Sort or match cards

An updated version of Laura Bell's 2017 Solstice resource (also uses information from British Heritage), this topical resource is bound to be popular. It includes an introductory PPT (with a final differentiated article-writing task and an informative video link) along with a PDF set of reading tasks

Editor's notes

A PowerPoint with an introduction to idioms, followed one idiom per slide. Covers 10 common idioms with images, an example and simple explanation.  Perfect for whole class learning, discussion and embedding knowledge for all levels, and especially for ESOL. 

In addition there are several game suggestions in the slide notes and a separate set of match cards. Use together or on their own. 

Editor's notes

An exploration of the ie / ei conundrum. This set of resources provides a fun newspaper article, a simple flowchart, explanation and exercises.  It also has a set of playing/flash cards with suggestions on activities.

Editor's notes

There is much evidence that phonics supports second language learning with ESOL learners at all levels. This resource is the first of a set that I use. It contains basic language information with terminology that is easy to understand, explains the code and the graphemes. It is easy to use, even if you (or your learners) have never used phonics. 

Remember to use the sound of the letter for example /a/ as in cat, not /ay/ as in pay. 

updated 3/12/24 (phone number on slide 6 corrected from 111 to 101)

A PowerPoint exploring the emergency services including 112 and gas emergencies. Simple text with images to encourage discussion and awareness concerning what is and what is not classed as an emergency. There is also a set of printable flash cards with suggestions.

Editor's notes

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

This version was kindly adapted and updated by Emma Gentili to make it more suitable for today’s college learners. 

A quick but very useful match-up activity that makes a good starter activity for financial literacy or employment skills courses - and it's bound to prompt discussion.

Editor's note

Written for an Australian audience but I have added a UK version on page 2.  Learners can draw lines to match the items or, for a reusable resource, the page could be laminated and/or cut into 12 cards. 

Cut and order word sort based on transport, money and grammar terms.  Tasks and extension tasks on the same sheet. Scissors needed for separating the cards. Works best with students working in pairs.

Editor's notes

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best! With useful extension ideas. Laminate for repeated use. Also handy for Functional English alphabetical order work.

Word sort activity based on collective nouns/collocations for different types of foods. Suitable for E1/E2. Can be done in pairs as a reading and S+L activity, or individually. 

Editor's notes

With extension idea. Cards could be laminated for repeated use. Other vocabulary sorts are available from the same contributor.

Basic vocabulary word sorts, the first being based on fruit, vegetables and drinks, and the second on places (e.g. town, city), food and animals. Tasks and extension tasks on the same sheet. Scissors needed for separating the cards. Works best with students working in pairs.

Editor's notes

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best! With useful extension ideas. Laminate for repeated use. Also handy for Functional English alphabetical order work