Adult Literacy Resources Available for Loan from Literacy BC Provincial Literacy Resource Centre
Last update: May 24, 2007
This resource list contains a sampling of popular and current books on popular adult literacy topics. All materials may be borrowed from the Literacy BC Resource Centre. There is no cost for borrowing books. You can learn more about the library and search the library catalogue on the Web athttp://www2.literacy.bc.ca/Rescentr.htm.
Contact Literacy BC to borrow these and other resources. Telephone: 604-684-0624 or toll free in BC: 1-800-663-1293. Fax: 604-684-8520 Email: library@literacy.bc.ca.
Empowering the spirit : native literacy curricula.
Developed by Kateri Akiwenzie Damm. Ontario: Ningwangke Clearinghouse, 1997 [371.9797 A55].
The curriculum was developed to assist Native Literacy Coordinators and tutors in providing appropriate materials for native learners at various ages and levels of literacy. [Note: This resource was updated in 2004 with more cultural support for teachers and practitioners. The 30 lesson plans were restructured using the Medicine Wheel. 371.9797 E4s
First Nations literacy theme units: an instructor’s guide.
Written by Carmen Rodrigues…[et al.]. 1996. [371.9797 F57]
A workbook designed for B.C First Nations. Ottawa: HRCD, 2000. [307.14 F73] Also available online at http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/epb/sid/cia/comm_deve/H-BIntro.doc
This booklet is a collection of “tips, strategies, tools, tactics, ideas, and guidelines.” It includes tips on creating a positive learning environment, reading and writing strategies, activities, games, numeracy, family literacy tips, and resources
The Gathering Tree
Written by Larry Loyie et al. Penticton, BC : Theytus Books, 2005.
A gentle positive story of a family facing HIV, told in a rural First Nations setting. Includes student materials for students, teachers, parents, health educators, etc. [813.54 B75]
Literacy programs in First Nations communities: a discussion paper.
Prepared by Visions First Planning Group. [Powell, B.C? First Nations Planning Group, 1996. [371.9797 L58]
This study examines the literacy needs of BC First Nations people.
A whole system approach to designing and developing aboriginal culture-based literacy program lesson plans (2001) A manual to assist Native literacy practitioners to develop their own education systems. [371.82997 H3805]
By invitation only : a literacy model for communities.
Prepared by Louise Ettling, Janet Isselis. Literacy programs B.C., [Surrey, B.C.: Community Language Access Society in partnership with Kwantlen University College],1995. [379.24 E885 and also available at http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2/content_storage_01/0000000b/80/21/e4/0b.pdf ]
A process guide to assist educators and community workers in developing learning opportunities in community settings
Community literacy: an intergenerational perspective.
Prepared by Janet Isserlis …[et al] National Literacy Secretariat, 1994. [379.24 C666]
This guide suggests that literacy workers can collaborate in ways that could increase access to literacy learning for community members across at least one generation. It is a program development guide with examples from various countries.
Literacy Now : a planning guide : 2010 Legacies Now (2006)
Vancouver, B. C. : 2010 LegaciesNow, c2006. [379.2409711 L58 2006 and also available online at http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/Images/Literacy/LiteracyNow_Guide.pdf]
Literacy Now is a community-based planning process aimed at addressing local literacy needs. The guide outlines a community strategy to encourage new literacy initiatives, alliances, programs and planning across BC.
Partnership in literacy : a guide for community organization and program development.
Written by Wendy Watson and Barbara Bates. Victoria, B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology, 1991 [379.24 W38 and also available online at http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2/content_storage_01/0000000b/80/21/e4/0b.pdf]
This guide covers the framework for planning and developing a community literacy organization, the framework for instructional design, innovative projects in literacy partnerships and descriptions of B.C. Literacy programs and projects.
The weaving literacy planning guide : supporting integrated approaches to literacy and community building in Canada and Learning from the Weaving Literacy project (2005)
Written by Suzanne Smythe. Ottawa, Ont. : Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs, 2005. [379.24 S697]
A guide for people who have come together to plan for literacy in their organization or community.
Adults with learning disabilities: the road to success.
