Adult Literacy and Numeracy

Do you want to be able to help your child with homework?  Fill out forms? Read a newspaper?  

25% of adults cannot read above a grade 9 level. We help adults with free one-on-one coaching and small group learning circles to help you increase your skills in Reading, Writing and Math. We know that some adults may not have had the opportunity to learn effectively in their own way. There may be a lack of confidence and maybe some barriers to learning.  Adults who are challenged with literacy skills come to us on their own or they may be referred from other organizations. The benefits of working on these skills reach far beyond English and Math.  There are happiness, confidence and health benefits that are realized for an engaged and motivated learner.  

There are five levels of literacy for adults.  Level 1 (the lowest of the five levels) have difficulty reading food and drug labels.  Shopping for the best price and other everyday tasks such as paying utility bills can be difficult or impossible.  Adults at Level 2 find new material challenging and may not be able to correctly fill out a job application or write a cheque.  These two levels account for 48% of Canadian Adults.  It is common to know someone at this level. 

Adults considered Level 3 have the minimum literacy level to deal with most common written information, but most have difficulties with unfamiliar technical materials.  33% of Canadians are not at Level 3. 

The remaining 20% of adults are at Levels 4 and 5 and have the skills to understand new and challenging materials and are able to fully engage in technological society. 

If you or someone you know are among the 81% of Canadians who are at Levels 1, 2, or 3, you are not alone and we can help. 

This data was taken from www.literacysouthhalton.ca  

1.  How do I know what level I am?

Your first meeting is with our Adult Learning Coordinator, who will sit down with you and discuss your learning goals.  Next, you will complete an assessment that will help our Literacy Coaches know where to start on your learning journey.   The assessment may take up to an hour to complete.  

2.  What is a Learning Coach?

Learning Coaches are volunteers who have been trained in adult education and literacy.  They must submit a current RCMP security check.

3.  What if I don't like the Learning Coach that has been assigned to me?

Learning Coaches are carefully screened and every effort is made to match a coach with a learner based on the learners needs and interests.  We ask that you give your coach at least a month before deciding that you are not well matched.  However, we understand that personality differences do occur and if that is the case, we ask that you first talk to your coach and then the Adult Learning Coordinator.  We will re-evaluate the situation and match you with another coach if one is available.  

4. How long is a coaching session?

A coaching session is between one and two hours.

5. Where do we meet?

Coaching sessions are held in the library during opening hours.  We are open most evenings if that is the preferred time for learners. 

6. How long do I have to work with a Learning Coach?

The amount of time you work with your coach is entirely up to you.  We recommend that you meet once a week for at least six months in order to reach some of your learning goals.