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This reading resource is designed for Functional Skills English learners.  It is aimed at level 1 and level 2, although it may be adapted for Entry level 3 also.  The resource is comprised of two texts that suggest how teenagers and young people can look after their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  Text A is adapted from the UNICEF website, and Text B is an informal email written from one worried friend to another.   The questions are written to model the reformed Edexcel Functional Skills exams, and are aimed to give learners practice in a range of  exam-style rea

Developed after a training session with Geoff Petty, I use this self-assessment checklist for mixed level groups. 

Although colour-coded to various levels, the idea is that any learner, regardless of level, can use the checklist to assess their own writing, and map their strengths and weaknesses.  It also helps  teachers to see how effectively learners are able to self-evaluate.   I have found it to be a really good tool to foster independent learning.

Editor's note

A set of posters / cards / checklists designed to prompt discussion, check learning and keep a record of student progression. Designed for Entry Level Functional Maths and English learners in an FE setting but suitable for all levels and subjects.
This resource was inspired by discussion on the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics) site about “understanding versus doing” and I would like to thank the forum members for their ideas and feedback.

Select the best word (drop-down menus) to complete the sentences then click the box the check your answer.
One of a series of interactive self-checking phonics worksheets for Entry – see below for other titles or check out Sian’s list of resources by clicking on her name.

This interesting report on an overseas sportsman in UK allows for work in ESOL. The report covers a footballer who wishes to live in Cardiff and previously moved from Birmingham to Moscow. The comprehension questions cover his career and the people that influence his life. A conversation between the journalist and player allows for forming questions and the last task is a writing opportunity.

Editor's note

Also suitable for Functional English - see the notes within the resource. I love the dialogue exercise. :)

This lesson was designed to help learners prepare to write articles for their L1 writing exam. 

There is a reading text "Woman ran last 18 miles of London Marathon with broken ankle" with vocab, gist and detail questions, and a few questions for genre analysis.

Then a worksheet to support learners to gain top tips from a youtube video (watch till 2:18).

They can check their learning by reconstructing the sample text from the video, cut up into sections.

6 page pack of examples, proof reading tasks and excellent explicit examples of how to rewrite sentences (written in the 1st person) to the more formal 3rd person. Written for NVQ 1-2 catering students working on their ‘local hospitality provision’ project but suitable for other report writing tasks.

Level 2 reading comprehension and writing activities based on three different texts (article, blog and cartoon).

• Pack 1 – reading comprehension, Text B (blog post) and a discussion idea.
• Pack 2 – reading comprehension, Text C (news article) and a writing idea. You need Text A (available separately – see below)

Note that Text A (which is carton based) can also be cut up and used as a sequencing activity for lower levels – not as easy as it looks!

Unusual football injuries is an interesting and fun writing task that also helps with reading skills, using language fit for purpose and logical structure.