Brookes Basic Skills Theme Day - Literacy Resources

Web Hunt Instructions 1. Check out some of the mystery literacy resource links below (A to K, in any order you wish). Talking points: Is the resource for reading, writing or listening/speaking? What level and what skills could it be used for? What setting? Learning styles? Age group? Do you like it? Why? 2. Record your comments in your handout.
Resource link A see note below	Resource link B see note below	Resource link C see note below	Link D (select Paramedic challenge, 'Check vital signs'!)
Resource link E	Resource link F	Resource link G	Resource link H (sorry no longer available 07/2007)
Resource link I	Resource link J	Resource link K (sorry no longer available 07/2007)	Note: Press F11 when viewing this resource on low resolution monitors
3. Now visit the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre and answer questions L, M, N. All questions can be answered by following direct links from the home page. Record your answers in your handout.
L. Find the download page for Level 1 literacy resources. Write down the title of a spelling resource that has been contributed by a site user and the related curriculum link.
M. Can you find an interactive scheme of work for Entry Level 1 literacy? What did my class do in week 3?
N. What did I use Sherbet Lemons for?

References and Bibliography
Note: many of the policy and research documents described below can be reached through the new Basic Skills - NIACE updated 07/2007 site.
Moser Report 1999	The document that started it all off!
Moser - key recommendations	Useful background information and links.
Literacy & Numeracy standards updated 07/2007	The adult standards, published by QCA in 2000 as a direct result of the Moser Report. The core curricula (literacy and numeracy) are based upon these standards.
Adult literacy curriculum	First published in 2001. This online, interactive version - linked to Access for All (see below) - followed.
Skills for Life 2001	The Government’s national strategy for improving the literacy, numeracy and language skills of the adult population (aged 16 plus), outlining plans and targets for 2001-2004.
Adult preEntry curriculum	First published in 2002. This online, interactive version appeared later.
Skills for Life 2003	Update: focuses on delivery until 2007
Skills for Life Survey 2003 updated 07/2007	Massive 300 page survey with some very interesting statistics about literacy, numeracy and IT levels in the adult population. I used data from this survey to create slide 6 (and update information on slide 4) of my PowerPoint. However - read with caution - see link below.
Skills for life Critique 2004 updated 07/2007	A critique of the above survey - commissioned by the Basic Skills Agency.
'Access for All' introduction	Access for All is a brilliant publication (not just for Basic Skills tutors) first published in 2002. It offers guidance on making the adult literacy and numeracy core curricula accessible to learners with disabilities and learning difficulties. It is stuffed full of good teaching ideas (all linked to the adult literacy and numeracy curriculum elements) that can be used by ALL teachers not just those delivering basic skills. In 2004, the introduction [an excellent document in its own right] was made available as a separate publication (free from DfES Publications on 0845 60 222 60 or dfes@prolog.uk.com) and describes how to support learners with learning difficulties and disabilities across the curriculum. There are detailed sections relating to eight learner groups - people: with dyslexia and related specific learning difficulties; with non-specific learning difficulties; with autistic spectrum disorders; who are deaf or partially hearing; with physical disabilities including speech, memory, perceptual and mobility difficulties; who are blind or partially sighted; who have mental health problems.
Employer Toolkit	Free training toolkit for employers to improve literacy and numeracy at work. Includes CD with PowerPoints etc. (I adapted several of these slides to use in my own PowerPoint).
Delivering Skills for Life: Raising Standards - a contextual guide to support success in literacy, Numeracy and ESOL provision in FE Colleges.	Some good guidance especially in Chapter 3 (The quality of Education and Training - how are achievement and learning affected by resources?). Note: 10 alternative versions of this publication available (here) for provision in the following contexts: Guides in the Adult and Community Learning, Prisons, E-Learning, Further Education Colleges, Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities, Job Centre Plus Programmes, Family Learning, Young Offender Institutions, Work-based Learning and Embedded Skills for Life (as well as the FE college version featured left).
Staff Development Life Long Learning UK) (previously FENTO)	Staff Development guidance booklets: temporarily at: NRP - About us updated 27/07/07
SFLQI	Skills for Life Quality Initiative website - focuses on professional development and building a whole-organisation approach to Skills for Life development. Many useful resources for staff training etc.
Literacy Resource Sites
BBC Skillswise	Interactive activities, printable worksheets and fact sheets. Tutor area.
Embedded Learning Portal	Interactive generic activities, printable resources for horticulture, trowel trades, care, family health, etc.
FERL	Further Education Resources for Learning - masses of downloadable resources for all areas.
Skills for life Learner Materials	Printable materials for all five literacy levels all with teacher notes.
TALENT	Masses of worksheets from tutors in Tower Hamlets and beyond.
Target Skills (CTAD)	High quality multimedia for all 5 levels of the curriculum plus screening and initial assessment software. Plus new embedded learning CDs: Target Skills at Work for construction, cleaning, care, construction, hospitality and retail - with accompanying workbooks.
Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre	My site!
For hundreds more links visit my 3 links pages: Useful Links for Tutors ~ Embedding ILT links ~ Printable Resource sites.

**Session details (total length - 90 minutes):
Part 1 (approx 15 minutes) PowerPoint used to explain history of Skills for Life, what the levels in the adult literacy curriculum really mean, adult literacy in England and the learning cycle, sharing resources - my web site - what makes a good resource?

For further details open up the PowerPoint and select 'View - Notes page' or open up the lower pane in 'Normal View'.

Part 2 (approx 20 minutes) demonstrate a selection of Target Skills programmes (across all levels of literacy from Milestone 8 to Level 2) in order to familiarise learners with the reading, writing and listening skills expected at each literacy level. Discuss how I use these resources in my own teaching.

Examples will be shown from the following Target Skills programmes

Part 3 (approx 45 minutes) - students to embark on personal web hunts in order to assess a range of free literacy resources. They are also asked to briefly explore my site and answer three questions. A fill in sheet is available for student to record their comments and answers.

Part 4 (approx 10 minutes) - discussion and questions, a personal plea (from me) for students to SHARE their resources and ideas. I would be very grateful if students could each complete an evaluation sheet. THANK YOU.

KEY
Includes audio - use speakers or head-phones when reviewing.	PowerPoint file. Can be downloaded or viewed online.	Printable Acrobat file (cannot normally be edited).	Word file. Can be downloaded and edited, or viewed online.	Interactive resource e.g. quiz, drop down boxes, game, etc.

Useful downloads for this session

PowerPoint	PowerPoint handout	Fill-in sheet for web hunt	Evaluation sheet