Teaching idea

An exploration of common prefixes: un, re, did, pre, mis and non. Visual, with a table, reading text, discussion prompts, spelling tips  and a word search. Additional activities and games are suggested oin the final page.  

Editor's note

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. 

A selection of  reading (inference) tasks and creative writing prompts on the opening lines of Young Adult novels. 

Editor's Notes

Written for GCSE learners. Another highly original and engaging resource from Steph :) 

Covers opening lines from seven YA novels including John Green (Paper Towns), Rin Chupeco (The Never Tilting World) and Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me).

Suitable for ESOL and Functional English this resource was created to encourage discussion and understanding about this sometimes difficult topic in a sympathetic way. Uses a fictional story about a girl called Amina who learns about British Values through her community - with reading questions and a discussion/presentation/writing task.

The tutor can use the suggested lesson tips or go their own way to suit their learners.

Editor's notes

A collection of 14 screenshots from films and tv series and brief prompt questions. This resource can be used as an introduction to inference as a skill, and scaffolded with further questions. 

Popular films and TV series used such as Barbie, Bridgerton and The Avengers.

Editor's note

Created for ESOL Reading E2-3, but also useful for E3 Functional English. This is a multifaceted resource that includes a range of text types all based on the same story.  It was made because learners struggled identifying types of text.  In this resource the documents are all based on a single topic - Jane. 

A double lesson Power Point with Level 1 and Level 2 reading and writing questions. The lesson explores the controversy around violent music and the relationship between music and behaviour. You Tube links  add detail and context to the debate in an engaging and thought provoking way. Lesson 1 focuses on the Reading exam with Level 1 and Level 2 questions that can be displayed on the board to reduce printing. Texts A and B explore the two sides of Drill music and its influence on young people.