Integrating Literacies into Programs
Participants in community programs or courses may have difficulties with some of the literacy requirements of their program. Integrating literacies means recognizing and addressing the needs of people with literacy and learning difficulties. Integrating literacies can support adults to use and practice reading, writing and related skills. It is also a way to reduce barriers and widen access to participation and learning.
Here are some ways to offer support for literacies:
- Use participatory approaches that build on people’s interests and strengths.
- Use reading materials that are interesting, informative and readable for participants.
- Use clear language principles in your handouts and PowerPoint presentations.
- Help people use their background knowledge to read. Invite people to share what they know about the topic or ask questions before they read.
- Share what you know about reading.
- Encourage people to help each other with the reading and writing tasks in the program.
- Help people find materials that they can read at home.
- Help people learn how to scan and skim and practice these skills when they read.
- Encourage people to get a library card.
Widening Access project staff developed resources for workshops and consultations about integrating support for literacies. You are welcome to use and adapt the resources for non-profit purposes.
- Introduction (PDF - 102k)
- Integrating Literacies Workshop Plan (PDF - 86k)
- Workshop Participant Package (PDF - 292k)
- PowerPoint presentation [Workshop] (3.6 MB)
- Integrating Literacies in Collective Kitchens Workshop Plan (PDF - 95k)
- Integrating Literacies in Parenting Groups Workshop Plan (PDF - 261k)
- Adult Learning Principles [Handout] (PDF - 73k)
- Active Listening [Handout] (PDF - 73k)
- Checklist of Literacy Skills [Handout] (PDF - 85k)
- Presenting Clearly [Handout] (PDF - 111k)
- Reading Aloud [Handout] (PDF - 83k)
- Reading Tips [Handout] (PDF - 75k)
Project staff also initiated a Literacy and Learning Circle. This was a forum for community program facilitators to share ideas and resources on literacy and learning topics. See the Introduction to Integrating Literacies for more information.
Building on the Widening Access project, Learning Centre staff facilitated the Everyday Literacies project. Project activites supported adult literacy learners to explore the literacies they use in their day-to-day lives. With learner input, staff developed literacy resources and strategies for use in ongoing literacy and community programs.
Click on Links to find other resources about integrating literacies.
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