Update 24/2/22: written by Sharon Roberts and Alexandra Bates, both of Essex ACL.
This is a fun activity which encourages ESOL learners to engage with digital technology and transacting online. It provides opportunity to explore vocabulary related to shopping while also discussing the advantages of shopping for food online. It can be adapted to all levels and can be extended for a longer activity if required.
Editor's note
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E1.8 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 1
FE E2.7 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
FE E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E3.8 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL Rw/E1.2a Use basic sound-letter correspondence to sound out words
ESOL Rw/E2.2a Recognise a range of familiar words
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/E3.5a Use variety of reading strategies to read/understand unfamiliar words
ESOL Rt/E2.4a Obtain information from illustrations, maps, diagrams and captions
ESOL Rt/E3.3a Identify the key organisational features of instructional texts
ESOL Rt/E3.5a Locate organisational features, such as contents, index, menus
ICT
Functional Skills ICT: Using ICT
Functional Skills ICT: Finding and selecting information
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Functional Skills English slides on comparing texts - part of my Skills Building Series.
This resource explores the fundamental skills to support learners in achieving success with the comparison question in the Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 1 and 2 Exam papers. It provides learners with opportunities to practice their comparison skills using images, videos (audio with lyrics) and short texts.
Editor's notes
Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
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
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
Social Media - AI behind the scenes slides exploring: how many people use social media and the algorithms running behind the scenes; the fact that we are being 'watched' and the concept that 'if you're not paying for the product, then YOU are the product'. Slides also explore DeepMind, Google Autocomplete and the idea that smartphones are making us dumber.
Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.2 Follow narratives & lines of argument
FS Eng L2.5 Communicate information/ideas/opinions clearly/effectively with further detail/development if required
FS Eng L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE L2.23 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
GCSE English Spoken language AO8 Listen and respond
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO1b Select & synthesise evidence from different texts
GCSE English Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences
GCSE Writing AO5(b) Organise information using structural and grammatical features
Two part session, exploring Paper 2 Question 4 (GCSE English Language AQA). Slides contain texts with guidance and prompts to upgrade responses. Part 2 slides has voice over reading of text which can be played whilst in present mode. Accompanying the slides are Text Sources for learner exploration, highlighting and annotation.
Editor's notes
Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
Useful resource which can be used as a little taster of GCSE for FS learners, or as a GCSE activity to challenge repetitive sentence starts, use of adverbs to begin sentences, to explore structure and language in their own writing. A way to get words onto paper and develop a narrative.
Editor's note
Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
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 L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences
GCSE Writing AO5(b) Organise information using structural and grammatical features
Lesson to develop creative writing skills - 'show me, don't tell me' explores how you can paint a picture with your words without explicitly telling the reader everything that happens. Engaging slides using images and exploring physical behaviours for different emotions, ways of speaking and other adjectives to support learners in creating effective and believable characters. Slides also include 'Showing Versus Telling' examples for learners to demonstrate their understanding of the difference between them.
Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences
Resource focusing on the question 'Is the internet an addictive drug?' The PowerPoint consists a video link and written stimulus to evoke thought and discussion. Looking at the relationship we have with our phones versus people; our use of internet enabled devices, 'every minute of every day' and Social Media depression.
Editor's note
Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE SL&C Discussion
FE L1.1 Identify relevant information & lines of argument in explanations & presentations
FS Eng L1.4 Communicate information / ideas / opinions clearly & accurately on range of topics
FS Eng L1.5 Express opinions and arguments and support them with evidence
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L2.1 Identify relevant information from extended explanations or presentations
FE L2.2 Follow narratives & lines of argument
FS Eng L2.5 Communicate information/ideas/opinions clearly/effectively with further detail/development if required
FS Eng L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
GCSE English Spoken language AO8 Listen and respond
An introduction lesson for ESOL/Pre Entry to help build learner confidence and introduce them to college rules/expectations.
Editor's note
Two complete and very welcoming lessons. Also covers asking and responding to questions about personal information, recognising letters of the alphabet, and classroom equipment. Lovely :)
Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL SLlr/E1.4
AL SLc/E1.3
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
AL Rw/E1.3
AL Ww/E1.2
Pre-entry
pre-Entry SLlr/M8.1 Listen and respond to familiar people in simple/personal contexts
pre-Entry SLlr/M8.2 Listen to & answer simple questions about personal details/experiences/events & narratives
pre-Entry SLc/M8.1 Use key words, signs, symbols when communicating about own experiences, and to recount a narrative
pre-Entry Rw/M8.1Recognise letters of the alphabet by shape, name, sound
pre-Entry Rw/M8.3 Recognise & read a growing no. of words signs symbols
pre-Entry Ww/M8.1 Write with appropriate grip making many controlled letter shapes & using a conventional sequence of letters
ESOL
ESOL Lr/E1.4a Listen and respond to requests for personal information
ESOL Lr/E1.4b Recognise different question words
ESOL Sc/E1.3a Ask for personal details
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL Rw/E1.3a Identify letters of alphabet in both upper & lower case
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
