TeachingEnglish: Creative resources for primary

Welcome to 'Creative resources for primary'

How will the course help me?

Inspire your primary learners by learning how to make high-quality resources out of creative and sustainable teaching materials. Develop your learners’ language and oral skills through effective use of resources such as flashcards, big books, and puppets.

What does the course include?

Creative resources for primary is a free self-study training course, which is divided into three hour modules. It also includes:

• A dedicated Facebook community of course participants with up-to-date insight, resources and innovative ideas for you to try out.
• Engaging discussions taking place in the Facebook community
• A free workbook with extra learning content and resources.

What will I learn?

Module 1: Understanding flashcards for primary

The aim of this module is to demonstrate how flashcards can be made from recyclable materials. You'll have the chance to practise simple drawing techniques, and also have the opportunity to create flashcards and plan how to use them in your classes.

By the end of this module, you'll be able to:

-recognise the value of flashcards as a resource
-prepare quality flashcards from recyclable materials
-produce simple drawings
-use flashcards effectively to review and practise language.

Module 2: Understanding picture books for primary

The aim of this module is to demonstrate the value of using picture books as a lower primary classroom resource and how they can be made from recycled materials. The module also looks at making zigzag books with learners and demonstrates how these can be used to develop language skills. Finally, throughout the module, you'll look at a variety of storytelling techniques you can use in the classroom.

By the end of this module you'll be able to:

-explain the value of big books as a resource
-identify a variety of storytelling techniques to introduce and practise language
-incorporate more storytelling techniques into your lessons
-make and use a 'big book' for your learners
-show your learners how to make a zigzag book
-use more storytelling techniques to practise language.

Module 3: Understanding puppets and masks for primary

The aim of this module is to show how recyclable household and natural items can be used for making classroom resources such as puppets and masks. The advantages of using these resources are discussed, as well as activities to use with them which develop learners' oral skills.

By the end of the module, you'll be able to:

-describe the benefits of using puppets and masks in the primary classroom
-make masks and puppets using recyclable household materials
-show your learners how to make puppets and masks
-use puppets and masks to develop learners' oral skills 

When is the course?

The course modules are open for self-study. Enrolment ends on 25 December 2023. The course closes on 31 December 2023. 

How much does the course cost?

The course is free.

How can I get a certificate?

For participants who successfully complete all tasks and achieve a score of 60% or above in the online exercises, there will be a downloadable certificate of completion at the end of the course.

What level of English do I need?

Minimum CEFR B1

How do I sign up for the course?

Please follow the steps below carefully to access this free training course.

IMPORTANT: If you are already logged in to your free TeachingEnglish account, we recommend that you log out and log in again.

Step 1: Log in to your existing TeachingEnglish account or create a free TeachingEnglish account.

You MUST be logged into your free TeachingEnglish account to access the course. Click or tap to Create a free account or log in to your existing account. 

Step 2: Enrol on your course

Click or tap the button below to enrol on this free course.

How do I access the course after I have enrolled?

IMPORTANT: If you didn't log out of TeachingEnglish after your previous visit, do this first.

From your desktop or laptop computer

1. Log in to your free TeachingEnglish account.
2. If you have enrolled in the course, you will see 'MY PORTFOLIO' in the menu bar at the top of the page next to the Home button.
3. Move your mouse over MY PORTFOLIO to see the drop-down menu.
4. Click on ‘My courses’ to access your training.

From your mobile device

1. Log in to your free TeachingEnglish account.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines next to the home button to open the menu.
3. Below ‘Home’, you will see MY PORTFOLIO and ‘My courses’ below. Tap on MY PORTFOLIO if you don’t see ‘My courses’.
4. Tap on ‘My courses’ to access your training.

Having problems accessing the course?

Please see our troubleshooting guide below if you are having problems accessing the course.

Support and troubleshooting

If you have signed up for this course and have problems accessing your learning, please make sure you are logged in, then click or tap the link below:

https://open.teachingenglish.org.uk/Home/MyProgrammes

If you are still having problems accessing your course, please see the advice and videos below:

I can't register for the course

Please make sure you have created a free TeachingEnglish account or that you are logged in to your existing account. If registration is available, you will see instructions for 'How do I register for this course?' at the top of this page. If registration is not available, you will see the message 'This course is not available for registration'.

I can't access the course. I am logged in to my account, but when I click or tap 'My courses' from MY PORTFOLIO I just go to my profile page

Check that you are not logged into your TeachingEnglish account on a different device or browser. Log out of your account on all devices and browsers, and log in again. Click or tap 'My courses' from MY PORTFOLIO. You should be taken to your training course. If you still can't access your course, log out, clear the cache on your browser and log in again.

I can't get my certificate

Certificates are available to participants who complete 70% of the course material. To access your certificate, go to the course platform where you have done your training. Click or tap 'My awards'. If you have completed 70% of the course, your certificate should be available to download.

The name on my certificate is wrong

On the course platform where you access your training, please use the 'Help' button to request a new certificate. Names on certificates are taken from your personal details in your free TeachingEnglish account. To change your name, click or tap on your name to edit your profile. Update the details on your profile page and save the new details.