There is much evidence that phonics supports second language learning with ESOL learners at all levels. This resource is the first of a set that I use. It contains basic language information with terminology that is easy to understand, explains the code and the graphemes. It is easy to use, even if you (or your learners) have never used phonics.
Remember to use the sound of the letter for example /a/ as in cat, not /ay/ as in pay.
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
Adult Lit Rw/E1.2 Decode simple, regular words
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E1.2a Use basic sound-letter correspondence to sound out words
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
This handout is mostly about the Citizens Advice service (CA) in the UK. It was created mainly for educators working with people who are new to the UK and often do not know where to turn for help and advice. I have found, through discussions with many learners that they know very little about the help and support available. Some suffer severe depression, racist abuse and feel isolated. By directing people to the right service a lot of these issues can start to be addressed and eased.
This resource looks at phone and other types of scams and fraud. It alerts the reader to the common tactics used by scammers and offers suggestions to avoid becoming a victim. The text is suitable for higher level E3 to L1-2 but the material is easily adapted for lower levels. Part of the Living in the UKseries.
Editor's notes
Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE READING understanding and locating information
FE Writing composition
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FS Eng SL&C Active listening
FS Eng SL&C Speaking - Communicate information, ideas & opinions
A 10 minute pantomime ideal for use as an end of term activity.
It can also be used as a discussion starter and as a topic for further writing.
Suitable for groups of mixed levels from Pre Entry to Level 2.
Editor's notes
Wonderfully clever and funny script. Can be used on so many levels and for so many different learning objectives - in addition to being jolly good fun! Lots of ideas and discussion points in the separate teaching notes.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
Functional English reading
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
I attach an annotated version of the resource ‘Education - a sorry story’. I’ve found all the resources around this text / story really useful for my FS L2 classes and have led into good discussions and onto some useful comparisons with other related texts.
Editor's notes
Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
GCSE English Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE AO4 Evaluate texts critically & support with textual references
An ESOL E1-2 (Local Community) reading comprehension with related writing activities that links to ESOL E1 type assessments. This set of resources explores every day, local or community activities: in this case the local library or community hub. Use as a whole class resource and/or independent learning/homework.
Finally, there is a list of suggestions for extension activities around using the library/hub in your local area.
Editor's notes
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E2.18 Complete a form asking for personal information (e.g. first name, surname, address, postcode, age, date of birth)
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Rt/E2.4a Obtain information from illustrations, maps, diagrams and captions
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
A PowerPoint going through definitions and examples of nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs with a brief quiz.
Editor's notes
Clear and engaging and, as with all of Niamh's PPTs, the concluding quiz is easily adapted to suit your own learner group - whether it be ESOL, Functional English or Essential English.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FS English E2.20 Use adjectives and simple linking words
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
ESOL
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rs/L1.1a Use implicit & explicit grammatical knowledge to predict meaning & check for sense
A PowerPoint taking learners through common 'tricky words' and words with silent letters, highlighting common silent letters and their rules, with a brief quiz.
Editor's notes
Useful and highly adaptable. In particular, the quiz can easily be edited to suit each learner group and the spellings they are focusing on.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E2.16 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E2.1b Use knowledge of sound–symbol relationships & phonological patterns when spelling
ESOL Ww/E2.1c Develop strategies to aid spelling
ESOL Ww/E3.1a Apply spelling knowledge to a wide range of common & special-interest words
ESOL Ww/E3.1b Apply knowledge of strategies to aid with spelling
