English / Literacy

Mrs Sugden, Faculty Lead for English has provided the following resources (below) for home learning. There are also some ideas for learning websites at the end of this page.

UPDATE

FREE - Audible Books online for children

Listen on a PC, tablet phone or laptop. Click on the link below to access

https://stories.audible.com/start-listen

UPDATE - Free daily audio story from David Walliams

https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/

Literacy Ideas for Extended Learning Challenge

Please find below a range of activities that can be completed at home to help continue to build core literacy and communication skills. They reference core English skills related to your child’s programme of study and exam skills required. Please encourage your child to identify appropriate tasks from the list to complete. Your child will be given a folder, workbook, pen and pencil especially for this work. All work should be dated and have the name of the task as a title, please encourage your child through praising – feel free to write positive comments and award points! Some tasks are designed to be completed more than once – agree a challenge amount of points your child is going to try and earn for the day or week, it might help to create a chart.

(The chart below is also attached as a pdf document at the bottom of the page, you may prefer to print it off)

Activity Focus Reading/ Writing/ Speaking & Listening	Details of Task	Focus of the task	Level of Support ^{I = Independent} ^{VP = Verbal prompt} ^{PP = physical prompt} ^{VP = visual prompt}	Points for this Task
Reading	Follow a recipe	Read the list of ingredients – make sure you have what you need. Pause – write a shopping list [if needed] Read and follow the instructions.		3 points
Reading	Follow a set of written instructions eg board game, video game	Read the instructions in order. Read each instruction twice to make sure you understand what to do. Ask for someone else to read if you get stuck, focus on listening carefully... Explain what you have to do to someone else.		3 points
Reading	Read information on a t.v. programme or film before watching to find out more.	Read to find out what it is about. Read to find out who the characters are. Read to find out who the *actors* are. Read to check the age rating [if it has one].		3 points
Reading	Listen to and talk about a story.	Listen to find out what happens in the story. Talk about what happens in the story.Answer questions about the story. Point to something you notice in the picture.		3 points
Reading	Share read a book with someone. [longer books then focus on a chapter or section]	Read a section of the book clearly. Talk about what happened in the story OR what you find out. Link this to any illustrations/photos. Take turns to read with the person you are reading with – you read a bit, they read a bit – keep concentrating carefully. Express a personal opinion- What did you like/dislike? Higher Challenge: What did you think of characters/ events or information you discovered–remember to explain why?		3 points 3 bonus points
Reading	Teach someone else the RWI speed sounds.	Using the RWI speed sound chart your teacher gave you... Read each sound carefully. Be a patient teacher – sound each sound clearly – say it again if needed. Now try and say them faster... And again even faster ... Fantastic, you’re now an expert!		3 points 2 bonus points if you were a patient teacher!
Reading	Read an address on a letter.	Read carefully noticing What order the address is written in. Which words have a capital letter – think why?		2 points
Reading	Read information in a text from someone you know.	Read carefully – re-read if needed - think... What was the message? Was the message clear? What could they have done to make it even better?		2 points
Reading	Read information in an email.	Read carefully – re-read if needed – think... Who was the email from? Was the *message* in the email clear? What did you find out? Was it a formal or informal email? [Informal = family/friends]		4 points
Reading	Read information in an email [Higher level challenge]	Think about how an email is set out (structure) How did they say ‘hello’ [called a ‘salutation’] How did they say ‘goodbye’ [called a ‘valediction’] Identify whether it was a formal or informal. Did they start by stating why they are writing? Did they explain in more detail in the middle? What was the message in the final paragraph?Your opinion – What did they do well? Did you spot an ‘even better if’?		4 points
Reading	Read information in a leaflet	Read carefully – What information did you find out? Practise answering who, what , when, where, why questions.		3 points
Reading	Read information in a leaflet [Higher Level Challenge]	Read carefully – What is the purpose of the leaflet? How did it get the message across? Think – What words/phrases did they use? Are the words different sizes – why? Did they use any pictures – What + why		4 points
Reading	Read information in a poster	Read carefully – What information did you find out? Practise answering who, what , when, where, why questions. Express a personal opinion: Do you like or dislike the poster - why?		3 points 1 x bonus points
Reading	Read information in a poster [Higher Level Challenge]	Read carefully – What is the purpose of the leaflet? How did it get the message across? Think – What words/phrases did they use? Are the words different sizes – why? Did they use any pictures – What + why		4 points
