Effective ‘Hooks’

‘Hooks’ in the Primary classroom can be many things. They can be trips, videos, outside visits, role-plays and much more.

David Healey, Year 2 Teacher

However, they all serve the same purpose; providing some all-important excitement or creating a buzz as a means to introduce upcoming learning.

In Year 2, we created a bit of a mystery for the children by leaving a simple trail of leaves, some unexplained footprints and an unknown package in the centre of the carpet (as well as a fancy crown!). This was left to be discovered by the children. Who left it there? What might it be? Why would they do this? What clues do we have to help us?

The intrigue was amazing, and each class happily filled the start of the session with questions, theories and general wonder. It is always a pleasure, as teachers, to see children independently developing their prediction and rationalising skills in such a meaningful and fun way. This all led the children to uncover our new core text of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and, thanks to this simple yet fantastic hook, Year 2 are already heavily invested in what this marvellous book might be all about!