When I first started out helping to teach people how to read, I had zero training or experience. All I was equipped with was practical knowledge, an affinity for literacy and a sincere desire to help others.
A dozen years later. I still don't know what the heck I'm doing but....I am effective in using my acquired skills in attacking the illiteracy monster. Both kids and adults who are challenged with reading, speaking and/or spelling, all have one thing in common:
The feeling of uncomfortability.
Nobody is proud of not being able to read and write, particularly in adults. This is why a lot of adults are hesistant in seeking literacy resources. Very often, people who cannot read, are still able to speak coherently but this often dupes others when attempting to recognize real literacy challenges. Just because someone can verbally talk to you, does not mean they know how to read and write.
This is why the #1 tip in helping teach literacy skills is demonstrating HUMANITY! It sounds so trivial when in fact, it is an extremely helpful and effective tool!
Here are some tips and tricks I use when helping to develop literacy skills in others.
BE RELATABLE: People who cannot read, spell or write, almost never admit this flaw. This is why the best thing any educator, parent or leader should do, is become a safe place for the learner. Take time to get to know them; ask questions and take notes. Share details about some of your likes or dislikes. Find a simple, yet positive commonality and use this to establish trust. If your student doesn't feel comfortable they won't work hard for you and/or be transparent.
BUILD on the knowledge you discovered during the above task. Use one or two key pieces of information to start your lesson. For example, if a student likes candy, start with a few candy words. If they like movies, find a movie title. Don't worry about the size of the word, or the level of the student when you're starting out.
WORK in REVERSE. Suppose one word is "Thunderbird". Write it out, Say each letter and point out all the vowels. Next point out the consonants. Separate each letter again but this time demonstrate the sound that each letter makes. Test the student by asking questions. I.E. Which letter is a consonant? Can you name all the vowels? Repeat these steps until the student grasps each concept. Then choose a new word to learn.
USE IMAGERY. Some students will struggle with the above. If starting out with words prove to be too difficult, try using pictures or other imagery instead. Lean towards easily recognizable pictures or items the student can identify. Say the word. Spell it out. Write it out. Separate the letters. Sound out each letter. Point out any vowels/consonants etc. Repeat.
CONSISTENCY & PATIENCE. Whichever technique you employ, be sure to be consistent as well as gentle with your learner. Don't expect them to learn it all overnight. If they make a mistake, gently point it out, and encourage them. Use real life or practical examples to bait them in, such as words relating to their interest or needs. If you make the exercises both fun and interesting, students will take the bait and invest in learning the material.
Thus far, I've seen great strides in every learner I've had the opportunity to work with. Even the most challenging individuals eventually respond to me and ultimately achieve measurable results! The key is simple: be human! Sometimes its easy to forget how to just be...
You dont necessarily need any special skills to assist with improving literacy in others.
Improving our community and being receptive to the energy we bring into the space we create, is a shared effort!
READ WRITE INSPIRE
RDW
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