Reading	Build your word power with some dictionary work	Keep a log of new words you find when you read – Write down the word Look it up in a dictionary OR online Write out the meaning of that word		5 points [for every 5 words you find]
Reading	Build your word power by identifying writer’s techniques in texts you read	Keep a log of examples of good writing – Identify a word or phrase [group of words] you think work well. Write down the word/phrase Why do you like them – what do they show/tell the reader? Key terms for this task: adjective – describing word verb – doing word onomatopoeia – sound words simile – describing something by comparing it with something else personification – giving the qualities of a person to something that isn’t human eg an inanimate object, nature exaggeration – making something sound better or worse than it really is emotive language – aims to create an emotional response/to persuade the reader to share the writer’s point of view.		2 points [for each word/ phrase]
Writing	Handwriting Practise (Life Skills work) Write your name clearly	Practise writing your name Start with a capital letter eg Anne Smith Form each letter carefully Sit your writing on the line		2 points
Writing	Handwriting Practise (Life Skills work) Practise writing your signature	Practise writing your signature – you will need to do this many times in your life! You can either use your full name OR the letter of your first name and your surname (last name) in full eg Anne Smith OR A. Smith		2 points
Writing	Handwriting Practise (Life Skills work) Practise your handwriting	Practise your handwriting – having clear handwriting is an important skill. Choose a short section of writing – Copy it out accurately Form letters clearly – Top tip: practise writing a line of any you find more difficult as a warm-up before you start. Sit your writing on the line. Check punctuation is accurate [. , ? ! “...”]		3 points
Writing [motor skills]	Make letter shapes	Use play dough [or similar eg pastry, plasticine] to form letters and shapes Start with first letter of names of people THEN First letter or names of favourite animals and everyday objects Homemade non-cook Play Dough: Do not eat! Lots of recipes online 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of salt, gradually stir in ½ cup of water. [Store in a plastic bag – make fresh regularly see online for guidance.]
Writing	Write a recipe for someone else to follow	List the ingredients – make sure you check that you haven’t missed anything. Write instructions – don’t forget to number them to make them clear to follow.		4 points
Writing	Write a set of instructions for a game eg board game, video game	Write the instructions in order. Re-read your instructions to make sure you haven’t missed a step. Ask for someone else to read the instructions to see if they work.		4 points
Writing	Make and write a card for a friend/family member to make them smile.	Think about who you are making the card for. Draw/colour in a picture Write a short message Top Tip: Link to writing an address task and post your card OR link to writing a text or email and send it as a picture.		4 points
Writing	Write an address	Link this work to the Reading task... Task 1: Write your address Task 2: Write someone else’s address House number and name of road, Area the road is in, Postcode Check that capital letters are used correctly eg 35 Royal Lane, Hillingdon UB8 2NJ		2 points
Writing	Write a text to a friend/family member to make them smile	Think about who you are writing to – What will make them smile? Choose words carefully to make sure your message is clear. Re-read to check before sending – I’m an English teacher so please add punctuation!		2 points
Writing	Write an email or letter to a friend/family member to make them smile	Think about who you are writing to – Make sure it has a beginning, middle + end - Start with saying ‘hello’ and end with ‘from’ or a ‘see you soon’ [see Reading task for help with this] Choose words carefully to make sure your ideas are clear and entertaining. Tell them what you have been doing? Remember to include detail to make it interesting. Can you think of something that will make them laugh or smile? Re-read to check before sending – please add punctuation to help get your message across clearly. Look out for missing words.		5 points
Writing	Write a review of a book/film/t.v. programme	Become a book/film or T.V. critic! Write a review – include The name of the book/film/programme Write a brief summary – though don’t give away the ending! Express a personal opinion – what did you like/dislike? Explain why? What audience do you think it is suitable for?		7 points
Writing	Be a food critic – Write a review of a meal [be kind, the cook might read it!]	Become a food critic! Write a review Name the food Describe the look, taste, smell in as much detail as possible. Express a personal opinion – what did you like/dislike? Explain why? Who do you think would enjoy this food?		7 points
Writing	Write a detailed description / or starting point of a story	Choose a picture [from a book or the internet] Describe what you can see – like Harry Potter photos, what would happen in 5 seconds eg a waterfall, taking a penalty in a football match What would you see, hear, smell, taste, feel? Use descriptive writing technique [see Reading task that links with this]. TopTip: Think about what atmosphere you want to create and craft words to do this eg sense of danger, excitement, adventure. OR Use the picture as a starting point for a story. Remember –		7 points
