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).
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.
A practical investigation that can be enjoyed in mixed level classes. There's something for all learners from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.
Editor's note. One of my favourite resources that somehow got lost when the site was redeveloped in 2011. Now fully updated to reflect the new 2018 Functional Skills content that come into effect September 2019. Pages 7-8 show detailed FS mapping to content descriptors and problem solving skills.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
FM E1.3 Add numbers which total up to 20, & subtract numbers from numbers up to 20
FM E1.13 Read & draw simple charts & diagrams inc. a tally chart, block diagram/graph
FM E2.25 Take information from one format and represent the information in another format including use of bar charts
FM E3.23 Organise & represent information in appropriate ways inc. tables, diagrams, simple line graphs & bar charts
FM L1.8 Read, write, order & compare common fractions & mixed numbers
FM L2.27 Express probabilities as fractions, decimals & percentages
One of our most endearing and popular resources. This excellent investigation for mixed ability groups has inspired many other Skillsworkshop contributors to create related Smartie resources (see below for just a small selection). Covers almost all data handling curriculum elements from Entry 1 to Level 1 along with other elements from N1 (whole numbers) and Measure. Topics covered include counting, estimating, addition, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more.
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:
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
FM Context free underpinning
FM E2.2 Read, write, order & compare numbers up to 200
FM E2.11 Read, write & use decimals to one decimal place
FM E3.1 Count, read, write, order & compare numbers up to 1000
FM E3.8 Read, write & use decimals up to two decimal places
FM L1.1 Read, write, order & compare large numbers (up to one million)
FM L1.3 Multiply & divide whole numbers & decimals by 10, 100, 1000
FM L1.10 Read, write, order & compare decimals up to three decimal places
FM L2.1 Read, write, order & compare positive & negative numbers of any size
