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.
A set of resources which explains the use of conjunctions and worksheets to practise using them correctly. Eight common conjunctions are covered in 5 different worksheets, along with a useful handout and a related word fill puzzle to check understanding.
Mapped to Entry Level 2 Functional English and E2-L1 Adult Literacy
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Adult Lit Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences
Ws/E3.1
Ws/E2.1
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L1.1a Write using complex sentences
ESOL Ws/E3.1a Write using complex sentences
ESOL Ws/E2.1a Construct simple and compound sentences
[img_assist|nid=4771|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=100|height=69]Another great set of three comprehension resources from Australia. Each with a related, differentiated crossword puzzle. All based on the same Australian news article about the danger of swooping magpies.
The Satellite (Australia) September 13 2010 http://www.thesatellite.com.au/story/2010/09/13/steer-clear-of-swooping…
[img_assist|nid=4701|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=72|height=100]A wonderful set of three comprehension resources, each with a related, differentiated crossword puzzle. All based on the same Australian news article about the sudden popularity of Dunlop volley shoes / sandshoes (tennis shoes to us Brits!) in New York. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/volley-shoes-taking-a-bite-ou…
Level 1 reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary tasks based on an Australian local news article about a successful youth art project in Deception Bay. The tasks can be concluded nicely with a related crossword puzzle – ideal for individual work or for group work if displayed on an IWB.
An outstanding resource for E1 emerging readers. Based on a humorous story, this set of multi-sensory phonics activities includes a 2 page story; detailed tutor notes; various sets of word cards for spelling, reading, rhyming, listening/speaking and alphabetical order activities; and a crossword.
A recently designed resource that I wanted to share with my fellow skillsworkshop users. I wanted something to use with my learners as a spelling lesson. I have tried to involve various activities to help motivate and keep interest whilst learning spellings.
Resource includes a cloze exercise, comprehension questions, homophones and plurals, and a final crossword to check skills.
