ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)

Adult ESOL Core Curriculum (DfES 2001) > Writing (W) > Writing word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)

Resources listed directly below are likely to cover many aspects of spelling and handwriting - often at more than one curriculum level.

Word sort activity based on collective nouns/collocations for different types of foods. Suitable for E1/E2. Can be done in pairs as a reading and S+L activity, or individually. 

Editor's notes

With extension idea. Cards could be laminated for repeated use. Other vocabulary sorts are available from the same contributor.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
FE E1.8 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 1
FE E2.7 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
ESOL
ESOL Sd/E1.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL Rw/E2.2a Recognise a range of familiar words
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

A hangman style game created in Google Jamboard (a free animated whiteboard app). Based on a game I used to play on a traditional whiteboard with a cut-out crocodile and person (held in place with blu-tac!) and river created with a blue whiteboard marker. When Covid-19 and remote teaching came along, I needed something else.

You can access the jamboard here

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E1.15 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 1
FE E2.16 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
ESOL
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)

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

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE Writing composition
ESOL
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
ESOL: Writing sentence focus - punctuation and grammar (Ws)
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
General
Study Skills and General Teaching

This is a basic editable word wheel which you can print, cut out and attach together with a brass paper fastener.
Learners can concentrate on one word at a time. Word wheels can be used for building vocabulary, spelling practice and much more. Suitable for all levels of Functional Skills and ESOL.
Instructions and ideas are included within the PPT. For example:
Stretchy:

  • Write positive or negative words in the table
  • Look up words that are unfamiliar

Stretchier:

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE READING and understanding words
FE WRITING Spelling
FE WRITING Sentence structure and paragraphs
AL Apply strategies to spell correctly
AL Recognise and understand a range of words
ESOL
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
ESOL: Reading word focus - vocabulary, word recognition, phonics (Rw)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond

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.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
AL Apply strategies to spell correctly
Apply grammar
ESOL
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
ESOL: Writing sentence focus - punctuation and grammar (Ws)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Painting Decorating & DIY

Students fill in the blanks using the words given, and then they can use them in their own sentences. Very common words that I notice my students have trouble with.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
AL Ww/L2.1 Spell technical words
Functional English - writing
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
ESOL
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)

This is a set of ‘shun’ suffix word cards to accompany the “Which suffix -cian -ssion, sion or tion?” resource (see below).

Print the sheets onto card or have them laminated, then cut up the individual root word cards for learners to sort under the correct headings.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Prefixes, suffixes & plurals
AL Apply strategies to spell correctly
AL Recognise and understand a range of words
ESOL
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
ESOL: Reading word focus - vocabulary, word recognition, phonics (Rw)

A beautiful set of worksheets. Learners must match months to seasons and also relate well known festivals and celebrations to each season (there is also a handy overview calendar for 2010). The last two sheets focus specifically on spring (clothes, foods, etc.).
Also useful for E1-2 ESOL / Literacy (spelling months of the year).

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
AL Apply strategies to spell correctly
Maths
MSS1/E1.2
ESOL
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
Context
Independent living