General Resources

Reading, discussion and writing tasks exploring fake ads and online shopping scams on sites such as Facebook and Google. Discussion points to encourage learner engagement and two tasks to develop ideas through their writing.

Editor's note

Slides (with short texts. images and videos) that explore the connection between stress and social media, social media addiction and the life we portray via social media.  This resource combines reading, writing and speaking and listening tasks to expand key vocabulary and encourage deeper critical thinking.  Maths skills are embedded through the reading and interpretation of line graphs.

Editor's note

Developed after a training session with Geoff Petty, I use this self-assessment checklist for mixed level groups. 

Although colour-coded to various levels, the idea is that any learner, regardless of level, can use the checklist to assess their own writing, and map their strengths and weaknesses.  It also helps  teachers to see how effectively learners are able to self-evaluate.   I have found it to be a really good tool to foster independent learning.

Editor's note

An updated version of 'Numeracy during the Summer' by Judith White (2006). 

Numeracy during the summer. Keep your students’ skills going during the summer break with these ideas. One page for Entry Level learners, one for Levels 1/2.
Covers number, measures, shape and space, and data.

A PowerPoint set of L1-L2 reading, maths and writing tasks. All are based on information a recent UK.gov Home Office fact sheet about Prevent and Channel*. The fact sheet can be found online or downloaded from this page. Main Functional Maths coverage is reading and comparing whole numbers and percentages, and percentage-fraction equivalents. Some questions involve calculating percentages or checking the figures that are quoted in the text (Level 2).

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.

This is a handout for Functional Skills L1/L2 which talks about formulas, substitution and BODMAS (BIDMAS).

“Editor’s note*
It includes worked examples from past papers and useful tips and hints. Fully mapped to L2 FM and GCSE Maths 1-5

A-Z chart of pictures with the corresponding initial sound. I’ve tried to select pictures which Beginner ESOL adults will recognise.

Tips and four tasks designed to help Level 2 Functional English learners think about how they can identify BIAS in texts.

Top Tips for English tests is a handout that can be given out to learners. It contains a reading text and questions taken from an IQ sample assessment with tips on how to answer specific questions.

It can be used as is or separated to be used as a class resource – teachers will need access to IQ’s sample assessment materials, which are freely available in the IQ website at http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/sectors/functionalskills .