Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

Use this puzzler to reinforce working with time. Makes a great warm-up or plenary activity.

First used in a pre-GCSE maths (L1-2) class for: mental maths, number patterns, multiples, helping with division (if you don’t know your tables) and much more. For all levels from E2-L2. Six 100 squares on page 1, six times-table squares on page 2. Print back to back on pastel paper, laminate, cut up and give to learners to keep. Print on paper and use to investigate number patters (e.g. highlight all multiples of 4 in 100 square, highlight square numbers in tables square, etc.)

Illustrated handouts on metric measures with conversion factors and everyday examples of weight, capacity and length. Margaret suggests that it makes a good warm up for Dave Walkden’s Christmas Pudding Activity (see below).

For numbers to 9,999,999,999. Large font colour chart for display with OHP or data projector, blank fill-in chart for student handout.

Florence was not just a famous nurse, she was also a very good mathematician. Use this resource to introduce pie charts, promote class discussion and learn some history!

Tips for students sitting onscreen/online Level 1 or 2 multiple choice literacy and numeracy exams. Adapted from our original version for paper based exams. A free editable Word Version of this resource is available by emailing skilsworkshop details of where you teach Basic Skills. This will enable you to: customise the page with your own college logo, change picture, add your own tips, etc.

Tips for students sitting paper-based Level 1 or 2 multiple choice literacy and numeracy exams. A free editable Word Version of this resource is available by emailing Maggie with details of where you teach Basic Skills. This will enable you to: customise the page with your own college logo, change picture, add your own tips, etc.

Covers mental maths with the four operations and can be extended to cover odd, even & square numbers; multiples; etc. Nothing else needed!

One of our most popular resources has now been given a facelift. Includes ‘Follow Me’ warm-up activity cards on ordering days, months and seasons – for group numeracy sessions (EL1-EL3), also suitable for Literacy (Reading levels E1-E3). Small cards for matching months/days to abbreviations or order. Larger cards for playing matching / sorting games /alphabetical ordering and spelling. Useful key word reference sheets connected to time and numbers. Cheque writing help. Match upper and lower case key words. With dozens of teaching ideas. Best printed on card or laminated.

Major update - October 2021. 

A practical and easy way to introduce decimals from Entry Level 2 (1 decimal place) onwards. Written in 2001, I have now updated the Functional Skills mapping and removed the old Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum references. Two new gap-fill charts for E2-E3 and L1-L2 , and a range of new blank charts for whole numbers and decimals of all sizes!  Also useful for: