A straightforward symbol-supported activity to encourage independence in descriptive writing. Equally useful for foundation years and KS1 as it is for primary and secondary students with SEN. Made for teenagers with SLD who were studying Treasure Island. Great for students working alone, in groups or as a whole class. This highly-scaffolded activity can be used alongside reading, sensory stories or drama activities that are focused on pirates. It introduces non-writers and early writers to a variety of vocabulary around the topic and encourages independence as students choose three words for each picture. Contents Powerpoint: Slides to introduce each picture, allowing a discussion and giving students the chance to suggest words before seeing the ideas. Worksheets: Two options are provided Word Task: For students working at P levels. Students choose 3 words, stick them on the page and copy the words. Sentence Task: For students working at Stage 1. Students choose 3 words, stick them on the page and then write a sentence about the picture. Cover Page: Make this work into a booklet by adding a cover page. Provided in word format so you can personalise for your particular topic or setting. Vocabulary sheets: Symbol supported vocab sheets for each picture. These are best cut out in advance so students can focus on the vocabulary rather than their cutting skills!

These texts and associated worksheets are great for teaching non-fiction reading to KS4 and KS5 students working at Pre-GCSE level. They were made for students working towards the Edexcel Entry Level 1 English paper, but could be used as a starter exercise or confidence-booster for students working at the next level up. Two separate adverts are provided: one for a campsite and one for a games club. The questions are tailored to encourage discussion with the students about reading exam questions carefully, looking for key words and how to tackle “two point” questions. The vocabulary is straightforward but I put the texts on the board just to read through with the students before they tried the questions. They could also be used for teaching English as a foreign language.

These texts and associated worksheets are great for teaching non-fiction reading to KS4 and KS5 students working at Pre-GCSE level. They were made for students working towards the Edexcel Entry Level 1 English paper, but could be used as a starter exercise or confidence-booster for students working at the next level up. Two separate adverts are provided: one for a pet sitting service and one for a swim club. The questions are tailored to encourage discussion with the students about reading exam questions carefully, looking for key words and how to tackle “two point” questions. The vocabulary is straightforward but I put the texts on the board just to read through with the students before they tried the questions. They could also be used for teaching English as a foreign language.

These linked email and SMS texts (and associated worksheets) are great for teaching non-fiction reading to KS4 and KS5 students working at Pre-GCSE level. The texts in this activity are focused around college applications and interviews; something highly relevant to our older students. It also links nicely to a speaking and listening activity, with the students preparing to attend the college interview. (Speaking and listening template is included in Word format so you can adapt it for your students) The questions are tailored to encourage discussion with the students about reading exam questions carefully, looking for key words and how to tackle questions with more than one point available. This activity was made for students working towards the Edexcel Entry Level 1 English paper, but could be used as a starter exercise or confidence-booster for students working at the next level up or doing Functional Skills. This activity could also be used for teaching English as a foreign language.

These linked email and SMS texts (and associated worksheets) are great for teaching non-fiction reading to KS4 and KS5 students working at Pre-GCSE level. The questions are tailored to encourage discussion with the students about reading exam questions carefully, looking for key words and how to tackle “two point” questions. It might be useful to have further examples of text messages ready to discuss - most of my students thought the phone was Tom’s - which demonstrates the value of this activity in terms of Life Skills as well as preparing for exams! This activity was made for students working towards the Edexcel Entry Level 1 English paper, but could be used as a starter exercise or confidence-booster for students doing functional skills or working at the next level up. This activity could also be used for teaching English as a foreign language.

This ‘Pearson/Edexel style’ Entry-Level worksheet is perfect for introducing fiction reading papers to KS4 and KS5 students working at Pre-GCSE level. Mirroring the style of Pearson/Edexcel exam papers, this resource is based on WW1 and War Horse. I used this resource to introduce the students to a Fiction Reading Paper after teaching a unit based on War Horse by Michael Morpurgo - it could equally be used to practice answering questions about an “unseen” text as in the real exam. No former knowledge of the topic or story is required to answer the questions. The questions are tailored to encourage discussion with the students about reading exam questions carefully, looking for key words and how to tackle questions with more than one point available. The language used to direct students is the same as in the official papers, although this resource is not endorsed by Pearson/Edexcel. This activity was made for students working towards the Edexcel Entry Level 1 English paper, but could be used as a starter exercise or confidence-booster for students working at the next level up or doing Functional Skills. This activity could also be used for teaching English as a foreign language.