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.
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
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).
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.
This blog offers plenty of valuable information such as:
A complete and up-to-date guide about the Maths GCSE exams that students can use to inform themselves and get ahead in preparing for the said exam.
This blog is produced by the recruitment agency Engage Education and covers a wide variety of issues relevant to teachers. It includes advice on how to be a better teacher in the classroom, advice on how teachers can best manage their career, how to look after themselves outside of the school, and so on.
This resource is intended for pupils sitting their GCSE exams in 2019 and offers a range of useful revision tips and techniques to aid in preparation for such a key period.
A tutoring platform helping to connect local tutors to students. Tutorfair also promises that for every student who pays, they make a donation to help a student who can't. So far they have helped thousands of learners from challenging schools, giving free tuition to 7778 students in 21 different schools.
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.