Written by Janet Johnston M. ON: Sureen Publishing and Productions, 1996 [371.90475 J57]
This book is written for instructors or tutors of adult literacy programs and employment counselors. Teaching or counseling the adult with learning disability requires that you respond to individual learning needs.
Dyslexia: Action Plans for Successful Learning: A Practical Guide to Learning Disabilities.
Written by Glynis Hannell. MN: Peytral Publications, 2004.
This is a helpful resource for classroom teachers, special needs teachers and parents. There are hundreds of great ideas for successful learning. Every idea is practical, tried and tested. It is suitable for adults.
Job Fit. Book 1, book 2 and Facilitator’s Guide.
Toronto, ON: Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, 2004.
These books were developed to assist people with learning disabilities to become more effective at finding and keeping a job. The learner workbooks help to assess learning styles, employment goals and job-finding skills, and how to cope in the workplace.
Learning disabilities training : a new approach
Written by Judith Anne Fowler et al. London, ON: Literacy Link South Central, 2003. Also available full-text at http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/ldtrain/cover.htm
Modules to help understand working with adults with disabilities, screening, training plans, effective instructional methods.
Special needs assessment procedures: a guide to ensure equal access to literacy programs for adults with disabilities.
Written by Patt Hatt. ON:Toronto District School Board,1999. [371.90475 H13]
A large part of this guide discusses categories of disability-cognitive, motor disability, psychiatric and sensory. Each is discussed in some detail.
Vision : seeing the possibilities beyond : structure of intellect (SOI) and sensori-motor integration exercise within literacy programs : final report
Written by Michelle LeBeau. BC: AVED, 2003.
A report evaluating the application of structure of intellect, sensori-motor, and other tools in a literacy project.
All About Literacy : A How To Book for Classroom Teachers of Literacy Level Adult ESL.
Written by Price-Hosie, Sandra. Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2005. 428.34 P75
This practical book is written for classroom teachers of ESL literacy. It is based on Vancouver Community College’s TESOL Program which has a Teaching Literacy segment in the Teaching Writing Course TESOL program, taught by the author. In addition to strategies and exercises, the book maintains that understanding the learner is essential.
English for Work Activities : A Picture Process Dictionary.
Written by Lynn Stafford-Yilmaz and Lawrence J. Zwier.NY: New Readers Press, 2004.
For high beginning to intermediate ESL learners. This dictionary teaches daily English used in typical workplace situations. It focuses on vocabulary and lays the foundation for further study of grammar, reading, speaking and writing. It may be used as a core classroom text or for individual study.
English : No Problem! Language for Home, School, Work, and Community. (3 volumes: Literacy Teacher’s Edition, Literacy Workbook, Literacy Book).
Written by Elizabeth Minicz and Marcia L. Taylor.NY: New Readers Press, 2004.
For literacy level ESL learners. These resources are designed for adult and young adult ESL learners.
Family Literacy Matters: A Longitudinal Parent-Child Literacy Intervention Study.
Written by Lynda M. Phillips et al. Calgary, AB: Detselig Enterprises Ltd, 2006.
By following families over three years, the authors have convincingly shown the power of a family literacy program to change lives.
A Communication Framework for Family Literacy: Bridging Differences, Planning, and Building Skill Sets. J
ean Fowler and Sydney Hook. June 2005. Also available online at http://bctf.ca/TeachingToDiversity/BC-projects/FamilyLiteracy.pdf
This guide contains an introduction to definitions of family literacy and the role of interaction as fundamental to adult/child relationships.
The family and parenting program : strengthening literacy skills through parent involvement.
Prepared by Garth Greatheart, Project Literacy Victoria, for the National Literacy Secretariat. Victoria, BC: Project Literacy Victoria, 1997. [649.58 G74]
The purpose of the program is to promote literacy skill development by introducing parents to reading readiness and activities that can be shared with their children.
Get Set Learn! : A Case Study of a Family Literacy Program in Waterloo Region.
By Lorri Sauve. Kitchener, ON : Project READ Literacy Network, 2006.
