Elements of a SuccessfulCommunity Literacy Project

OtherDetailsProgrammeTutorsOlderStrugglingReadersExit/GrowthStrategy

Introduction

This document is a jumping off point for all the things that should be consideredbefore embarking on a community literacy project.Since 1999, I’ve been involved in community literacy as a trainer, tutor, volunteerrecruiter and co-ordinator and a literacy programme developer. This document is adistillation of the hard lessons learned over those ten or more years.I have omitted the issue of funding because that seems to become the focus and theother essential issues don’t get the attention they deserve. No matter how muchmoney you have, you need appropriate referrals, good tutors, a place to work and asuccessful reading programme in order to have anything positive to report back toyour funder.If you have no idea where the money will come from, this will be an excellent basisfor a funding proposal.Please contact me if you have any questions or just want to talk things through.Tricia MillarDeveloper, ThatReadingThingwelcome@thatreadingthing.com

The starting place for any literacy project is need. That may sound obvious but itcan be harder than you think to find enough struggling readers to keep your tutorsbusy.Before committing to a literacy project, contact your local secondary schools, Con-nexions, Youth Offending Service and other community groups to ask them aboutthe literacy needs of their young people. If working with adults, ask around at fam-ily support groups and primary schools though this can be difficult due to confiden-tiality issues.Once you’ve established a need, make sure that the referrals you get are appropriatefor your tutors.

An appropriate referral:

Has a measured reading age of less than 12 and would like help, OR

Has asked for literacy help, OR

Has been observed struggling with forms etc and agrees to some help.

Please note that this is always voluntary for the young person.

An inappropriate referral:

Has behavioural issues but solid literacy skills

Has English as an additional language and poor spoken English. TRT worksfrom spoken language to written language so a good spoken English vocabu-lary is essential.

Has literacy needs but doesn’t want any help. (This is flexible as they are quiteoften won over during the first lesson.)

Is younger than 11 or 12. (minimum Year 6)

OlderStrugglingReaders