Scroll down the English for Action page until you reach section 6. Here you can find the download link to this superb 76 page toolkit, along with a brief overview. I don't know why I have only just come across this resource! IMO, it makes inspiring and fascinating reading for all teachers, not just ESOL specialists.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
ESOL
General ESOL
General
Staff development
Study Skills and General Teaching
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
I am absolutely fascinated by this blog written by Lauren Piovesan, the founder of ESL Reads. Despite spending two decades simplifying texts - a task that I enjoy and sometimes find a challenge - I've never really analysed what I'm doing.
Although written for EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers this is a useful guide for both experienced and new teachers of ESOL, adult literacy (Functional Skills English) and indeed vocational subjects.
I’ve only briefly skimmed through but some of these new mastery resources for L1 & L2 Functional Maths (and GCSE resits) look amazing! Includes full 33 hour (22 x 1.5 hr lessons) schemes of work, lesson plans, handouts and slides.
Language feature spotting in songs - Eurovision through the ages edition! 8 songs that have all won Eurovision and use various language features. Suitable for L1 and L2.
Editor's note
Very topical and jolly 3 minute video. Lyrics appear clearly, word by word, on screen. Covers rhetorical questions, simile, repetition and more. Teachers will probably want to watch in advance and formulate their own question prompts. PS. Some of these songs made me feel old!
Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
The Science of Reading blog is well worth a look - especially the Tuesday Teaching Tips.
For example, the entry for Tuesday April 25th included a useful morpheme chart & a lovely idea of pulling out & deeply analysing specific vocabulary over a period of several days (in this case the word 'siphon'!).
English for Swimming is a huge 88 page resource pack created in Australia for CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities. The pack covers almost every aspect of SLC and reading that you could think of, along with links to supplementary materials, including videos. There is a particular emphasis on vocabulary, conversation activities and reading comprehension, with some wonderful texts (see Image of contents page).
A fun quiz for St David's Day (or any other day you feel like making Welsh cakes!) made in Edpuzzle. There's slightly more emphasis on maths than English but it's also very useful for improving listening, memory and general observation skills. Inspired by our long-time St David's Day Welsh Cakes ratio resource (Gill Clark, 2008) and, of course, the lovely Welsh Tourist Board video that is used in the quiz).
A huge collection of links to resources that can be used to support and feedback on English learning in Further Education (Functional Skills and GCSE)
Categorised by Level (FS E2, E3, L1, L2, GCSE) along with other categories such as R&D. You are invited to add what you can. Compiled and created by Nicola Milton with other contributors.
Link updated 7/3/22 A huge collection of links to texts and videos that can be used to support English learning in Further Education (Functional English and/or GCSE.) Neatly categorised by vocational area (I counted at least 20 areas!). You are invited to add what you can. Compiled and created by Hollie Barnes and at least 10 contributors.
A Functional Skills English project, hosted on Padlet. Students are challenged to host an industry award evening. They must source, decide upon and hire the venue; invite the guests as well as write a speech and report on the events of an incident-packed evening.
Aimed at high Level 1 and Level 2 Functional English learners – Padlet allows for the resources to be accessed online or downloaded and offered as paper-based tasks.