Birthday

A topical reading comprehension on Captain Tom's 100th birthday with related writing and SLC (speaking listening and communication) tasks.  There are two versions: one for Entry Level 3 and one for Level 1 (also suitable for L2). Writing tasks include reports and emails (and at Entry 3 - a spelling test). SLC tasks cover short talks with Q&A sessions and discussions. 

Editor's note.

A multi-skill worksheet that incorporates speaking, listening, reading and writing, based on a short (1:22) BBC news video about a 100th birthday trip to London. Aimed at E3 / L1, but suitable for higher level E2 and for L2 as a recap (for L2 - elicit examples of the grammar and instructions beforehand).

Key learning outcomes: learners will:

A set of cards including birthday, get well, good luck and new baby aimed at E1/ E2 learners. Print them off and fold in half as practise for writing short messages. It may help to elicit suitable phrases from students and discuss suitable layout for their text inside the card.

I also recommend bringing in some sample envelopes to help learners recognise how to lay out a name and address.

Ideal for Entry Functional English writing.

A simplified story explains how Dan is making a cake for his son’s birthday. Accompanied by comprehension questions. Fully mapped to E2 Functional English and adult literacy (with additional teaching tips).

A lovely set of writing tasks (each is accompanied by an example which also provides reading/purpose of text practice). 9 pages cover get well notes, party invitations, birthday notes, good luck cards, addressing envelopes and more. Most are accompanied by simple writing frames for a scaffolded approach.
Also includes simple grammar/spelling proof reading exercise, spelling (missing vowels) and extension/summative tasks with less scaffolding. Ideal for (and fully mapped to) E1-2 Functional English writing.

An amusing short story specifically written for a school PEP group (post 16, entry level programme) and designed to be fun and interesting (especially for boys) and short enough to be completed in a one hour session (although the extension dictionary/sentence exercises could go on longer). With 10 questions and extension dictionary and sentence activities.

A present for Charlie’s Mum is adapted from Vicky Maltby’s ‘A Gift for Charlie’s Mum’ (which focuses on consonant digraphs th ch and sh). This version has been simplified for Entry 1 students and the story has changed slightly (in this version it is Mum’s birthday – not Mothers’ Day!). There are extra pictures and new comprehension questions.