First Off The Mark

First Off the Mark explores human achievements and inventions through a rich mix of fiction and nonfiction texts. From world-first athletes to the origins of potato chips and sticky notes, this issue of HighWire Magazine investigates the drive to innovate and achieve. Suitable for readers aged 11+, the edition encourages goal setting, perseverance, and critical thinking. It includes a 20-page teaching guide filled with lesson plans, vocabulary exercises, assessment strategies, and metacognitive prompts. Texts such as The Magic Mark and Getting There First provide engaging content while prompting reflection on the idea of success and sacrifice. Whether students are learning about historical figures, scientific inventions, or how small ideas become big breakthroughs, this issue celebrates human ingenuity and the spirit of trying something first.

Educational Benefits:

• Encourages analysis of achievements and innovation
• Supports nonfiction comprehension and synthesis
• Reinforces vocabulary through thematic texts
• Develops goal-setting and reflective thinking skills

Classroom Ideas:

• Research and present on a "first" in history
• Create an invention prototype and explain its purpose
• Use magazine articles to practise summarising main ideas
• Reflect on what it means to be first and whether it's always best

Safety & Information:

• Reading age: 11+
• Magazine format with 20-page teaching resource
• Printed using eco-friendly and safe materials
• Appropriate for middle to upper primary students