What is Literacy? 1

What does it mean to be literate in the 21 st century? 2

What is Literacy? Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary Literacy is the quality or state of being literate. “able to read and write” Literate comes from Latin “marked with letters” 3

What is Literacy? Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland Literacy not only involves competency in reading and writing, but goes beyond this to include the critical and effective use of these in peoples’ lives, and the use of language (oral and written) for all purposes. 4

What is Literacy? OECD Definition Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society. 5

What is Literacy? National Institute for Literacy, U.S.A An individual’s ability to read, write, speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual and in society. 6

NALA’S DEFINITION OF LITERACY Literacy involves listening & speaking, reading, writing, numeracy and using everyday technology to communicate and handle information. It includes more than the technical skills of communication: it also has personal, social and economic dimensions. Literacy increases the opportunity for individuals and communities to reflect on their situation, explore new possibilities and initiate change. 7

What does it mean to be literate in the 21 st Century? Capacity to  Read  Understand  Critically appreciate  express 8

What does it mean to be literate in the 21 st Century? Encourages  Interaction Encompasses  Spoken language  Printed text  Broadcast media  Digital media  Following signs & instructions 9

What does it mean to be literate in the 21 st Century? Making sense of Information  Sending an  Advertisements and notices  Shopping lists Understanding  Utility bills  SKYPE 10

What does it mean to be literate in the 21 st Century? Literacy today requires rapid decoding of print and non-print text 11

What is Literacy? Literacy has evolved from focus on reading and writing to a more inclusive perspective. Literacy includes competence as well as knowledge and skills. 12

What is the importance of reading, writing & numeracy Discuss and record how many times in a typical day you need reading, writing & numeracy? 13

Literacy Levels Level One A level one student has... difficulty with basic reading or writing – labels, headlines difficulty recognising simple words – one syllable words difficulty signing name, writing, name, writing address 14

Literacy Levels Level Two A level two student is... able to write name, address, simple sentences able to read headlines, identify words able to write simple sentences or phrases 15

Literacy Levels Level Three A level three student can... fluently read text and understand its meaning demonstrate some writing fluency and understands standard conventions of English 16

The Effective Tutor What knowledge, skills and attitudes make an effective tutor? 17

Volunteer Tutors should... Be patient and understanding Be kind and have an empathetic nature Be respectful Be committed Be resourceful Have a good command of spoken and written English 18

What is Good Literacy Practise? Starts with the needs of the individual. It is concerned with: Building confidence Improving self esteem Developing communication skills – the integration of listening, speaking, reading, writing and numeracy 19