fruits and plants.
• Mice use their whiskers to sense temperature changes and feel the surface they’re walking on.

Descending order means a group of numbers, dates, words, etc., arranged from largest to smallest. “Descending” means “going down.”

Descending order meaning: examples

It can be hard to understand the meaning of descending order without a few examples. So we’ve included some below, including some word problems so that it makes a bit more sense.

Integers

There are six children in Mrs. Smith’s class. Therefore, she needs to arrange their test results in descending order.

The test results are 10, 7, 13, 8, 15, and 12.

In descending order, the test results are 15, 13, 12, 10, 8, and 7.

15 is the highest and most significant test result, so it goes on the left. 7 is the lowest test result and the smallest number, so it goes on the right. The other numbers are arranged between the most significant and most minor numbers.

Money

Four friends emptied their pockets and counted how much money each had.

Here are the amounts of money: £3.15, £1.50, £6.72, 87p.

In descending order, the amounts of money are £6.72, £3.15, £1.50, and 87p.

The most significant amounts of money are greater than £1, while the smallest part is less than £1; this helps to determine which number should go first in the list when arranged in descending order and which should go last.

Words

Words arranged in descending order go from Z to A, which is in reverse alphabetical order. Z goes on the left, while A goes on the right.

For example, here is a jumbled-up shopping list: bread, milk, honey, cereal, and toothpaste.

In descending order (from Z to A), the list reads toothpaste, milk, honey, cereal, and bread.

Toothpaste comes closest to the end of the alphabet, while bread comes closest to the beginning of the alphabet.

What is ascending order?

Ascending order is the opposite of descending order. “Ascending” means “going up.”

When numbers are arranged in ascending order, they go from smallest to largest. When words are arranged in ascending order, that is the same as alphabetical order – from A to Z.

Reasoning skills generally refer to critical thinking skills like analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. However, they also include broader skills like more abstract thinking, creative thinking, information processing, and problem-solving.

Higher thinking involves becoming aware of your thought processes and analyzing and evaluating them to develop. Reasoning skills help children become aware of their thought processes so that reflective thinking becomes more accessible.

Why are reasoning skills critical?

• These skills can be transferred to any subject, and developing them will give children more comprehensive expertise to tackle various problems.
• They make up the essential elements of mature and developed thinking children need in school and beyond.
• Reasoning skills improve meta-cognition (thinking about one’s review); this allows pupils to monitor and assess their thinking to have more autonomy over their learning and more awareness about what skills to use. Metacognition skills are a hallmark of intellectual thought.
• They help children make rational decisions based on evidence rather than prejudice.
• They’re essential if children are to think deeply about societal and ethical issues.
• Reasoning skills help children see things from different perspectives; this develops human skills like empathy and understanding.
• They bolster creativity, supporting children in making connections and approaching problems holistically.

When do we use reasoning skills?

We use reasoning skills daily when self-reflecting, analyzing situations, and processing information. Other times we use reasoning skills include:

• When we recognize loaded language in arguments or attempts to misrepresent information
• When we respond to counterarguments
• When we establish how credible a source of information is
• When we evaluate how reliable examples of evidence are
• When we come up with alternative explanations
• When we recognize patterns in data
• When we generate ideas and hypotheses.

How can you develop reasoning skills in school?

• Understanding arguments – Read articles on debated topics and highlight techniques the writers use, including reasons, evidence, structure, and conclusions.
• Evaluating arguments – There are five critical fallacies of most arguments; ad hominem (attacking the opponent), straw man (misrepresenting the opponent); tu quoque (two wrongs don’t make a right); slippery slope (jumping to unlikely or distant consequences); false dilemmas (restricting the options). Get children to try and spot examples of each in newspaper articles or debates.
• Developing arguments – Try and develop reasoned arguments, using evidence, for different issues. Children can practice responding to counterarguments and arguing points that differ from their actual point of view to build perspective.
• Evaluating the credibility of sources – Look for bias, vested interest, expertise, and other factors that may influence how a basis leans.
• Evaluating evidence – Practice analyzing evidence, focusing on sample sizes, framing questions, and alternative explanations.
• Evaluating explanations – Generate alternative explanations for phenomena, explore different options and perspectives, and question assumptions made in arguments
• Making decisions – Clearly define fairness, justice, equality, etc. Then, read up on debated topics like global warming, exploring different points of view and assessing the relevant criteria for deciding between options.
• Thinking conceptually – Produce concept maps on different topics and identify differences and similarities between concepts
• Processing information and solving problems – Determine what information is necessary to answer questions or solve problems. Practice skimming sources for relevant information, spot patterns, identify data and conclude.
• Thinking creatively – Look for different meanings or explanations for phenomena and determine what questions will help improve pupils’ understanding of an issue. Use who, what, where, why, and when to respond to stimulus.

Fun tips to improve reasoning skills:

• Try new activities and hobbies regularly. Pick things that are different from one another to develop other skills.
• Exercise regularly to improve memory and cognitive skills.
• Keep a journal so you can revisit your thoughts and learn from them. Journaling can also relieve stress and develop creativity.
• Read different genres of books. Reading fiction inspires insight and encourages you to think in less black-and-white terms.
• Play games that require reasoning skills, like chess, language games, or a Rubik’s Cube.
• Get creative by drawing, writing, playing instruments, or doing various other activities.
• Be mindful of the decisions you make throughout the day to spot regular thought patterns. Then, use your imagination to consider different options and consequences.

