General Resources

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

These three simple resources are aimed for teaching the layout features and conventions of informal and formal letter writing.  There are three templates: 

A hastily written resource (I didn’t want to have to wait another 4 years!) on Feb 29th 2020 (but can be used throughout the leap year). Covers Functional Skills (Measures) content descriptors relating to using dates and units of time. Number topics such as estimation and checking, multiplication, division, odd and even numbers, and sequences are also included. There is an emphasis is on using non-calculator written methods to convert between units of time.

An ESOL lesson embedding numeracy, diversity and British values, centred on the Spring Equinox and three festivals which happen around / on this day - Purim, Holi and Shunbun No Hi. Learners collect unfamiliar words on a vocabulary sheet and ask and answer questions to elicit meaning / explanation. There is a powerpoint to introduce the topic, using acronyms eg 7DIAW  - Seven Days In A Week to elicit key words, and lead to an explanation of what the Vernal Equinox is and when it is.

A two sided A4 sheet that builds on the identification of verbs and the spelling rules for past tense verbs. This is followed by a simple knowledge check.

It is designed to be used as a whole group lesson starter. It is differentiated in the sense that more able learners will be expected to complete the more complex tasks.

Editor’s note
The vocabulary in the example sentences is aimed at Painting & Decorating students, but the resource is suitable for all.

Learners must choose the next manager of the England football team. Using the task sheet to guide them, they must research, collate and present information for five candidates and then make the final choice.

There is scope for plenty of lively discussion around the choices made and also about what the manager’s job entails.

A Power Point presentation is included as an example, but can also be printed out to use in some of the additional activities described.

A topical investigation that can be used as a group or individual task. Learners imagine they have won tickets in the ballot and must plan their trip to Buckingham Palace.
Ideal for E3-L1 Functional maths, English and ICT but could be easily adapted for higher or lower levels.

A great project that covers many Functional maths and Functional English criteria. You win the lottery, buy a mobile phone shop and have to furnish it from catalogues and/or Internet sites.

Learn about budgeting, displaying data, working with areas and floor plans, bank statements, rounding, estimating, and much more. Everything must be written up as a comprehensive report with a clear conclusion (a great guidance page on report writing is included in the resource).

Six task sheets written as embedded literacy resources for Entry Level core NOCN module: Introduction to diversity in society.

• What is diversity?
• Recognising diverse groups
• What is discrimination?
• Responding to discrimination
• Effects of discrimination
• Tupac – Changes

Although aimed at Entry 2-3 most of the sheets could also be used in higher level groups and make marvellous discussion prompts.

An international themed resource for World Maths day on March 1st 2011 or any other day. I based it around the C&G E3 Numeracy exams but it is also ideal for, and fully mapped to, Functional Maths.
Will also prompt disucssion on many issues from the cost of air travel through to literacy rates in Peru and traffic in the Panama Canal!
Includes tips for covering Functional Maths process skills.