Blog
Stories, insights, and learning adventures
Charming — A Vocabulary Story
The Charming Little Brother --Vaipuna's little brother Sione was two years old and dangerously charming. When he wanted the last biscuit, he simply tilted his...
Abscission — A Vocabulary Story
The Big Drop --Oscar had been watching the old oak tree at the end of his garden for eleven whole days. Every leaf had dropped except one — a crinkly brown...
Cite — A Vocabulary Story
Ali Versus Bedtime --Ali marched into the kitchen holding a clipboard, a pencil tucked behind his ear like a very serious businessman. "Mum," he announced,...
Caulking — A Vocabulary Story
The Whistling Window --Every time the wind blew, the window in Jing's bedroom whistled. Not a nice whistle, like a happy postman. A wobbling, warbling whistle,...
Boulder — A Vocabulary Story
The Giant's Nose --Aksel was quite sure the enormous boulder halfway up the hill was actually a giant's nose. It was grey, it was lumpy, and it had two dark...
Berate — A Vocabulary Story
The Family Who Berated Everything --Yuki's dad had a peculiar habit: he liked to berate things that couldn't hear him. Berate means to scold or criticise...
Amulet — A Vocabulary Story
Zofia and the Deep End --Zofia had a silver amulet shaped like a tiny owl. It had belonged to her mum when she was little, and Zofia wore it everywhere — even...
Altruist — A Vocabulary Story
The Girl Who Gave Everything Away --Rain hammered on the bus shelter roof as Shanti and her big brother Rohan waited for the number An old man shuffled up,...
Apprehension — A Vocabulary Story
Aiman and the Deep End --Aiman stood at the edge of the big pool and stared at the deep end as if it were a hungry sea monster. Today was the day he would swim...
Apostasy — A Vocabulary Story
Luca and the Blue Scarf --Everyone in Luca's family supported Rovers. Dad had a Rovers mug, a Rovers hat and a Rovers hot water bottle. Luca's big brother Enzo...
Acerbic — A Vocabulary Story
The Satnav with the Sharp Tongue --Thomas's dad bought a second-hand satnav from the car boot sale, and it turned out to have opinions. "Turn left," it said on...
Adjure — A Vocabulary Story
Nuria's Great Garden Show --Nuria had spent all week planning the greatest garden show ever performed. She had a clipboard, a whistle, and a very serious...