Presents a last resort technique for teaching reading to adolescent and adult illiterates. (RS)

Techniques for using the whole language approach include read-aloud sessions, student story dictation, practice in using decoding skills, word banks, and exercises that stress the connection between reading and writing. The method considers individual needs and interests, offers relevance, and builds on adults' experiences. (SK)

This guide was developed to aid facilitators in delivering orientation sessions for new adult education staff. The orientation is designed for 14-16 hours of class time; the 15 lessons are organized in three 5- to 6-hour days. The following topics are covered in the lessons: (1) introduction and goals; (2) what is literacy?; (3) materials; (4) the…

A curriculum was developed that is intended to be a practical interpretation of Francis Kazemek's metaphor of adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) as storytelling. The curriculum, which is intended to encourage adult basic education (ABE) students to develop literacy skills by reading/writing about their experiences and visions, is designed…

Developed by educators from the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, this teacher's guide was developed for a 4-hour workshop to teach employees how to read the charts and graphs they need in the workplace. The unit covers four types of graphs: pictographs, bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs. The guide is divided into four sections: reading…

Improving retention in adult literacy programs is of great concern for both instructors and administrators. A learner-centered program is a must for improving retention. In such a program, a support system for learners should be readily accessible. Instruction should be based on students' goals, and program staff should be available to help…

"Choices" is a collection of 13 stories that George Ella Lyon, a writer of children's books, wrote specifically for adult new readers after conferring with adult basic education students in Kentucky. Although the individual stories are written from various people's points of view, they all tell of the dreams, hopes, and lives of working class…

Written by a workplace literacy teacher, this writing curriculum guide contains information, reflections, and student handouts for teaching writing to adult students. Topics covered include motivation to write, misconceptions about writing, the writing process (rehearsal, drafting, revision, editing, and publishing), spelling, and voice. (KC)

This volume, one of a series of curriculum guides compiled by the Colorado Workplace Learning Initiative: 1991-92, contains seven workplace literacy courses on enhanced basic skills involving decisions, teams, problem solving, and critical thinking. Introductory materials include a table of contents and a list of the curriculum topics covered by…

Presenting an overview of phonics work in community literacy programs in metro Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this book enables new tutors and facilitators to learn how to think about and do the kinds of phonics work that is used by experienced tutors and facilitators in the community programs. The first chapter of the book discusses the history of…

These curriculum materials were collected from teachers in the Lehman College Adult Learning Center (New York). They include various activities and resources, such as a series of questions about the aims of teaching adults, a list of sources for adult basic education (ABE) materials, poems, and autobiographical materials. Teaching suggestions and…

Tape recorders and computers can be useful in literacy tutoring in three situations. The situations are (1) as an aid in regular tutoring sessions, (2) as a supplement to provide drill and practice, and (3) as a management tool. Samples of these uses include tape recordings of reading assignments for students to take home and study; a computer…

This article sets forth some ideas as starting points for the initial assessment of reading, particularly for those who are relatively new to adult literacy work. It describes materials to use, including choice of materials and levels of difficulty. Variables that affect a reader's performance are listed. Information is also provided on how to…

To devise a list of functional sight vocabulary words, a search was made of numerous curriculum guides and books, school district curricula, and several commercial materials purporting to teach such words. This search provided 16 word lists with a total of 466 different words and symbols. The word lists ranged from as few as five words to as many…

Argues that adult literacy instruction should develop slowly over time and begin in the expressive and poetic discourse modes. (HOD)