Adult Literacy Resources
BOOKS & MATERIALS
ENRIQUE'S STORY VHS/DVD
Former student Enrique Ramirez tells how he decided to learn to read as an adult and how it has profoundly changed his life and impacted his family. Can be used to promote your literacy program and to motivate learners (7.5 minutes).
California State Library Foundation -- 1994
LAYING IT ON THE LINE VHS with Companion Guide.
Developed and written by Meg Schofield, a former library literacy coordinator, Laying It on the Line takes the viewer into the adult literacy classroom setting. This lively, 30-minute tape demonstrates a process approach for teaching writing to adult new readers. In it, Schofield demonstrates classroom teaching techniques as well as an individual tutoring session. The video covers: barriers to writing experienced by adult learners; strategies for meeting those barriers head-on; the importance of peer group interaction; strategies for teaching adult learners how to spell; strategies for teaching life skills writing competencies; the strengths and weaknesses of the writing process approach. The "bottom line" of this technique is to increase new readers' confidence in their ability to write. California State Library Foundation -- 1995
THE DRUM: Writings by Literacy Students of the Bay Area.
These essays from 48 new adult readers were chosen by their peers and collected by the Bay Area Literacy Network.
California State Library Foundation -- 1990
HONORING DIVERSITY: A Multidimensional Learning Model for Adults.
Book, teaching cards, and audio tape. Honoring Diversity is designed for tutors, trainers, and literacy staff. It is an easy-to-read, comprehensive overview that will show you how to adapt lesson plans to learning styles. It introduces and explains how the theory of "multiple intelligences" developed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner relates to literacy and adult education. Written by Leslie Shelton, Holly Fulghum-Nutters, and Joan S. Conan. California State Library Foundation -- 1992
WEBSITES
Buildliteracy.org
BuildLiteracy is the American Library Association's partnership building web site. The website features information, materials, and resources about how libraries, literacy programs, and corporate partners work together to build stronger literacy partnerships and more literate communities. BuildLiteracy.org is funded by Verizon.
ncsall.net
"There are some great articles on adult literacy at the National Center for Adult Literacy and Learning (NCSALL) website and you can use these articles and topics for training. I used their material to do one on the four elements of teaching reading – vocabulary, fluency, decoding and comprehension that tutors liked." Recommended by: Karen Williams, Stanislaus County Free Library
newreaderspress.com/
A division of ProLiteracy Worldwide, New Readers Press publishes materials directed at adult learners starting at basic skills levels through GED. Here are materials for reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and a variety of life skills.
nifl.gov/
The National Institute for Literacy, a federal agency, provides leadership on literacy issues, including the improvement of reading instruction for children, youth, and adults. In consultation with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, the Institute serves as a national resource on current, comprehensive literacy research, practice, and policy. On this site you'll find literacy facts and statistics as well as information on government grant opportunities.
proliteracy.org
The home of the largest adult literacy organization in the United States, ProLiteracy Worldwide. Find on-line courses, professional development opportunities; sign-up for public policy updates; and, under the ProLiteracy America page, find tutor resources including ideas for teaching spelling, writing, etc.
TUTOR RESOURCES
Grammar Scramble
A grammar and sentence building game.
Rick & Linda Bowers, LinguiSystems, 1-800-PRO-IDEA
Recommended by: Lucy Sims, Beaumont Library District
No-Glamour Grammar Cards
The 200 cards offer pictures of everyday situations and stimuli that prompt students to answer questions about each picture. Good for students having difficulty expressing themselves and needing practice in speaking and writing correctly. Good for literacy and ESL students.
Carolyn LoGiudice, LinguiSystems, 1-800-PRO-IDEA
Recommended by: Lucy Sims, Beaumont Library District
HELP for Grammar Book & CD
HELP for Grammar encompasses a range of skill levels and provides numerous opportunities for practice of basic grammar concepts. Comes with a CD which makes it easy to print out activities found in the book.
Andrea M. Lazzari, LinguiSystems, 1-800-PRO-IDEA
Recommended by: Lucy Sims, Beaumont Library District
100% Grammar Lite Book & CD
Book and CD of grammar activities that appeal to grades 4 - 9 but works effectively with adults.
Carolyn & Mike LoGiudice, LinguiSystems, 1-800-PRO-IDEA
Recommended by: Lucy Sims, Beaumont Library District
No-Glamour Grammar Book sCD
Is a basic grammar program designed specifically for language-delayed individuals from 4th grade through adulthood. Comes with CD and pretest and post-test.
Suzanna Mayer Watt, LinguiSystems, 1-800-PRO-IDEA
Recommended by: Lucy Sims, Beaumont Library District
Spotlight on Grammar (Nouns, Verbs, Pronouns, Adjectives & Adverbs, Simple Sentences, Compound & Complex Sentences)
Book & CD Series
Basic grammar designed for grades 3-6 but works well with adult learners.
Carolyn LoGiudice & Kate LaQuay, LinguiSystems, 1-800-PRO-IDEA
Recommended by: Lucy Sims, Beaumont Library District