Writing	Create a new character for a story	Calling all creative people! Use your imagination and create a new character for a story. [Human, animal, alien, mythical] Draw THEN write about them OR the other way around, whatever works best for you. Describe what they look like Describe their personality – good or bad, friendly or scary – you decide! Describe the place they live and what they eat and what they like to do		7 points
Writing	Write a story [can also be a cartoon story]	Now take the ‘new character’ task a bit further... Use your imagination and write an original story. Where is it set? When is it set? [Now, the past, the future?] Who are the characters in the story? Now carefully entertain your audience by telling the story ... Introduction to set the scene/place/characters What happens first? What happens next? Build to and then writing in detail about the climax of the story [the exciting or dramatic bit!] How does it end?		15 points
Writing	Write diary entry – this is a task you might decide to do regularly.	Write about your day – remember, a diary is a place where you can be honest about what happened and your feelings. No structure to follow for this one, just check to make sure you have expressed your thoughts clearly. Very Important: If you are feeling upset or worried make sure you tell someone – maybe show them your diary to help with this.		8 points
Writing	Write a vlog script	Vlogs are video logs and can be about more or less anything from how to apply nail varnish, how to make a favourite snack or talking about a favourite programme. Imagine you are talking to your audience Write script – include ‘notes’ on what you will be showing your audience as you talk. Think about... the way you will use language to entertain or explain A clear structure - beginning, middle and end.		10 points
Reading/Writing Longer Project	Personal Research project	This can be about anything you like including favourite hobbies and interests eg the history of London buses, the London Underground or Arsenal football club [the best team right?!] Include writing, pictures, anything you like – a cool front cover and index would be good a glossary might be helpful if there are lots of tricky words related to this hobby others will struggle to understand.		30 points
Reading/Writing Longer Project	Personal Learning Journey – learn a new skill!	Keep a log of research you complete to learn this skill eg what you have read, watched and things you have tried to help build this skill.		30 points
Speaking & Listening	Tell a someone a joke	Take time to think so that you know What you want to say [make sure that it’s appropriate for your audience!] How you want to say it - remember your communication skills; tone of voice, facial expression, body language. practise, practise THEN Tell your joke! [This is a good skill to learn. You can tell a joke you know, tell one you have made up, research jokes in a book or on the internet - be careful with that one! Watch other comedians performing - it’s often the way they tell a joke that makes it so funny.]		2 points 2 bonus points if your people really laugh!
Speaking & Listening	Retell a favourite story	Take time to think so that you know What you want to say [beginning, middle + end] How you want to say it - remember word choice to entertain AND your communication skills; tone of voice, facial expression, body language. practise, practise THEN Tell your story. Review: How did you get on? Did they listen carefully? How do you know they did?		5 points
Speaking & Listening	Watch a t.v. programme and talk to someone about it	This is a lovely activity to do with people in your family or friends… Concentrate and watch quietly THEN Ask questions to find out more [use question words: who, what, when, where, why] Listen carefully to the answers. Answer questions to explain to others Express a personal opinion. What did you like/dislike? Why? Higher Challenge: Did you agree or disagree? Can you understand the other person’s point of view...even if you don’t agree! Link to Writing a Review task...		4 points
Speaking & Listening	Watch a film and talk to someone about it	This is a lovely activity to do with people in your family or friends… Concentrate and watch quietly THEN Ask questions to find out more [use question words: who, what, when, where, why] Listen carefully to the answers. Answer questions to explain to others Express a personal opinion. What did you like/dislike? Why? Higher Challenge: Did you agree or disagree? Can you understand the other person’s point of view...even if you don’t agree! Link to Writing a Review task...		6 points
Speaking & Listening	Follow a simple instruction	Listen carefully Repeat the instruction [just to check] Follow the instruction If you get stuck... Ask for the instruction to be repeated Ask for the person to demonstrate what to do THEN follow the instruction independently.		2 points
Speaking & Listening	Follow a 2 step instruction	Listen carefully - getting harder! Repeat the instruction [just to check] Follow the instruction If you get stuck... Ask for the instruction to be repeated Ask for the person to demonstrate what to do THEN follow the instruction independently.		2 points
