Warm-up

Any resource that is particularly good for the start of a lesson

A really interesting quick quiz – originally written to get e2e learners interested in numbers but makes an ideal warm up activity for any group (at any level).

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
Maths
General numeracy / maths
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Independent living
Employment skills & Public services

A clever spreadsheet that creates a set of 15 loop or ‘follow me’ cards. Comes with a prewritten set of cards based on multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 100 but can you can easily add your own questions and answers on any topic.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
General numeracy / maths
N1/L1.4
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond

Sparkling sentences for bonfire night is a lovely seasonal literacy starter activity that covers adjectives, adverbs, sentence structure and punctuation. The focus is on extending simple sentences to compound or complex setences. You will need a packet of sparklers.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: writing - punctuation & grammar (Ws)

A great way to start a class – provides mental maths practice for E2-E3 but also suitable for higher level learners who can try it out with with large numbers and discuss how it works!

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Maths
Mental maths
AN N1/E2.3
N1/E2.4
N1/E3.3

A super, quick-to-prepare paired game (all you need is paper, pencil and two dice) that is easily differentiated for any E1-E3 group. Example games include addition, subtraction and times tables.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Maths
Mental maths
Whole Numbers

A rather nifty Word document template where learners can move the digits to the right or left to see the changes in place value when multiplying or dividing decimals by 10, 100 and 1000.

Level
Level 1
Maths
Mental maths
AN N2/L1.6

This 16 piece triangular jigsaw is a great way to revise or recap simple division. As usual with Tarsia puzzles, you can choose to print either a standard or large version of the puzzle (select Output – large, i.e. three pieces per A4 sheet).

All Tarsia jigsaws can also be printed out as flashcards / dominoes.
You will need Tarsia Formulator in order to use this resource. See our Good Software – Tarsia Formulator entry for more information about this excellent free educational tool from Hermitech.

Level
Level 1
Maths
N1/L1.5
N1/L1.6

Students must circulate and question other class members in order to complete the bingo grid. Makes a great ice-breaker or warm-up activity. Also makes a good lead in to sentence work.
Aapted from Heidi Griffin’s original version (see below), this new version is differentiated for a slightly higher level learner group and includes sentences to be completed by the learner. Covers many speaking & listening elements (asking & answering questions, giving personal information, etc.).

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Adult Literacy: Speaking & Listening

A warm-up activity. Students must choose letters of the alphabet and then complete the given categories. The more unusual their words (i.e. if the words are not used by other class members) the more points they get!

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: Reading at word level (phonics & vocabulary)

A great Entry Level ice-breaker or warm-up activity. Students must circulate and question other class members in order to complete the bingo grid. Also provides a good lead in to sentence work. Covers many speaking and listening elements (asking and answering questions, giving personal information, etc.).

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Adult Literacy: Speaking & Listening