Module 3 – Curriculum
Basic Literacy Skills
Many people associate the word literacy with reading. While it is true that reading is generally integral to success in our society, effective written communication, basic calculations, and the ability to apply math concepts to everyday situations are also necessary. Additionally, adults need to be strong in many cognitive processes that make life easier. These include the ability to speak and listen effectively, to follow and give directions to others, to organize and prioritize tasks, to memorize information and evaluate options. Adult literacy instructors need to be familiar with the various cognitive processes involved in reading, writing, and math, as well as how to access resources for instruction in these areas.
Although many students will cite “I want a GED” as their reason for attending literacy classes, they may need to improve basic literacy skills in order to prepare them for the GED. Other adult literacy learners name goals relating to everyday concerns, like wanting to read church materials, write letters, balance their checkbook, or speak effectively in public. Some adults come with family-based needs; they want to be able to better support their child at school, stretch the family dollar, or leave public assistance programs.
Consider the time between when you awake and when you begin employment for the day. Focus on the basic reading, writing, and math skills you use to carry on everyday tasks.
- What things would be more difficult or impossible if you couldn’t read?
- How often do you do simple calculations in your head?
- How would you organize your day – what would change – if you couldn’t write?
- What basic cognitive processes or mental skills do you use in your day?
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On your worksheet, make some notes about your use of basics skills in everyday tasks. |
Click "Next" below or a specific topic on the outline to the left to continue.
Basic Skills education for adult learners is a large and growing topic. Only a brief overview of the issues, skills, and curricula is included in this course. If this topic is of strong interest to you, be sure to review the links “For Further Study” in the Basic Literacy Skills sections.