A task sheet and list of ideas to help students write about themselves. Great way to get to know your students, especially at the beginning of the year.
First designed as a tool for increasing students’ vocabulary and use of descriptive language, this resource uses Wordle – which students love! Wordle is a brilliant on-line, completely free word cloud creator.
See our blog articles for more Wordle teaching and learning ideas: http://skillsworkshop.blogspot.com/2008/07/using-wordle-in-classroom.ht…
Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Rw/L1.2
AL Rw/L2.3 Vocabulary (language features, synonyms, formality)
Topical comprehension based on a 2001 BBC News report with comprehension & vocabulary questions written for E2E learners. Although this is an old report from 2001 it is still of interest to younger students and ideal for provoking discussion about appropriate language, lyrics, etc.
Level
Level 2
English
Rt/L2.1 Trace and understand the main events of continuous descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
AL Rw/L2.3 Vocabulary (language features, synonyms, formality)
Writing a formal letter (in order to arrange an interview with a local hospitality provider) provides all key points as a mindmap and (for linear thinkers) as a bulleted list. Plus layout guide and a ‘jumbled sheet’ to sort out! Suitable for all areas – not just catering/hospitality.
Based on a short story, Highland Fling by Maureen Brannigan, from “Sexy Shorts for the Beach” edited by Victoria Kirwan-Taylor (Accent Press). However some of the writing and poetry extension activities could be used without reading the short story. Not just for romantics – the writing assignment might also cause great hilarity! Covers all Level 2 writing elements and many Level 2 reading elements (main points, research, summarise information, etc.).
Aron Ralston smartboard resources for Entry 1-Entry. Fabulous lesson plan and resources on the fascinating story of an American rock climber who sawed off his arm with a penknife in order to free himself from a rock fall and get some help. Includes interactive cloze exercises, photographs, lesson plan/objectives, syllable match, word sort and more.
An accompanying Word file (see below) includes an illustrated writing frame and differentiated word cards for word and sentence level work.
Titanic smartboard resources for Entry 1-Entry. Covers discussion, reading comprehension, phonics and writing composition. Great lesson plan and resources on this popular topic. Includes interactive cloze exercises, phonics/syllable exercise, ‘See, hear feel’ brainstorm, photographs, lesson plan/objectives, and more.
An accompanying Word file (see below) includes an illustrated writing frame and differentiated word cards for word and sentence level work.
Something to spark everyone’s imagination. Be Prime Minister and write a speech, write about your ideal man/woman, dream about being rich or describe what you’d take with you on a desert island? Each idea includes questions, prompts and guidelines.
Choice of controversial topics to spark letter writing. ‘Road rage’, building on a park, closing a local hospital. Each page includes a clear background scenario to help students “get going”.
