I am absolutely fascinated by this blog written by Lauren Piovesan, the founder of ESL Reads. Despite spending two decades simplifying texts - a task that I enjoy and sometimes find a challenge - I've never really analysed what I'm doing.
Although written for EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers this is a useful guide for both experienced and new teachers of ESOL, adult literacy (Functional Skills English) and indeed vocational subjects.
Since the demise of the Excellence Gateway (EG) on September 30 2023, there is no official Government backed website where the old Skills for Life core curricula are available. The EG has (partially) migrated to the Education & Training Foundation (ETF) at https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/ but there is no sign of these classic documents.
SLC Discussion prep for FS Level L1/L2. To be used to prepare for the SLC Discussion. Aimed at people involved in or looking to work in the Construction Industry.
Editor's note
Really useful one page handout. Aimed at Functional English students studying/working in construction but much of the guidance is suitable for planning and preparing for any formal discussion.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
TL - Take part in / Lead discussions
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L1.7 Use appropriate phrases / registers & adapt contributions to take account of audience / purpose / medium
FE L1.8 Respect turn-taking rights of others during discussions, using appropriate language for interjection
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
FE L2.9 Adapt contributions to discussions to suit audience, purpose & medium
FE L2.10 Interject & redirect discussion using appropriate language & register
A set of five texts about screen time, physical and sedentary activity, and sleep for Children under age 5. The texts can be used in various combinations for Functional Skills (FS) speaking, listening and communicating; reading and writing activities. Teachers can pick and choose their own texts and create related DARTs (directed activities related to text) and questions to suit. There will also be pre-prepared resources on skillsworkshop. See "See also" for links.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
Functional English reading
TL - Synthesise information
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 Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
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
A worksheet which aims at getting pre-entry /E1 ESOL learners to practice different responses to greetings; both positive and negative responses. It also includes a picture matching task which helps learners to understand feelings and moods.
Editor’s note
Also suitable for pre-Entry literacy.
Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL SLc/E1.3
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Rw/M8.3 Recognise & read a growing no. of words signs symbols
pre-Entry SLc/M8.3 Use growing vocabulary to convey meaning to the listener (beyond that of purely personal significance)
This resource has a range of activities to help students learn useful expressions/ language to make a complaint.
It is useful in building confidence in making complaints in person and on the telephone.
Editor’s note
Includes sample dialogue with questions (can also be used as a reading comprehension), matching cards, sammple scenarios, curriculum mapping and teaching notes.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
Adult Literacy: Speaking & Listening
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E3.4d Give an explanation
ESOL Sc/E3.4a Express clearly statements of fact
ESOL Sc/E2.3d Give an explanation
ESOL Sc/E2.2a make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Lr/E3.2b Listen for detail face to face or on the phone
I have been covering how to make an appointment with the GP and taking part in a role play with the GP with my ESOL group, so I have prepared these materials.
My courses are not accredited, so I don’t know how this fits into the ESOLSFL criteria and my classes are, inevitably, a mix of Pre-Entry and E1 learners. Hope it might be useful.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
English
Adult Literacy: Engage in Discussion
ESOL
ESOL: Reading word focus - vocabulary, word recognition, phonics (Rw)
