From Fav. Book to Facebook!

--> We all have our favorite types of books. It is only until we get a recommendation from a friend or co-worker, searching online, or something else that has to truly inspire us to read something out of our “comfort zone.” This author, for instance, never would have picked up Pride and Prejudice if it hadn’t been for the zany Bridget Jones Diaries books. Thanks to them, I have expanded my collection to all of Jane Austen’s works, considering myself an absolute “Jane-ite.”

That’s why we here at the Adult Literacy League would love to know what you’re reading. Inspire someone else to try something new. Or just give us ideas for what book we should pick up next.

Post your “Fave Book” to the Adult Literacy League Facebook page, and let us know what we, and other’s should read, and why. Perhaps someone else will appreciate your dedication to romance novels set in regency England.

Nadya's in Moscow!

Our favorite literacy student turned Program Assistant, Nadya Mishutina made a stop-over in Moscow on her way to visit friends and family in Kazakhstan.  It’s been just about 3 years since she and her parents left Central Asia to seek a better life in the United States. Upon arrival, Nadya enrolled in English classes at the Adult Literacy League and, with the help of instructors and tutors, she now speaks English fluently. She recently earned her Associates of Arts degree at Valencia State College and is taking a much-needed break before heading to the University of Central Florida to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences.

                                               Nadya at St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow!

International Literacy Day 2012

Tomorrow, September 8th is International Literacy Day!

September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Educational Organization) on November 17, 1965.  Its purpose is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

This very important day is celebrated in different ways all around the world. There are a number of easy ways to observe International Literacy Day, but one of the best things you can do is to KNOW YOUR LITERACY FACTS:

-Nearly 17% of the world's population is still not literate; two thirds of them are women, making gender equality even harder to achieve.

-An estimated 122 million youth globally are illiterate.
 
-In the United States more than 20% of adults read at or below a fifth grade level- far below the level needed to earn a living wage. The National Adult Literacy Survey found that over 40 million Americans age 16 and older have significant literacy needs.

-43% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty. 

-17% of people with the lowest literacy skills receive food stamps 

-70% of people with the lowest literacy skills have no full or part time job. 

Statistics like these are what make observing International Literacy Day so important! Your celebration doesn't have to be anything too over-the-top, there are tons of small ways to recognize and make a difference! Can't think of anything? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some simple, meaningful ways to show your appreciation for the importance of literacy:

1. Donate books and reading materials to your local school or community center.
2. Start a reading club! Reading can be a social activity too!
3. VOLUNTEER to tutor someone who struggles with reading and writing. People of all ages need help!
4. Spare 140 characters. On Twitter? Share some literacy knowledge with your followers and help raise awareness!
5. Emphasize the importance of learning to love reading to a young person.
6. Read a story with a child. Better yet - have them read it to you!
7. Get a library card!  
8. Write a review of a book you've read recently, or read a review of some books you might like to read.
9. DONATE money to organizations that help people learn to read and write (like us!!). Every dollar helps purchase materials for students and tutors. The better educated Central Floridians are, the stronger our community becomes. Donate here: http://adultliteracyleague.org/donate/donatenow.html

Happy Literacy Day!!



 

September 8th is International Literacy Day!

Today, nearly 17% of the world's adult population is still not literate. Additionally, an estimated 122 million youth globally are illiterate.

We currently serve 1,040 students from 85 different countries, with another 100+ students on our waiting list.

This Saturday, September 8th is International Literacy Day! Celebrate by donating today, and helping us help others!

Setting Goals

Helping your student set long and short term goals is one of the most rewarding parts of being a tutor. Using the Monthly Tutoring Report which you can find on our website at www.adultliteracyleague.org you can interview your student about things he or she would like to be able to do, or do better;  everything from reading to children to filling out forms. If your student has a long term goal such as getting the GED or entering technical training or post-secondary education it can seem a long and difficult way off in the future. By reviewing the tutor report check boxes with your student both of you will discover that there has been progress in many areas - and all progress is forward movement towards that long-term goal!

Read the Summer Away

With only a few weeks left of summer break, why not enjoy the rest of your vacation catching up with a good book? You can visit your local library or book store and pick out a book you have been meaning to get to, or select a new book to read to the kids. Here are a few recommendations from the Adult Literacy League:

For children ages birth-5 years old:

The Surprise Garden – by Zoe Hall and Shari Halpern (illustrator)

You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Mother Goose Tales to Read Together – by Mary Ann Hoberman, and Michael Emberley (illustrator)

For children ages 3-5 years old:

The Colors of Us – by Karen Katz

Turtle in Paradise – by Jennifer L. Holm

For kids ages 10-15 (and adults!)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians – by Rick Riordan, young adult series (Greek mythology)

The Kane Chronicles – by Rick Riordan, young adult series (Egyptian mythology)

The Hunger Games – by Suzanne Collins

For adults:

Pride and Prejudice – by Jane Austen

The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas 

The Casual Vacancy – J.K. Rowling

We hope you enjoy these wonderful books with your friends and family. Happy Friday!

Something New for Summer

It's summertime, your kids have been in the house all day playing more video games than they should and eating way too much ice-cream. You're sitting in the kitchen thinking, “What can I do to get these kids outside or engaged in a productive activity?”

Well, you're in luck! Myself and the other Public Allies have found a solution for your summertime blues. START A BOOK CLUB! It’s simple, free and a lot of fun! You can invite the the children in your neighborhood, your friends and family members. The group doesn't have to be just for kids- reading is an activity that both young and old can enjoy!


All you have to do is create a simple schedule Monday-Friday and have your child or teen track how many pages they read each day. They will feel a sense of accomplishment and they will also learn along the way.

At your book club meetings, you can ask the group different questions about all the various books each of them have read. Some good questions to ask are: “What character can you relate to most in your book?" or "If you can add another character to the story, who would it be and what would they do?"


Questions like these should encourage lively discussions and encourage your kids to think critically about what they read.

We hope you’ll enjoy this summertime activity and read some fantastic books with your family and friends!