Teaching idea

Interesting, and often quite general, teaching ideas.

Language Bias - The problem with waste (L2 assessment tasks)

This pack contains four reading texts, reading comprehension questions, writing tasks and several discussion and presentation ideas/prompts. 

The first two, very short, texts form part of an introductory discussion and reading session to explore biased language. The same event (teenagers in a park) is written about in a blog and in a newspaper article. Both use biased language to present a particular viewpoint.

Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FS Eng L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts, inc. how they are conveyed
FE L2.13 Identify implicit & inferred meaning in texts
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
FS Eng WRITING composition
GCSE English Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
GCSE AO4 Evaluate texts critically & support with textual references
TL - Present Information and ideas
TL - Synthesise information
TL - Take part in / Lead discussions
Context
Recycling, the environment and sustainability

L1-2 English FS Writing - 12 week plan with resources

A writing scheme of work/medium term plan for L1+2 Functional Skills (FS) English, designed for the Pearson assessment. It is a 12 lesson unit designed to equip learners with the skills needed to write successfully and confidently in their wider lives, as well as pass their FS writing assessment. The lessons offer differentiated options for L1 and L2 learners, so the plan can be used at either level, or for mixed ability groups. The plan outlines the content of each lesson, along with PPTs, PDF worksheets, online quizzes and video links.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
FE L2.22 Spell words used in work, study & daily life, including a range of specialist words
FS Eng L1.25 Write consistently & accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate
FS Eng L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
FE L1.22 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly, coherently & accurately
FE L2.23 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
FE L1.23 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience

Adult Numeracy core curriculum (DfES, 2001)

Since the demise of the Excellence Gateway (EG) on September 30 2023, there is no official Government backed website where the old Skills for Life core curricula are available. The EG has (partially) migrated to the Education & Training Foundation (ETF) at https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/ but there is no sign of these classic documents. 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
Adult numeracy curriculum
ESOL
General ESOL

Adult Literacy core curriculum (DfES, 2001)

Since the demise of the Excellence Gateway (EG) on September 30 2023, there is no official Government backed website where the old Skills for Life core curricula are available. The EG has (partially) migrated to the Education & Training Foundation (ETF) at https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/ but there is no sign of these classic documents. 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult literacy curriculum
ESOL
General ESOL

Adult ESOL core curriculum (DfES, 2001)

Since the demise of the Excellence Gateway (EG) on September 30 2023 there is no official Government backed website where the old Skills for Life core curricula are available. The EG has (partially) migrated to the Education & Training Foundation (ETF) at https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/ but there is no sign of these classic documents. 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
ESOL
General ESOL
ESOL Listen and respond (Lr)
ESOL Speaking (S)
ESOL Reading (R)
ESOL Writing (W)
Adult ESOL Curriculum

Mastering Apostrophes

This resource looks at the apostrophe using a different approach. Focusing on an understanding of the practical use of the apostrophe, this methodology (the apostrophe is placed at the end of a spelling)  is easy to understand and never fails, unlike the rather complex grammatical approach (plural possessive etc) it promotes understanding and correct real-life usage.

Use the PowerPoint first. You may need more than one session. Explain and expand as you go and always check understanding before moving on.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L1.3a Use punctuation to aid clarity and meaning
ESOL Ws/L2.4a Use a range of punctuation to achieve clarity in simple and complex sentences
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
ESOL Rs/L2.2a Use wide range of punctuation to help interpret meaning and purpose

Clare's Law and Domestic Violence Awareness

Part of the Living in the UK series.

This resource covers the difficult but very real issue of domestic abuse. The information is provided sensitively and includes information and questions about Clare's Law, and an invented but realistic situation. 

Discretion is advised but it is an important and often sidestepped safeguarding issue. Whilst there is a plethora of information, I found not all of it was suitable nor accessible enough for meeting the needs of my learners. 

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rt/L1.1a Understand how meaning is built up in paragraphed texts
ESOL Rt/L2.1a Identify different ways meaning is built up in a range of texts of varying genres
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked
ESOL Rt/L2.3a Identify the main points and specific detail in different types of text of varying lengths & detail
ESOL Rt/L1.5a Use skimming, scanning and detailed reading in different ways for different purposes
ESOL Skimming, scanning & detailed reading
Context
Equality and safeguarding
Mental health, awareness & psychology

American and British spelling activities - quizzes and discussion

Three resources based on the differences between these two variations of English.  

  1. A PowerPoint Quiz
  2. A discussion resource for Speaking and Listening (with extra quizzes).
  3. Paper-based Quiz  (same questions as PPT - with answers and explanations

The resources work together to support a range of learners and learning styles within ESOL, FS and GCSE.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE E3.7 Listen to & respond appropriately to other points of view, respecting conventions of turn-taking
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
FE L2.22 Spell words used in work, study & daily life, including a range of specialist words
GCSE Writing AO6 Vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation
ESOL
ESOL Sd/E3.1b Take part in more formal interaction
ESOL Sd/L1.2a Express views and opinions
ESOL Sd/L2.2c Express views, opinions, feelings, wishes
ESOL Ww/E3.1a Apply spelling knowledge to a wide range of common & special-interest words
ESOL Ww/L1.1a Apply knowledge about vocabulary to aid accurate spelling
ESOL Ww/L2.1a Apply knowledge of vocabulary to aid accurate spelling
General
Study Skills and General Teaching

L1-2 English FS Reading - 12 week plan with resources

A reading scheme of work for L1+2 Functional Skills English, designed for the Pearson assessment. It is a 12 lesson unit designed to equip learners with the skills needed to read successfully and confidently in their wider lives, as well as pass their reading assessment. The lessons offer differentiated options for L1 and L2 learners, so it can be used for either level 1 or 2 learners, or mixed ability groups. There is an MTP (medium term plan) which outlines the content of each lesson, along with PPTs, Word/PDF resources, video links, etc.

Editor's notes

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L2.16 Understand organisational features & use to locate relevant information in a range of sources
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L2.13 Identify implicit & inferred meaning in texts
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
FE L1.10 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts
FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts, inc. how they are conveyed

Perplexing Prefixes

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

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E2.10 Use effective strategies to find words meanings & check spelling e.g. simple dictionary, spell-checker
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
Prefixes, suffixes & plurals
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.5a Use variety of reading strategies to read/understand unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.2a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different types of text, using appropriate strategies to work out meaning
Subscribe to Teaching idea