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Written as a resource for distance learners with good reading skills who were challenged by some of the questions in the Level 1 Numeracy test.

I wanted to give them different methods of working out multiplication and division questions in particular – emphasising that multiplication is the reverse of division, and that multiplication is the same as repeated addition. The idea of division as repeated subtraction is also introduced.

Autumn Festivals – Entry 3 comprehension questions (also includes alphabetical ordering and dictionary work) based on a short text about autumn festivals from different cultures and faiths. The short text is from the Autumn Apple Cake resource (see below) which you will also have to download.

A challenging, 24 piece hexagonal jigsaw where you must match ratios to their simplified versions. Also makes a great revision activity for revising times tables and common factors. As usual with Tarsia puzzles, you can choose to print either a standard or large version of the puzzle (select Output – large, i.e. three pieces per A4 sheet).

A topical comprehension activity with two sets of differentiated questions (also includes alphabetical ordering) for E3-L1 and L2. Makes a great practice / revision activity before L1-2 exams. Based on a 2008 report on the BBC web site about the executive producer, Russel Davies, stepping down.

16 piece triangular jigsaw where you must match the facts and figures to the correct definitions / answers. Makes a great revision activity – covers all area of the curriculum. Andrea suggests that as the print is quite small on the standard sized puzzle, tutors might find it helpful to print out the larger version of the puzzle (select Output – large, i.e. three pieces per A4 sheet).

A Simple and straightforward 16 piece jigsaw that makes a great group activity. Cardinal and ordinal numbers are matched with number words to form a triangle. This puzzle constructs sequentially, i.e. the word ‘one’ is at the triangle’s apex, matching with 1, then two, underneath it and so on up to 10 in cardinals and 8th in ordinals (this makes it a lot easier for preEntry learners to see how the triangle is constructed).

16 piece jigsaw that makes a great ice breaker. First used with older learners who were unused to metric measures, and a younger learner who was unused to imperial. Match metric measure descriptions or quantities with their imperial equivalents to solve the puzzle and complete the triangle. Although converting between systems is only covered at level 2 of the curriculum the creator, Andrea, reports that E3/L1 students cope with this very well, as their life experiences help them.

Spring Festivals – Entry 3 comprehension questions (also includes alphabetical ordering and dictionary work) based on a short text about spring festivals from different cultures and faiths. The short text is part of the Easter Eggs – best buy? resource (below) which you will also have to download

This crossword consists of 12 words (6 pairs of homophones) and clues based on some of the words in Nicola Tom’s homophone definition matching cards (see below). Makes a good extension or revision activity. Andrea says: ‘My learners made up some memory joggers to help them differentiate the different spellings for different meanings and I used these as the basis for the clues, which is why some are a little idiosyncratic!’

A 24 piece jigsaw where pairs or small groups of learners must correctly match synonyms on triangular pieces in order to complete the hexagonal puzzle. Makes a great ice breaker or starter activity for pairs or small groups. Although synonyms are only covered at level 2 of the SfL curriculum this puzzle is also great for improving the vocabulary of E3-L1 learners.