A set of five texts about screen time, physical and sedentary activity, and sleep for Children under age 5. The texts can be used in various combinations for Functional Skills (FS) speaking, listening and communicating; reading and writing activities. Teachers can pick and choose their own texts and create related DARTs (directed activities related to text) and questions to suit. There will also be pre-prepared resources on skillsworkshop. See "See also" for links.
I created this resource to try to engage my learners during lockdown. There are two reading tasks based on the same text, which I adapted for level 1 learners by using more basic vocabulary. The reading task can then be followed by the writing a blog task and I have included a step by step sheet to help with the writing task.
Level
L1
L2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L1.9 Identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in texts
FE L1.13 Use reference materials and appropriate strategies (e.g. using knowledge of word types) for a range of purposes, including to find the meaning of words
FE L1.12 Recognise that language and other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences and purposes
FE L2.14 Understand the relationship between textual features and devices, and how they can be used to shape meaning for different audiences and purposes
L2.15 Use a range of reference materials and appropriate resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes, including to find the meanings of words in straightforward and complex sources
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing and writer’s voice
Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
Writing composition
GCSE Reading A2 Analyse language & structure
(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences
GCSE A6 SPaG
TL - Synthesise information
TL - Create texts for different purposes and audiences
This set of steps (taken from Coady & Nation (1988)) with a worked example shows students one process for doing a ‘best guess’ of what to do when they come across a new word. Followed by a set of 10 exercises with some lovely, unusual words.
Editor's note
Fully mapped to GCSE and the new 2018 Functional English content
Level
E3
L1
L2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE E3.11 Use effective strategies to find the meaning of words (e.g. a dictionary, working out meaning from context; using knowledge of different word types)
FE L1.17 Read and understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
This is a short explanation with examples of eight sorts of conjunctive adverb arranged by type. There is an activity to complete, as well as some stretch/research activities for differentiation.
Editor’s note
Fully mapped to L2 Functional English and GCSE English
Level
L2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers (e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes and quotation marks)
FE L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently and accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
Visual colour-coded resource, explaining the main plural spelling rules. Created for E2/E3 learners, but could also be useful for all visual learners working between E2-L2.
Includes: colour-coded fact sheet, blank table, worksheet and flash cards to cut out and laminate. Could be used for a number of different activities.
Word root ‘port’ (to carry) word map for spelling and vocabulary work and teacher reference / inspiration! Designed to help students build words and make vocabulary connections. Use for spelling, parts of speech, affixes, or vocabulary work. Also makes a lovely display poster if blown up to A3.
Suffixes and SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review). Two more wonderful mind maps from Nikki Brown. One summarises spelling rules for adding suffixes and is accompanied by 3 pages of revision worksheets. The second one sums up the SQ3R reading strategy – which can be useful for dyslexia and general reading support.
Please also download the separate answer sheet for the suffix questions.
