Resources for Literacy & Language & More! February 16, 2026

Resources for Literacy & Language & More!

Katrina Benson, Director of Education & Enrichment

“I always forget these things exist—even though I have them bookmarked.”
“My students LOVE these stories. They finally feel like the texts are meant for adults.”
“Thank you for this digital skills link—this is exactly what I needed for tomorrow!”

These were just a few of the comments shared during our Conversations by the Copier session, facilitated by Katrina Benson, John Trerotola, and Kristine Kelly, at this year’s Language & Literacy Institute. Although we weren’t gathered around a literal copier, the energy was the same: informal, joyful, resource-rich, and grounded in the everyday realities of Minnesota Adult Education classrooms.

Educators from across the state came together to name their go-to tools and compare what’s working for learners at all levels. The conversation moved quickly—sometimes hilariously so—but clear themes emerged around digital literacy, reading resources, hybrid teaching, and meaningful assessment options.

What We Talked About

Digital Literacy for Multilingual Learners

Teachers shared the need for digital literacy materials with minimal text that still build confidence. Several participants rediscovered resources they already had bookmarked, including digital skills libraries, beginner-friendly slide decks, and scaffolded tools embedded in ABC English and ELDES.

Reading & Writing Across Levels

Educators expressed interest in:

  • High-interest, low-level adult readings
  • Short stories for early readers that don’t feel like children’s books
  • Updated fluency materials
  • Sentence-level writing supports
  • Options for advanced multilingual learners preparing for GED RLA

Resources such as Reading Skills 4 Today, ABC English library materials, and GrooveLit rose to the top.

Hybrid / HyFlex Learning

Participants shared strategies for supporting learners attending both in-person and online. Materials that are editable, flexible, and Google-Meet-friendly were especially appreciated. The Mankato HyFlex recording was shared as a useful model.

Assessments & Growth Tracking

Educators discussed interest in pairing CASAS Steps with ABLE tests for Beginning ESL Literacy learners. Many are beginning to use ABLE as a progress-monitoring tool that helps students see—and celebrate—their growth.

Session Slides & Shared Resources

As the conversation flowed, we shared resources and directed one another to new tools:

👉 Slides from Resources for Literacy & Language & More!

And because the chat was so rich, here are a few of the community-shared favorites you may want to revisit:

Educators also highlighted the ABC English Teacher Training Modules, which offer free demonstrations, lesson routines, and video samples helpful for literacy instruction.

Looking Ahead

As always, the informal conversations are often where some of the best ideas emerge. Several educators expressed interest in contributing short write-ups to MN ABE Connect, highlighting a resource they love or a strategy that’s supporting learner engagement.

If you’d like to share something, we’d be thrilled to help get you on the newsletter schedule.

Thank you to everyone who joined, shared generously, and helped create the fast-moving, supportive, and laughter-filled space that makes Conversations by the Copier such a highlight. Minnesota Adult Education continues to shine because of the educators who show up—with curiosity, collaboration, and deep commitment to learners every day.

Please reach out to Katrina Benson at kbenson@neighborhoodhousemn.org with any follow-up questions or resource needs!

Katrina Benson, Director of Education & Enrichment Neighborhood House

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