Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

A really unusual reading comprehension exercise that also tests a range of maths skills (dates, large numbers, distance, etc.). Although the general reading level is around Level1 it is based on an Australian news article about a lottery winner and contains a lot of unfamiliar Australian vocabulary. Thus it also stretches Level 2 learners. An optional glossary is provided; this includes words such as swag, Slikpik, shire and half a dozen more.

A challenging warm-up for Level 2 students. Create flow charts and calculate with units of time.

A 4 week scheme of work for OCN E3 Garden Horticulture. Great example of embedding aspects of all three Functional Skills into a vocational course. 4 × 2 hour sessions covering identifying weeds and vegetables; sowing seeds, bulbs and tubers; and preparing growing beds.
With detailed E3 Functional Maths,English and ICT mapping charts showing embedding of measuring, internet searching, reading instructions, writing plant profiles, etc.

Ideas for a revision class on the theme of making a cake. I have included a cake recipe by Delia Smith and some prices of cake ingredients and items for cake decorating.

Step by step method for using this very clever, little-known method of working out those tricky times tables from 6 to 9. (The method relies on the user knowing his or her “easier times tables” well so is not suitable for the complete times-tables novice. Very clear slides with lots of illustrated examples.
Please note you must have the Smart Notebook software installed on your computer in order to open, view and use the Notebook resource http://smarttech.com/

This Powerpoint presentation describes, with examples, a simple method to convert between metric units. The method is based on a table similar to a place value table.

Lovely warm-up or “taster “ for L1-2 level groups. The idea could easily be adapted for Entry Level groups.
Just as the quote on the resource says:“The value of the problem is not so much in coming up with the answer as in the ideas and attempted ideas it forces on the would be solver.”
See comments below for some suggested answers. Please add your own answers or suggestions for other suitable groups.

Step by step method for working out any percentage using easy mental maths methods such as dividing by 10 or 100; doubling and adding up. An example is included and a blank “bubble template “ to users to use with their own percentage problems. A smart notebook version of the template is also included.
Please note you must have the Smart Notebook software installed on your computer in order to open, view and use the Notebook resource http://smarttech.com/

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).

8 week fully mapped medium term plan / scheme of work for teaching perimeter, area and volume to learners preparing for Edexcel ALAN (adult literacy and numeracy) tests.

Lots of detail – including hyperlinks to online practice tests and DfES Skills for Life worksheets. Fully mapped and differentiated. With loads of lovely hands-on kinaesthetic ideas for covering these topics.