This report provides a case study of a family literacy program in the Waterloo Region of Ontario, that was offered in the fall of 2003, fall of 2004, and spring of 2005. It provides background information on learning theories; demonstrates how the program incorporates the theory in its curriculum and methods of presentation; evaluates the program impact; discusses the factors necessary for success; and makes recommendations.
Growing into literacy : train the facilitator manual.
Written by William T. Fagan and Mary C. Cronin. Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1999. [649.58 G76]
This manual and accompanying video will help anyone who are interested in becoming a facilitator of the PRINTS program. The goal is to help facilitators develop understanding, competence and expertise necessary to work with parents, teachers and other interested people.
Literacy and parenting skills (L.A.P.S) : facilitator’s guide and participants’ materials.
Written by Laureen Mackenzie. Calgary: Alberta Vocational College, 1996. [482.00715 M115]
L.A.P.S. is a collaborative effort to meet the needs of those who wish to improve their literacy skills.
Parents Reading, Children Succeeding: Family Literacy Program.
Betty Knight. Invermere, BC : Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, 2005. Also available online at www.nald.ca/library/learning/paread/cover.htm
The Parents Reading, Children Succeeding program is designed primarily for parents of children three to five years old. In the parent portion of the program, parents share ideas and activities that will help them support the learning and emergent literacy skill development of their preschool children. In the children’s portion, parents and children participate in a safe, fun program of activities that support and encourage learning.
Pathways : a primer family literacy programs design and development.
Prepared by Rebecca King and Jennifer McMaster. Louisville, Ky. : National Centre for Family Literacry, 2000. [649.58 K56]
This book is designed to meet the educational needs of parents and their children together. Parents will have access to the training and support because every parent will be a child’s first teacher.
Special Relationships : How Families Learn Together.
Maureen Banbury. Leicester, UK: National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), 2005.
“What is the unique nature of intergenerational family learning, where family members are involved in joint learning sessions? This publication sets out to discover whether there is something unique about the learning that happens within the special relationship that are family intergenerational groupings.”
Canada from eh to zed.
David DeRocco and John F. Chabot. Virgil, ON: Full Blast Productions, 1994. [428.64 D47]
This series consists of 4 volumes each with 26 short, self-contained articles, and each starting with a different letter of the alphabet. There are also questions and activities, ranging from vocabulary and short-answer comprehension questions to discussion questions and a word puzzle.”
Discovering Potential : A Practitioner’s Guide.
Written by Kathryn James and Christine Nightingale. Leicester, UK: National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, 2004.
This resource package supports practitioners and managers who work with adults with low self-esteem. It looks at what self-esteem is and how it affects participation; partnership working; working with adults using a guidance model; and staff development and maintaining good mental health. It is meant for those working one-on-one with adults who are ‘hard to reach,’ ‘marginalized’ or ‘socially-excluded.’ Frozen tears [reader]
Don Sawyer. Novels for adult learners. Victoria, BC : Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology, 1997. [813.54 N68c]
This novel has been written especially for adult learners improving their learning skills. (Reviewed in the Literacy Materials Bulletin)
Literacy equality and creativity : resource guide for adult learners.
Edited by Toni Lambe, Rob Mark, Phyllis Murphy, Bonnie Soroke. Belfast, UK : Queen's University Belfast School of Education, 2006. [371.3 L36 2006]
This resource guide was prepared to "research, design and develop a package of text-free innovative teaching methods that can be used to explore equality issues in adult literacy education". It discusses the theory and rationale behind the approaches, as well as providing an explanation of the methods themselves. Suggestions for lesson plans and professional development resources are included.
Spelling : strategies you can teach.
Mary Tarasoff. Victoria, BC : Active Learning Institute, 1994. [428.107 T37]
The book has both research findings about spelling as well as practical teaching findings and experiences. (Reviewed in the Literacy Materials Bulletin)
Teaching reading to adults : a balanced approach.
Pat Campbell. Edmonton, AB: Grassroots Press, 2003. [428.40715 C36]
In the manual, the author draws on her experience to integrate participatory theory and practice with the needs of literacy students and available resources. The video explores teaching strategies outlined in the book.
