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I thought people would be interested in this resource. I have used it a lot, particularly with Entry students, to get them used to using a dictionary and to practise the different types of words. It also helps them practise alphabetical order.

Written for students to practise their skills just before the old-style multiple choice literacy exams – but it can be used to check many Functional English reading and writing skills at any time.

A useful game I created to help my students understand and recognise different types of documents. It is particularly useful as a plenary. I first used it several years ago in an observed lesson, and the game was highly complimented!

Editor’s note
With extensive instructions, differentiation ideas and full Functional English mapping.

Based on an hilarious Comics Relief YouTube clip. A great way to get students to look at conversations in speaking and listening or to look at humour, irony and sarcasm.

You can vary the questions or just use them as a discussion prompt. I have found it works well with lower level learners and with higher ones as well. Even students who don’t like the shows or the people will have some comments

Beautiful set of L1-2 Reading comprehension exercises. Includes Medieval Christmas, Victorian Christmas, Post-War Christmas, etc. The main focus is reading for detail but there are also vocabulary and dictionary questions.

Based on a series of BBC British History web pages of the same name – but note that only nine “ages” are included in this resource! (There is no Georgian/Regency Christmas).

Here is another Level 1-2 variant on the classic ‘Smarties’ investigation which incorporates the use of a PC and Excel. I stopped using Smarties and Skittles because of the health and hygiene issues.

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/

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/

An interesting and challenging interactive whiteboard activity based on an idea found on the NCETM site . Accompanied by a useful Word template which students can use for further experimentation and practice.
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/