Speaking & Listening	Follow a 3 step instruction	Listen carefully - this is getting tricky now! Repeat the instruction [just to check] Follow the instruction If you get stuck... Ask for the instruction to be repeated Ask for the person to demonstrate what to do THEN follow the instruction independently.		3 points
Speaking & Listening	Give clear instructions for a simple every day task eg. brushing teeth, making a bed	Think carefully - practise going through the task in your mind first [You might need to do the task yourself thinking about First, Next and Finally.] NOW you’re ready... Give clear instructions - ONE step at a time Top Tip: Be ready to repeat the instruction or change how you have given the instruction to help. Remember to use praise to encourage and keep this a fun activity.		4 points
Speaking & Listening	Give clear instructions for making a snack eg a sandwich or cup of tea	Think carefully - practise going through the task in your mind first [You might need to do the task yourself thinking about First, Next and Finally.] NOW you’re ready... Give clear instructions - ONE step at a time Top Tip: Be ready to repeat the instruction or change how you have given the instruction to help. Remember to use praise to encourage and keep this a fun activity.		4 points
Speaking & Listening	Teamwork Challenge: Help with a job at home	Doing your bit at home will teach you important life skills - so helping helps everyone and makes you feel good. Talk about the job that needs to be done. Agree best ways to complete the task. Agree who will do what. WORK HARD to get your part done. Watch to see if anyone in the team needs your help to do their part - offer help if needed. Feel good about yourself, you are amazing!		4 points
Speaking & Listening	Teamwork Challenge: Notice a job that needs to be done AND organise a team to get the job done.	Doing your bit at home will teach you important life skills - so helping helps everyone and makes you feel good. Explain the job to your team . Suggest best ways to complete the task. Listen to alternative ideas [leaders listen!]. Agree who will do what. WORK HARD to get your part done. Watch to see if anyone in the team needs your help to do their part - offer help if needed. Feel good about yourself, you are amazing!		5 points
Speaking & Listening	Ask 3 questions to find out more.	This is a really good skill to practise. You can practise this in lots of different situations. To complete the challenge you need to LISTEN carefully to the answer.		3 points
Speaking & Listening	Play a game with someone eg. card game, board game, leggo.	Key skill to practise - Teamwork - help each other Sharing fairly - take turns Explaining your ideas Listening carefully to others Compromise so that everyone has a good time. Be a good winner - tell the person who didn’t win what they did well OR be gracious in defeat! Say ‘well done’. Tell them what they did well.		3 points
Speaking & Listening	Play a video game with someone eg in competition or teamwork	Key skill to practise - Teamwork - help each other Sharing fairly - take turns Explaining your ideas Listening carefully to others Compromise so that everyone has fun. Be a good winner - tell the person who didn’t win what they did well OR be gracious in defeat! Say ‘well done’. Tell them what they did well.		3 points
Speaking & Listening	Retell a favourite childhood memory	Take time to think so that you know What you want to say [beginning, middle + end] How you want to say it - remember word choice to entertain AND your communication skills; tone of voice, facial expression, body language. practise, practise THEN Tell your favourite memory. Review: How did you get on? Did they listen carefully? How do you know they did?		2 points
Speaking & Listening	Phone a friend OR family member to cheer them up	This is really important, especially if someone lives on their own… Remember it feels good to make someone else happy and it’s often so easy to do - this is a great way to show that you care! Speak clearly and at a good volume - especially if you are talking to someone who is a bit older. Say ‘hello’ Ask how they are Ask what they are doing? Tell them something you have enjoyed doing? Ask if they need any help? Let them know you have enjoyed talking to them. Say ‘goodbye’ politely and that you’ll call again soon.		^{3 points}

Extra Learning Opportunities:

All students will have two reading books from our school library. If you need a reminder about the letter sounds we use in school this video is very helpful https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/parents/#lg=1&slide=2
BBC Bitesize has a wide range of really good resources for all areas of the curriculum including building core literacy skills https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
CBBC – really engaging stories and games https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies
Crickweb – a wide range of games and skill building tasks http://www.crickweb.co.uk/
Early Years story ordering games https://www.education.com/game/ant-and-grasshopper-story-ordering/
A range of interactive literacy resources https://uk.ixl.com/ela/

Meadow High School

Achieving Together

English / Literacy

Literacy Ideas for Extended Learning Challenge

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