What's New this Term...

We know you don’t have time to search our site for new and exciting resources, so each month we’re putting together a blog to show you the very best of what’s new across the 2Simple range.

This term is extra special, because it's 2Simple's 25th anniversary, so we'll have lots of mash-tastic celebrations going on. You and your class can get involved in the celebrations on Purple Mash, with our special 2Simple is 25 resources. They include a timeline for the year we were founded (1999), as well as paint projects and a time capsule activity!

EYFS

Our online space for little learners, Mini Mash, has had a summer glow up ☀️😍

Here are the key improvements:

• Mini Mash is now a scrollable interface which is seasonally themed - make sure you check for 'Easter Eggs' by clicking on different items 😉
• Pins have had their name changed to Topics, and can be assigned to particular classes for specific date ranges, making advance planning easier
• Teachers can see current topics as well as create topics, which includes adding files from the Work Area or adding applications
• Trays, Topics and Teachers area are now accessible from the top bar, with an added search component (just like Purple Mash!)
• Added profile drop down menu allows easy access to log in, avatar editing and sound settings
• Trays are now more customisable 📥

Mini Mash comes free with a Purple Mash subscription, or it can be purchased separately for nurseries and childminders.

Computing

The 2Simple team have been busy this summer, updating tools and creating new resources for computing:

UPDATED: 2Calculate

2Calculate has been updated and now features a new Advanced Mode which supports the teaching of the core principles of spreadsheets. With user-friendly functionality, students can easily edit sheets, apply cell formatting, reference data across multiple sheets, and calculate formulas. They can choose between using the intuitive formula assistant or the simple formula wizard, making spreadsheet learning both accessible and engaging.

The Computing Scheme of Work units have been fully revised and refreshed with new content providing three units for Years 2, 3 and 5. Each unit consists of six lessons and are accompanied by all the resources and slideshows that you need to give children a good understanding of the use of spreadsheets in a fun way.

NEW: 2BeSafe

Introducing 2BeSafe: the new Online Safety lessons designed to help your students safely master the digital world with confidence.

2BeSafe:

• Covers all objectives within the eight strands of the Education for a Connected World framework
• Includes ready-to-go lessons with slideshows, resources and documentation
• Can be accessed as a whole class without the need for individual devices
• Easily fits into your timetable with flexible and time-efficient 15-20 minute sessions
• Develops essential digital knowledge and skills for different ages
• Expands online safety education across the curriculum and into real life

NEW: Year 5 micro:bit Unit of Work (5.10)

With the popularity of the micro:bit units of work for Year 3 and Year 4, the 2Simple team have also added a Year 5 unit with the following lessons:

• Tell me a Story
• Measuring Temperature

• Magic 8 Ball
• GOAL!!

English

Every term, eight new DK Learning texts are added to Purple Mash. For Autumn '24, they are:

• A Gross and Icky Tour of the Animal World
• Essential Dinosaur Facts
• How Do Baby Pets Grow
• How We Can Fight the Climate Crisis Together
• Meet Albert Einstein
• Meet Martin Luther King Jr
• The Great Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Era
• The Lifecycle of a Frog Explained

As well as DK Spreads, you can also access six new, full DK Learning books on Serial Mash every term. Serial Mash users also receive three fiction books every half-term - one for each age group.

New Serial Mash DK Learning Books:

• DK Find Out! Ancient Rome
• Dinosaurs: A Children's Encyclopedia
• Pinocchio
• DK Life Stories: Jesse Owens
• First Emotions: I Feel Sad
• Vikings

New Serial Mash Fiction Books

• Diamonds: Joe's Missing Boot
• Emeralds: City Farm Book 5: Farm in Danger
• Sapphires: A Megastar in the Village

Serial Mash can be added to your Purple Mash subscription from only £99 per year (dependent on pupils on roll), and includes home access and online reading journals.