Based on the exercises in the Functional Skills Entry Level English exams, this is a revision resource that also provides practice in spelling and reading. I use this as a starter activity, whilst the students are settling into the classroom. It is not intended to be completed at one time. The resource is kept in their folders and can also be used in spare time or for homework.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
Alphabetical order
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E2.5a Sequence words using basic alphabetical ordering skills
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters
Topical form filling practice. Encourage your learners to enter the Platinum Pudding Competition to celebrate the Queen's 70th year on the throne. In addition to requiring personal information, it also provide practice writing compound sentences. Adapted and simplified from the official form on the Fortnum and Mason web site.
Editor's note
Look out for more Platinum Jubilee resources in the near future.
Level
Entry Level 2
English
FE E2.18 Complete a form asking for personal information (e.g. first name, surname, address, postcode, age, date of birth)
FE E2.19 Write in compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect clauses
Short sets of words for alphabetic sorting. These can be used with literacy or ESOL learners. I found they worked well at the beginning of each session while learners were still arriving into the class. They work well as individual or pairs exercises.
The first set works best when each list is cut up and laminated as individual words in each group, so learners can sort them kinaesthetically.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
Alphabetical order
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters
This is a spelling/phonetics resource that could be used as a starter, differentiated activity or filler. Learners colour in the squares where the words have an /f/ sound, these words are hidden with words that are ‘gh’ but aren’t pronounced /f/. When completed the grid shows a smiley face. There are a few trap words in here which can be used for dictionary or internet search practice.
A list of simple sentences, some of which are common sayings. They all contain a word which has more than one meaning. The list can be used to improve vocabulary, and also to show students the importance of context in understanding the meaning of a word. Could be used as a warm-up for a reading lesson.
Level
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: Reading at word level (phonics & vocabulary)
Rw/E3.5
Functional English reading
Homophones, homographs & confusables
ESOL
ESOL: Reading word focus - vocabulary, word recognition, phonics (Rw)
ESOL Rw/E3.5a Use variety of reading strategies to read/understand unfamiliar words
Visual colour-coded resource, explaining the main plural spelling rules. Created for E2/E3 learners, but could also be useful for all visual learners working between E2-L2.
Includes: colour-coded fact sheet, blank table, worksheet and flash cards to cut out and laminate. Could be used for a number of different activities.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Prefixes, suffixes & plurals
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
AL Ww/E3.2 Use phonic knowledge to help spelling
ESOL
ESOL Ww/L1.1b Use strategies to aid accurate spelling
ESOL Ww/L1.1a Apply knowledge about vocabulary to aid accurate spelling
ESOL Ww/E3.1a Apply spelling knowledge to a wide range of common & special-interest words
ESOL Ww/E2.1b Use knowledge of sound–symbol relationships & phonological patterns when spelling
A good mix of reading and writing resources all focusing on E1-E2 form-filling skills.
Includes: 3 forms to be filled in after reading three short descriptions; a personal form to complete, sentence work, and a matching exercise.
Fully mapped. Written for E1-E2 ESOL but also suitable for (and mapped to) Entry literacy and Functional English.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Rw/E3.2
Functional English reading
Form filling
ESOL
ESOL Wt/E2.1b Record information on forms
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Rw/E2.1a Recognise words on forms related to personal information
Set of integrated form filling resources used in an E1-2 ESOL class but also suitable for E3 Literacy and E2 Functional English. Includes key words and pictures, synonyms matching activity and two short reading / form filling tasks.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Rw/E3.2
Functional English reading
Form filling
ESOL
ESOL Wt/E2.1b Record information on forms
ESOL Rw/E2.1a Recognise words on forms related to personal information
This resource has been updated to reflect the Reformed Functional Skills English content that came into effect in 2019. It has been split into three new resources - see links under "See also".
What or Want? was written for an ESOL student who confused these two words in his writing but suitable for E2-3 or dyslexia support at any level. Includes a wide selection of exercises and tips.
