National Adult Literacy Database

This document is one in a series prepared by literacy practitioner/researchers in Alberta to investigate a range of questions. Here, the author looks at whether it is possible to adapt the Writing to Read method, which teaches children to write as a precursor to reading, for use with adult literacy students.

The author had already worked with one adult for whom the method proved very successful, so she decides to use it with another adult learner. This time, the outcome is very different, underscoring the importance of tailoring tutoring to the needs of the individual learner.

In particular, the experience emphasizes the need to assess the learner before planning a course of study and the importance of mutual trust between tutor and learner.