The English language is of Old Germanic origin, with many influences from other languages, including French, Latin, and Old Norse. It is a part of the Indo-European language family. It is the primary language of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. The English language is being used and spoken across the globe by over a billion people.

The history of the English language

Understanding the English language in more depth helps to look at its formation through history.

The English language is quite old; its origins date to 450CE in Anglo-Saxon Britain. This version of English is very different from the language we speak today, and you would probably find it quite hard to understand. This early version of English is known as Old English and was influenced mainly by Old Germanic.

The next stage main period of English is known as Middle English; this is the version of the language used for roughly 300 years, around 1150 to 1450CE. The changes from Old English to Middle English notably occurred due to the influence of the French language after the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 CE. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is one of the most famous works of literature.

Before, the sort of English that we speak today was Early Modern English from 1500 to 1700 CE. One of the notable changes in English at this time was the Great Vowel Shift which affected the stress of long vowel syllables. Changing the pronunciation of many words; was also when English began to gain prestige and become more standardized. The printing press was invented, which meant English writing could be produced on a large scale, creating a standard of English originating from London and the East Midlands. The importance of the English language grew as it started to be used for official documents, popular literature, and new versions of the Bible.

The Modern English period began in the late 1700s and is marked by the spread of English globally by the British Empire through colonization. During this time, English had begun to be used in parts of North America, Australia, and Africa, leading to why English is the primary language of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, the spread of English came at a loss to their languages and culture for many indigenous and native people. During the Second World War, English spread even further and afterward began to grow in cultural and economic influence up to its recognition as a global language today.Top of Form

The importance of the English language

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world; in fact, it is often referred to as a ‘global language because of how many places it has spread to and how many people speak it. Not only is it the first language of over 400 million people, but there are also estimated to be over 1 billion that use English as a second or foreign language. Furthermore, it’s thought that second-language English speakers outnumber first-language English speakers by 3 to 1. That’s a lot of people!

Culturally, English is a language in which many essential pieces of literature have been written over the centuries; this includes the works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, George Orwell, the Brontë sisters, and many more. These days, English is more recognized for its dominance in the media, with blockbuster films from America having worldwide popularity and popularity of English-speaking TV shows. The English language is an invaluable means for people to communicate stories worldwide.

Another reason for the importance of the English language is the internet. As the internet was initially developed in the UK and USA, all the early content was in English. While internet access has become more widespread and accessible, over 50% of its content is in English. And it’s often the chosen language used to reach global audiences online.

English is also the leading language in many fields, such as business, media, tourism, science, and higher education. So, many often view learning English as improving their employability and economic prospects. Many people learn English to help them get a job or work in other countries. English is also an essential language used in international diplomacy. One importance of the English language is to help create peace in the world.

Because English is so widespread, it is also often used as a lingua franca, meaning that two people who speak different first languages communicate through English as a common language. In addition, it helps connect friends and families from all over the world and even meet new people! So the importance of the English language can’t be underestimated, as it helps bring people closer together.

Features of the English language

Grammar

Grammar is essentially the rules of how a language is structured and used. Adhering to spelling and grammar rules is essential for English language users to communicate effectively, avoiding confusion and misunderstandings. Therefore, following these rules is sometimes called Standard English.

In English grammar, sentences are constructed from words identified by nine different word classes: verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, determiners, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, and interjections. English grammar is not just how sentences are structured but also includes punctuation, tenses, spelling, and word formation.

English grammar is considered to be similar to German grammar. And it is said to be less tricky than other languages, such as French’s lack of gendered grammar.

Vocabulary

English words are made from 26 characters in the Latin alphabet:

A b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

There are over 170,000 English words, but you probably won’t know all of them. It is estimated that if you grew up speaking English, you +would know between 15,000 and 20,000 words.

Some English words come from other languages. These are called loanwords, where a word from another language has been adopted without translation. For example, many French and German loanwords in English, like ‘faux pas’ and ‘schadenfreude,’ because of the shared history of where these languages originated. There are also English words loaned into other languages, such as ‘jeans’ in French and ‘trainer’ in German to mean coach.

A sphere is a perfectly-round 3D shape with one continuous curved surface; every point on the surface is the same distance from the center. All the ends of its surface are equidistant (an equal distance) from its center.

Characteristics of a Sphere

Spheres are perfectly round and have the following:

• one curved surface;
• no edges;
• no vertices;
• all the points are the same distance from the center.

Here are the properties of other common 3D shapes:

• Cube: 6 faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices;
• Square-based pyramid: 5 aces, 8 edges, and 5 vertices;
• Cuboid: 6 faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices;
• Tetrahedron: 4 faces, 6 edges, and 4 vertices;
• Octahedron: 8 faces, 12 edges, and 6 vertices.

Fun Facts About Spheres

1. Spheres can be found everywhere, in the food we eat and especially in sports with basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, etc.
2. All points on the surface of a sphere are the same distance from the center.
3. Spheres are perfectly symmetrical shapes.
4. The distance from the center of a sphere to its surface is known as the radius.
5. The most significant distance through a sphere is the diameter, twice the size of the radius.
6. You can work out a sphere’s volume and surface area using Pi (π).
7. A sphere is circular in every direction.
8. Sometimes a sphere has a north and a south pole on opposite ends of its surface.
9. A sphere can be divided into two hemispheres, equal in size, by a flat 2D surface that goes through the center.
10. We often use words like the North Pole, South Pole, hemisphere, and equator when talking about the Earth. However, the Earth isn’t a sphere – it is more of a flattened sphere (spheroid).