A descriptive poem on the theme of Nature. Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion about the seasons, local environments, the life cycle of animals and plants, global warming or the benefits of outdoor exercise.
Editor's notes
Super for many levels and situations - includes suggested questions and discussion prompts.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FE SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
A poem on the theme of holidays. Can be used as a reading and punctuation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around traditional British holidays, ways to spend leisure time or enjoying new experiences by using different senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).
Editor's notes
Super for many levels and situations - includes suggested questions and discussion prompts.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FE SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.1a Read and understand technical vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Reading and related activities focusing on a simplified version of a BBC news article reporting the results of the 2021 Australian Census. Ideal for practising reading strategies including: relating images to text, using headings, skimming, scanning and using context to predict. My (Australian) students found it challenging but were engaged in the content. Lots of possible ways it could lead into other written and oral activities. Numbers and a graph involved so can also be used to revise numeracy concepts such as percentages and extracting information from graphs.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
FE READING main points & detail
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
Two scaffolded writing tasks that can used alone or as a follow up to the reading and related tasks in Dee Gets Fit(Rachel Emmett, 2009).
The first is just simple scaffold for E1/2 learners to record their ideas on keeping fit and healthy. The second is for E3 students to write a recipe for a healthy meal. Both these tasks would be most effective when preceded by a class or small group discussion and the creation of a word bank. They could also be used when teaching about instructional texts.
Editor's note
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE 1.16 Communicate information in words, phrases & simple sentences
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FE E2.20 Use adjectives & simple linking words
FE E3.18 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly & in logical sequence e.g. chronologically, by task
ESOL
ESOL Ws/E1.1a Construct a simple sentence, using basic word order & verb form
ESOL Ws/E1.3a Use basic punctuation to write about oneself using "I"
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Wt/E3.3a Show sequence through the use of discourse markers and conjunctions
A light hearted poem on the theme of exercise. Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around exercise, diet and fitness or the Education System.
Editor's notes
Super for many levels and situations - includes a list of suggested questions/prompts.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FE SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.1a Read and understand technical vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
A poem on the theme of feelings. Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around personal emotions and wellbeing.
Editor's notes
Super for many levels and situations - includes a list of suggested questions/prompts.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FE SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.1a Read and understand technical vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Language Features glossary with polaroid style layout. Blank spaces included for further development and allow the learner (or teacher) to add other language features.
Includes mini dual coding images to act as prompts.
Editor's notes
Another beautiful resource from Steph! Learners can use it while listening to a presentation, reading a text or watching a video. A useful revision tool. Includes 10 common language features with spaces for adding more.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
Graphic organiser to aid learners in their discovery of vivacious vocabulary that they can use in their L1 -L2 Functional Skills English writing exams.
Editor's notes
A beautifully presented organiser that covers all the topics that could appear in Functional Skills English writing assessments (hobbies, learning to drive, fund raising, health and fitness, holidays, technology, etc. etc.). Could also be used for spelling assessment.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
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
A reflective iceberg (integrated, collaborative, engaging, balanced, economical, reflective and gradual) structure sheet for learners to complete. Six sections, each with prompts/exemplification: remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating.
This scaffold has been designed to be used either as as a diary for use in class and / or as a way for students to record and reflect on their literacy/language experiences outside of the classroom.
Emojis are used to try to encourage them to consider and record their feelings.
