John Taylor's Freebies


Literacy Resources


Download my FREE & UPDATED Literacy and MATHS copymaster book.
It contains 40 fun activity sheets for maths and 40 for literacy. Although aimed primarily at key stage 2, many sheets could be appropriate for older pupils. To make life simple I suggest that once downloaded you simply print out the whole book (87 pages including contents, answers etc.) and put it in a binder of some sort. Plastic pockets would be a good way of avoiding photocopying ring binder punch holes!



Early Years & KS 1 Resources

These files are intended for use on an interactive whiteboard. They are all MS Publisher files which use the master page as a stable background over which components such as initial letters or arrows can be dragged.
DO NOT save them when you close them, otherwise you will have to undo what has been done to them!


CVC Practice
These CVC files have pictures and missing initial letters which have to be dragged over to complete the words next to the pictures.
 CVCs with a medial a CVCs with a medial e
CVCs with a medial i CVCs with a medial o
CVCs with a medial u


These CVC files practise all 5 vowels. CVCs with mixed vowels 1
CVCs with mixed vowels 2


These CVC files practise short vowel sounds.
short vowels 1 short vowels 2


Animal Mapping

These files require the user to use the arrow tool to complete mappings.
animal picture to animal pictureanimal picture to initial letter






Precision Teaching Probe Sheet Generators


Precision Teaching is a very effective learning support technique to build up a child's sight vocabulary and confidence. It uses probes specific to the child's stage of learning. A probe is a set of sight words randomised and repeated on a grid, to be recognised and read accurately as many times as possible within a strict time, usually around a minute. Emphasis is on precision not speed - ideally with no errors. Use of a logarithmic record chart is recomended.


SEND Station provides live, on-line Webinar training on the use of Precision Teaching for teachers, TAs and LSAs and parents & carers, for less than £10 per person per session.
They also provide sessions on a whole range of SEND issues, and offer bespoke training and support packages.
To book I recommend that you go to SEND Station.

For further information visit https://www.sendstation.co.uk/.

Using these Precision Teaching files

With the exception of the record sheet,these files are in MS Excel format and need to be opened in Excel or a compatible spreadsheet program (e.g. Open Office).
These files enable you to create Precision Teaching "probe sheets" - you simply type in each sight word once and the file fills in all the rest.
All the sight words are used before being repeated in a different order each time.
The files give you the option of creating probe sheets with different numbers of sight words.
Why not involve the child in producing their next probe sheet?

You can also use the precision teaching technique to teach synthetic phonics and number facts.

While you are selecting my free resources take a minute or two to look at my other resources
Download my FREE & UPDATED Literacy and Maths resource book.Free MATHS Resources My current Published books for Maths and Emotional Literacy
Select the most appropriate font and size from the table below.




Comic Sans

small Comic Sans medium Comic Sans large Comic Sans
Sassoon Primary

small Sassoon Primary medium Sassoon Primary large Sassoon Primary
Lucida Handwriting

small Lucida medium Lucida large Lucida
Twinkl
This font is downloadable for subscribers to twinkl.com

small Twinkl unlooped medium Twinkl unlooped large Twinkl unlooped
Visually Impaired version
with a choice of Arial Black and Century Gothic bold


Download file
PT Probe semi-logarithmic record sheet
The advantages of this using this style of chart are:
1. They show fine changes in performance which could be very significant with children who have experienced learning difficulties,
2. These charts focus attention on the magnitude of the change that is occurring rather than absolute change. It is felt that looking at children�s progress in this way provides a more accurate representation of their learning.


On Screen Probe Files

To use these files you must say yes to using macros, and enable the Analysis Toolpak Add-in - instructions on how to do this are given on the SETUP sheet.

On Screen Precision Teaching LITERACY Probe
This file can be used for reading or spelling probes
The file uses the computer screen to randomly display words. You simply click on a tick of cross button at the bottom of the screen for each child response. The file counts correct and incorrect responses; but this is hidden from view until you scroll down at the end.
If using this file for spelling probes make sure the kid(s) can't see the screen!
The file has a sheet of high frequency words to paste in, plus a sheet on which you can store sets of words for particular children.
On Screen NUMBER FACTS Probe
This program enables you to use precision teaching to practise number facts. It works in the same way as the other On Screen Precision Teaching Probes file. It uses the same on-screen buttons and keeps a hidden score. You can copy/paste in practice number facts from the sheets of tables an number bonds. You can even prepare sets of your own preferred number facts.
Grateful thanks go to Howard Kittle of Eugene, Oregon for helping me to refine and improve these two files.



Phrase Fluency Practice

Reading Fluency is essential for comprehension. It encompasses the skills of recognising most/all words accurately, being able to read words rapidly and without effort (saving effort for comprehension) and reading reading with expression which helps to convey meaning to others.


Download the Phrase Frequency file

I am indebted to Eoin Shanahan for making me aware of this technique, and to The Republic of Ireland's Professional Development Service for Teachers for the link to their excellent website.



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