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 booklet has many different tools to improve spelling that have been collected from various sources (a list of these resources can be found in the back of the book).
For E3 upwards it could be used as a self-study booklet. For levels before E3 it may be useful to 'cherry pick', be used as a tutor manual and/or an in-class group activitiy.
It has been designed to be printed as a booklet (A5 per page, in Adobe select print and then just short of half way down the page you will find the option to print as a booklet), unless you wish to print it in A4.
Level
E1
E2
E3
L1
L2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE E1.15 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 1
FE E2.14 Form regular plurals
FE E2.16 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
FE L2.22 Spell words used in work, study and daily life, including a range of specialist words
I created this activity for my ESOL students but it would also work well for Functional English.
The idea is taken from Laura Jeffrey Kiiza’s text types mind map drag and drop activity (L1) – see link below under See also.
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
E2
E3
L1
L2
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)
ESOL Reading: word focus (vocabulary, word recognition, phonics)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
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
This is a literacy resource based around a recent news story. There are a range of tasks relating to an anti-litter app called ‘littergram’ and legal challenges made to the use of its name, with the potential to extend tasks into other aspects of littering and how the litter problem might be resolved. A final extension task asks students to take their own photographs of local examples of litter as supporting evidence for a writing activity.
Level
L2
L1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
An interactive presentation to explain the meaning of nouns, verbs and adjectives and an accompanying hands-on activity to sort words into nouns, verbs and adjectives. This is good to use early in a course as it is fun and gets learners working in groups,
