Working with a Possible Learning Disability

One of my literacy students is working on citizenship, getting ready for the test. We’ve been stuck on chapter 1 for at least three weeks, and I think it’s because he has a learning disability. He can READ and WRITE the questions and answers pretty well, but when I ask the question ORALLY he struggles to reply. When I give him the answer orally and ask him to repeat it, he almost always gets it all mixed up. Nothing in my experience or training has prepared me for this! So I went looking on the web for resources and found the Learning Disabilities Association of America, http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/adults/index.asp

There’s a subsection on their website with Adult Literacy Reading Programs for Literacy Providers, http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/adults/assessment/literacy.asp with a list of multi-sensory resources (almost none of them electronic, unfortunately).

If anyone in LVGS has some suggestions for how I can help this student to learn, I’d really appreciate hearing them.

Resources and Opportunities for Tutors

English Language Conversation Group will be held on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St. Non-native speakers can learn or improve their English at this free drop-in neighborhood conversation group that is designed to give adult English language learners practice speaking in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Individuals are welcome to attend whenever they can. No registration is necessary for this free program.

Thinkfinity offers a vast array of online resources – free check out the links below:
FOR ADULT LEARNERS
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NATIONAL HOME SAFETY MONTH

In the United States, millions of adults and their families are at risk of death and injury because they cannot read or understand existing information about fire safety, creating escape plans or preparing for disasters. These resources weave safety information into everyday literacy instruction.

Home Safety Literacy Project from
ProLiteracy
Instructional materials designed especially for adults to teach or reinforce reading, writing, listening and speaking skills while teaching essential safety messages at the same time. Available in English or Spanish.

Immigrants and Citizenship - Thinkfinity Literacy Network
If you are working to help prepare immigrants for citizenship, Verizon Thinkfinity has online courses, lessons, print resources, podcasts and interactives available to help them pass the U.S. Naturalization Test.

New Readers Press is offering a trial period for News For You online. This is a fantastic resource for beginning readers – it contains current events, news, and even a crossword puzzle all at a beginning reading level visit http://www.newsforyouonline.com/index.asp
Enter JUN2010 as the trial password

Summer is here maybe you have time for another student – the waiting list grows everyday – contact me if you would like to find out more about the students waiting to be matched!

Gretchen Wilson

You may have heard the story of Gretchen Wilson, country music superstar, who obtained her GED at age 34. She has become something of a spokesperson for adult education, even testifying before the House Committee on Education and Labor in May of last year. Gretchen has been recognized by the National Coalition for Literacy and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN) for her efforts (you can find Gretchen’s testimony here: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2009/05/).

If you are a fan of Gretchen Wilson AND a fan of adult literacy, you can click here to win tickets to see her in concert!

http://www.dgliteracysweeps.com/

Dollar General is a great supporter of literacy programs, and a funder of ours here at LVGS. Spread the word!