Resources to Support Literacy Level Instruction

Adult ESL learners who are learning to read and write for the first time in their lives present a unique challenge in the ESL classroom. Literacy level learners need support in all of the skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as additional help around phonemic awareness and phonics, and developing metalanguage to talk about language (noun, verb, adjective, pronoun, tense, etc.). However, while literacy level learners may be in the classroom for the first time, they come with a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, as well as a keen understanding of how precious learning is. Literacy level learners “may be beginning learners, but they are not beginning thinkers” (Brod, 1999).

Teachers and tutors who work with literacy level learners may struggle to find materials and activities that are appropriate for the level, and designed specifically for adults. The following websites contain resources specifically designed for literacy level instruction or teacher professional development at this level. Explore and enjoy!

ATLAS ESL Resource Library: Low Literacy Adult ESL Resource Page

Find links to a variety of resources tailored to adult ESL literacy level learners. Resources include videos, a guide to developing curriculum, ESL Literacy Readers, and more. This resource is periodically updated, so check it regularly!

https://atlasabe.org/resources/esl/special-topics-in-esl/low-literacy-adult-esl/

LESLLA (Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults) Website

This website contains numerous helpful resources, including targeted research, assessments, links to materials for educators, and the latest news about literacy level teaching.

https://www.leslla.org/

Minnesota Literacy Council Classroom Videos Webpage

The videos on this website include a section on literacy level instruction so viewers can see MN teachers in action!

http://mnliteracy.org/classroomvideos

Minnesota Literacy Council Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Instructional Support Kit

English language learners at many levels need additional assistance with building their phonetic awareness and strengthening their phonetic decoding abilities. This kit provides a variety of activities that can be used with literacy level learners in one-on-one, small group, or full class instruction.

http://mnliteracy.org/tools/ESLKits