Functional English - writing

A 12 piece follow me game where homophones must be matched to the correct sentence. A good mix of common and more unusual homophones such as preys/praise/prays and there/their/they’re. First used in a Motor Vehicles Functional English group but suitable for any L1-2 English / literacy group.

Guaranteed to create promote discussion as learners play the game (best laminated). As usual with Tarsia puzzles, you can choose to print a standard or large puzzle (select Output – large, i.e. 3 pieces per A4 sheet).

Correct structure and punctuation is a key feature of Functional English writing and these two sets of matching cards make a good introduction to the topic and will also prompt discussion.
The first set focuses on conjunctions (in compound and complex sentences) and each sentence is split into three (two clause, one conjunction). They can be matched back together in various combinations. (10 sentences)
The second set focuses on a variety of structures and each sentence is split into two. (12 sentences)

I first used this was used as practice for the written and spoken part of Functional Skills exams.

Learners need to begin by discussing TV shows and hopefully someone will mention Big Brother. Then they have to write about 150 words about what sort of housemate they would be in the house.

Next they have to read through the 20 housemate descriptions and choose 10 of them to join them. This needs to be a team decision.

A short powerpoint to revise conjunctions. Information and a short exercise
suitable for E2-L1.
Fully mapped to Functional English and SfL literacy.

Handy one page fill-in sheet for E2-L1 Functional English and Literacy (f[img_assist|nid=4766|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=68|height=100]ully mapped).
Ideal for introducing or revising when to use capital letters.

Can you find all the incorrect homophones in the Bury Tots Daycare poster?
Two versions available.
1) Select the correct homophone from a choice of two or three (E3 spelling)
2) Find the incorrect homophones (no help!). Level 1 spelling and proof reading
Ideal for embedding literacy and Functional English in Early Years courses

A wonderful kinaesthetic card matching game designed to help learners remember when to use capital letters.

The game comprises 52 picture cards (26 proper nouns, 26 common nouns) and [img_assist|nid=4758|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=100|height=58]26 double ended upper-lowercase dominoes. It not only reinforces knowledge of capital letters but also is a good speaking and listening activity. Learners often debate what or who the picture is and where it needs to go.

Great set of tasks covering maths (counting, addition, subtraction, sorting, extracting info from lists/tables, problem solving) and English (reading and spelling).
Fully mapped to E1-E3 Functional Skills criteria (most suitable for E1-E2 but some of the maths is E3) with extensive teaching tips and notes.

Adapted from Jennifer Whitehead’s “Workign in a Garage” (see below).

My Level 1-2 Level SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) Mark Sheet is a simple tick sheet that can be used by students to check each other’s work for spelling and grammar errors. Helpful for encouraging groups of learners to ‘peer assess’ and also reinforces what to look for when proofreading work.

My Entry Level SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) Marking Sheet is a simple tick sheet that can be used by students to check each other’s work for spelling and grammar errors. Helpful for encouraging groups of learners to ‘peer assess’ and also reinforces what to look for when proofreading work.

The sheet is a simplified version of the spelling and grammar skills covered in the Entry Functional Skills English Standards. It includes space for comments and also indicates which skills relate to each of the Entry levels via straightforward indices.