Write It Right! Improve Your Spelling of More Than 500 Words that Sound Like Other Words : A Spelling Workbook.
Marlene Gellert Hutchins. Nepean, ON: Marlene Hutchins, 2002.
This spelling workbook focuses on homonyms, words that sound the same but are spelled differently. Each of the 15 lessons has three main parts: a test yourself multiple-choice exercise, an explanation of the different spellings and meanings, and a review exercise. It is useful for ESL students or for anyone brushing up on spelling.
Writing out loud.
Written by Deborah Morgan. Camrose, Alta.: [s.n.].1997. [428.62 M67]
This binder format contains exercises and writing ideas that help make learning more meaningful.
Vocabulary Boosters : Workbook 1.
Susan Rogers. Edmonton, AB: Grassroots Press, 2005.
This workbook aims to help adult learners develop their vocabulary through reading passages written at an appropriate level. The workbook is organized around four themes: health, wildlife, the environment and popular culture. The workbook can be completed independently, with a tutor, or with a group.
Achievement in Non-Accredited Learning for Adults with Learning Difficulties : Report of the Scoping Study.
Liz Maudslay and Christine Nightingale. Leicester, UK: National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), 2004.
“There has been less emphasis on recognizing and recording how learners make progress in areas which are not accredited… It is important that teachers and learners find out about and apply more of the exciting and interesting ways to identify needs and achievements, and celebrate those achievements. This publication illustrates that there is a wide range of understandings and methods available in the literature and tested in practice.”
Canadian adult reading assessment (CARA).
Dr Pat Campbell and Flo Brokop. Instructor’s manual and CD-ROM and student’s assessment booklet. Edmonton, AB: Grass Roots Press, 2000. [428.00715 C36]
This assessment provides placement and diagnostic information and identified reading patterns, enabling you to choose effective teaching strategies. For testing individuals.
The Circle of Learning : Saskatchewan Adult Literacy Benchmarks : Levels 1 and 2.
Saskatoon, SK: Saskatchewan Literacy Network, 2006. Also available online at http://www.sk.literacy.ca/resource/circle/circle.pdf
The aim of the Circle of Learning project was to develop Levels 1 and 2 benchmarks for use by formal and non-formal literacy and adult basic education programs and services in Saskatchewan. The benchmarks provide ways to document and recognize learner accomplishments and achievements, enhance learner transits between levels and across programs, and facilitate development of courses.
International adult literacy study : measuring adult literacy and life skills : new frameworks for assessment (2005)
T. Scott Murray, Yvan Clermont, Marilyn Binkley. [379.24 M8 and also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/measlit/cover.htm ]
Record of Achievement Manual : Certificate in Literacy and Learning.
Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy, Adult Learning and Literacy, 2002. Also available online at http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ael/all/publications/stages/stages.html
These three manuals are designed for adult learners to work towards certificates for stages 1, 2 and 3. Each of the three certificates has assignments with tasks to complete. The tasks help learners develop as readers and writers. The manuals contain the assignments and instructions for learners to develop their own portfolio of work.
Testing, testing… 1, 2, 3 : assessment in adult literacy, language and numeracy (2004)
Peter Lavender, Jay Derrick and Barry Brooks
This discussion paper brings together three contributions that add to the debate of how Britain can best meet the policy goal that underpins the target – that of how to strengthen skill and confidence in literacy, numeracy and language amongst adults in Britain who need support and encouragement.
Changing the Way We Teach Math : A Manual for Teaching Basic Math to Adults.
Kate Nonesuch. Cowichan, BC: Malaspina University-College, 2006. Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/mathman/mathman.pdf
The author wrote this manual for ABE math instructors who want to change their teaching practice to bring it more in line with recommendations from the research literature on teaching numeracy to adults.
Developing adult numeracy : practitioner training course
Ottawa: Ottawa Carleton District School Board, 2005 [CD-ROM 513 088]
A CD-ROM that guides practitioners through numeracy and provides ready-made learning activities.
More Complicated than it Seems : A Review of Literature About Adult Numeracy Instruction.
