Miss Primary

‍We all know the struggle of finding teaching resources that fit exactly what your class needs. There is nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect teaching resource online, but it’s missing that one crucial element: it’s not editable! Well, look no further because this post dives into the wonderful world of creating your own customisable teaching materials.

Why Create Editable Resources?

Creating editable resources is an absolute game-changer for primary teachers because it unlocks the power of truly tailored teaching. Instead of getting frustrated by locked PDFs, you can easily adapt your lessons on the fly to match your students’ unique needs and learning styles. It is also the ultimate time-saving tweak for your Sunday night planning. Rather than reinventing the wheel every time your curriculum shifts, you can simply modify your existing files in minutes.

Beyond saving time, editable files give you the personalised power to make learning magical by injecting your own teaching flair, adding your students’ names, or throwing in local references and inside jokes that your class will love. Best of all, it’s the perfect way to future-proof your planning drive, allowing you to seamlessly update your favourite resources year after year without ever having to start back at square one.

Ready to Get Creating? Here’s Your Toolkit:

1. Select your software:

• Presentation: Programs like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides are fantastic for creating editable worksheets, presentations, and interactive activities.
• Word processor: Microsoft Word and its online counterpart, Google Docs, are perfect for crafting checklists, rubrics, and printable activities.
• Canva: This free (with premium options) online design platform offers tons of user-friendly templates for everything from presentations to worksheets and posters to task cards and flashcards.

2. Design with intention:

• Fonts & Colours: Keep it clear and age-appropriate. Use high-contrast colours and easy-to-read fonts.
• Visual Appeal: Incorporate images, graphics, and clip art to spark your students’ interest. Use free image resources like Pixabay or Unsplash.
• Organisation is Key: Arrange elements for a smooth learning flow. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting.

3. Editable Options:

• Text Boxes: Use these to create sections where students can fill in answers, write reflections, or draw diagrams.
• Drop-Down: Consider using drop-down menus for activities with multiple answer choices.
• Make it Interactive: Explore options like drag-and-drop activities or interactive timelines within your chosen software.

4. Sharing is Caring:

• Save it: Save your editable resource in a format that allows others to modify it easily. Popular options are .pptx, .docx, or .pdf (with editable text fields).
• Classroom Collaboration: Share your resource with colleagues for feedback or co-creation!

Bonus Tips:

• Start Simple: Don’t overwhelm yourself! Begin with basic editable resources and build your tech confidence over time.
• Master Layouts: Create a master layout with essential elements like headers, footers, and page numbers. This saves you time recreating them for every page.
• Font Frenzy: Choose clear, age-appropriate fonts that are easy on the eyes.
• Image Inspiration: Utilise royalty-free images or create your own simple graphics to add visual appeal.
• Copyright Considerations: If using external content, ensure it’s properly credited or falls under a Creative Commons license.

Do you have any favourite tips or tricks for creating editable resources? Share them in the comments below!