Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

This was designed to be used with a group of dyslexic learners but would be applicable for any learners with spelling difficulties.

I have used this by separating the group into small groups or pairs and then giving each group a different strategy to try with one of the words from the word list (two are provided – one for E2-E3, one for L1-2) or a word of their own that they want to spell.

L1/2 factsheet and worksheet on bracketing and listing commas.
Useful for underpinning L1-2 Functional English writing skills.

Root word family cards are two sets of flash cards that can be used to visualise the concept of root words to entry level and L1 students.

The entry level cards contain a number of root words and their word families, with a picture representation of each word. The level one sheet contains a higher level of vocabulary and the pictures have been removed.

Lesson Ideas

21 questions to answer about dos and don’ts on your CV preparation. Are the statements true, false or is there some discretion about what you can do? As a team quiz it prompts discussion and lets learners express their opinions and justify the points made. Can be used as a revision or introductory tool prior to creating a CV in Functional English, Functional ICT or work skills classes.
Answers are included.

This is a set of ‘shun’ suffix word cards to accompany the “Which suffix -cian -ssion, sion or tion?” resource (see below).

Print the sheets onto card or have them laminated, then cut up the individual root word cards for learners to sort under the correct headings.

A powerpoint to spark discussion and introduce the topic of formal and informal language and choosing which is appropriate for different social and work situations. Aimed at E3-L1 Functional English learners.

The PPT can be used with the word match up game, which gets learners thinking about the difference between formal and informal language. Laminate the page and cut up into individual word cards.

A topical resource to revise features of instructional texts and imperative verbs.
Fully mapped to Functional English and ideal for mixed ability groups.

This task was originally used for Functional Skills although it can be applied just as effectively to literacy sessions. The task aims to encourage learners to work in small groups to discuss what each phrase really means and therefore explore the different interpretations that other people have of them. Also makes a good ice breaker. Includes proverb cards, answer sheet and worksheet.

This colourful PowerPoint aims to teach learners about the structure of words in the English language. Numerous examples are given to help learners think of their own root words, suffixes and prefixes.

[img_assist|nid=5121|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=68|height=100]This resource explores the differences between synonyms, antonyms and acronyms.
It includes an introductory PPT, a sorting activity with synonym cards, a Smart Notebook activity for interactive whiteboards, an antonym work sheet, and a synonym writing exercise.

I have found this a great resource for encouraging learners to explore a greater range of vocabulary, use dictionary and thesuarus skills, improve spelling and encourage descriptive and creative writing.