Kate Nonesuch. Cowichan, BC: Malaspina University-College, 2006. Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/morecomp/morecomp.pdf
This literature review was written by Kate Nonesuch, who also wrote “Changing the Way We Teach Math.”
Rethinking Assessment : Strategies for Holistic Adult Numeracy Assessment : A Resource Book for Practitioner, Policy-Makers, Researchers and Assessors. Beth Marr, Sue Helme and Dave Tout. Commonwealth of Australia, 2003.
This book is both practical and theoretical. It covers a model of holistic competence, record keeping strategies, initial assessment techniques, using reality-based assessment tasks, open-ended and negotiated assessment strategies, and issues of student’s confidence, autonomy and awareness of learning.
c The literacy audit kit : tools to help you make your services more accessible.
Prepared by Susan Devins. Calgary : The Alberta Association for Adult Literacy, 1997 [KIT 361.80971 D49 1997]
This kit was developed to help make your services more accessible to people who have trouble with reading and writing. There is a manual and a video. The manual contains an audit tool to help you find out how your clients and staff rate your organization’s success in meeting literacy clients’ needs. The video helps increase literacy awareness in your organization.
Canada’s Shame: Illiteracy in Canada [videorecording].
Toronto: CBC, 2006. Available in DVD (public performance rights) or VHS (personal use only). 25 minutes.
This report from The National, May 24, 2006 features Lynda Richards, a literacy advocate who struggled with illiteracy, a look at literacy statistics in Canada, and Nayda Veeman’s comparison of literacy in Sweden and Canada. Sweden’s system of education offers options and the statistics demonstrate the positive results, compared to Canada. For more information, see http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/education/canada-shame.html
Literacy and Lifelong Learning in BC : A Legacy of Leadership, Interim Report and Final Report.
Premier's Advisory Panel on Literacy. BC Government, 2005 (Interim Report) and 2006 (Final Report). Also available online at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/literacy/legacy.pdf
The Premier’s Advisory Panel was established in November 2004 to assess the nature and scope of literacy issues in BC, to describe the groups and communities who have the greatest unmet needs, and to formulate recommendations.
Measuring Adult Literacy and Life Skills: New Frameworks for Assessment. T. Scott Murray, Yvan Clermont and Marilyn Binkley, editors. Ottawa: Minister of Industry, 2005. International Adult Literacy Survey, Catalogue no. 89-552-MIE, no. 13. Also available online at http://www.nald.ca/library/research/measlit/cover.htm
"The objective of this report is to document key aspects of the development of the International Adult Literacy and life Skills Survey (ALL) – its theoretical roots, the domains selected for possible assessment, the approaches taken to assessment in each domain and the criteria that were employed to decide which domains were to be carried in the final design. The ALL survey was meant to build on the success of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) assessments by extending the range of skills assessed and by improving the quality of the assessment methods employed."
Models of adult learning: A literature review.
By Karin Tusting and David Barton. Leicester, UK: National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, 2003.
This book is a review of models of learning that are adult focused. The review is wide-ranging, presenting ideas from many fields about how adults learn, and theories that are useful in relation to adult education. It is intended for people working in adult language, literacy and numeracy, as well as the general field of adult learning.
Research in Practice Projects.
Vancouver, BC: RiPAL-BC, 2006. Also available online at http://ripal.literacy.bc.ca/completed.html
These straight forward reports offer practical suggestions about the research process, as well as implications for practice: “See Me: Use of Personal Narrative in the Classroom” by Paula Davies; “Walking Alongside: Youth-Adult Partnerships in Making Change” by Melanie Sondergaard; “From Concrete to Abstract: The Benefits of Using a Guided Reflective Writing Technique with Adult Literacy Students” by Leonne Beebe; “Make It Real: Participatory Action Research with Adult Learners” by Dee McRae; and “Catching Our Breath: Collaborative Reflection-On-Action in Remote-Rural BC” by Anne Docherty.
Valuing Literacy: Rhetoric or Reality?
Nayda Veeman, Angela Ward and Keith Walker. Calgary, AB : Detselig Enterprises Ltd, 2006.
Intended for policymakers, adult educators, and education researchers - as well as being of interest to the general reader - this book has international appeal as it contrasts the impact on adult literacy levels of the social democratic approach of Sweden and the liberal approach of Canada. The authors question whether Canada's current literacy strategies are working to increase learning opportunities for adults, and they also discuss the problem of political will in Canada's fragmented education policy sector.
Adult literacy now.
Edited by Maurice C. Taylor. Toronto, Canada: Culture Concepts Inc, 2001. [374.012 A2335]
This book is written to bring together the four faces of the adult literacy picture i.e. community-based literacy
Exploring tutors’ and students’ beliefs about reading and reading strategies (2002).
A comparison of tutors’ and learners’ perceptions about reading and if the differences impacted on teaching and learning. [428.00715 S75 and also available online at http://www.nald.ca/RiPAL/Resourcs/publicat/explore/cover.htm ]
cA guide for tutoring adult literacy students.
Prepared by Joyce Cameron. Victoria, B.C. : Ministry of Advanced Education. Training and Technology, 2000. [374.0124 C35]
The manual stresses a learner-centred approach which is reflected in the test offered.
Frontier College tutor’s handbook : a guide to student centred individualized learning.
Frontier College. Toronto : Frontier College Press, 1997. [371.394 F76]
This handbook is for tutors who are helping adults improve their skills in reading, writing, and using numbers. It’s especially for tutors who are working one-to-one with adults on basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Teach someone to read : a step-by-step guide for literacy tutors : including phonics and comprehension assessments.
Written by Nadine Rosenthal. Belmont Calif. : Fearon/Janus/Quercus, 1987 [371.394 R67]
The techniques presented in this book focus on the needs and interest of adult and adolescents students. Teaching literacy skills to people with substantial life experience is quite different from teaching basic reading skills to young children.
The tutor’s toolbox.
Written by Bill Graham. Burns Lake, B.C, College of New Caledonia, 1996 [371.394 T87]
This contains 25 of the most useful techniques in literacy tutoring. This is written for persons who are trained as volunteer tutors, but need a refresher in the various teaching devices
Tutor tools (2004)
[371.394 B4 2004]
A collection of tips, strategies, tools, tactics, ideas and guidelines for tutors.
The volunteer tutor’s toolbox.
Written by Beth Herrmann. Newark, Del : International Reading Association, 1994 [371.394 T87]
This is a perfect guide for volunteer tutors or parents helping their child. It includes tutoring ideas, teaching activities and evaluation suggestions.
Changing paths : a literacy and life skills program for women in conflict with the law
From the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton, 2003. [362.83 S63]
Dream soup… and life stew : a collection of learning materials for women on the street.
Written by Lucy Alderson et al. Capilano College, WISH Drop-in Centre Society, WISH Learning Centre. Vancouver: Capilano College, October 2006
Dragonslippers : This is What an Abusive Relationship Looks Like.
Rosalind B. Penfold. Toronto: Penguin, 2005.
In a graphic diary of words and images - comic-book style – Rosalind Penfold tells her moving story of romance and love, violence and abuse. The result is a ‘toucing, profoundly shocking, and completely original portrait of domestic abuse… Above all, it is the story of a woman who fought for and found the strength to break free.’
Too scared to learn : women, violence and education.
Written by Jenny Horsman. Toronto, Ont., : McGilligan, Books, 1999 [374.012082 H67]
Literacy and women on the streets.
[371.822 A43 2003 and also available online at http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/litforwm/cover.htm ]
Examines the impact of literacy activities on the lives of women working as sex-trade workers in the downtown eastside of Vancouver.
Canadian Centre on Learning www.ccl-cca.ca
A variety of resources, projects and research on learning and literacy in Canada
Literacy BCwww.literacy.bc.ca
Events, resources and information about literacy in BC. Lending library for all of BC.
National Adult Literacy Databasewww.nald.ca
Canada’s digital literacy library. Full-text documents. Links to provincial and national organizations and resources.
Contact Literacy BC to borrow these and other resources:
Telephone 604-684-0624 or toll free in BC 1-888-732-3234. Fax 604-684-8520
Email library@literacy.bc.ca
