National Adult Literacy Database

Volume 1: Southern Saskatchewan

Series: Literacy Cafe Report

Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

This is a report on the some of the key items discussed during three Literacy Cafés held by the Saskatchewan Literacy Network in early 2008 in in Regina, Swift Current and Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The purpose of these Cafés was to provide a networking opportunity for literacy stakeholders and to ask for information that would guide the Literacy Network including its conversations and communications with decision makers. Through these discussions, the Literacy Network hoped to learn about the current literacy activities in each region, what was working well, the challenges that literacy stakeholders were facing and observing, and the opportunities for action and change.

Added: 2008-07-16

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Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

In this video, a young mother gets some advice on how to incorporate literacy learning into everyday life.

The coordinator of family literacy for the Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN) explains that the world is full of opportunities for learning. For example, a parent can describe plants and animals observed on a walk in the woods, then ask the child about what he has observed.

Simple nursery rhymes and other kinds of word play are important for a child’s language development, she notes. As the child grows, parents can use activities like preparing a grocery list or figuring out what time it is to help develop literacy skills.

Added: 2012-07-24

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Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

Prepared by the Saskatchewan Literacy Network, this video features adults talking about their lives before and after they took steps to improve their literacy skills.

The adults, who represent a variety of backgrounds and age groups, describe the doors that have opened up to them because of their improved skills.

They also call on governments to increase funding for and access to literacy programs. The video’s narrator points out that less than 10 percent of Canadians who could benefit from literacy services are actually getting that help.

Added: 2012-07-17

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Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

In this brief document, the authors explain how to write a press release that will catch the attention of an editor. They begin by pointing out that while an organization’s work may be very important, a press release must focus on something that will be of interest to the general public now.

The authors offer tips for organizing the information; avoiding generalities and jargon; and making sure the press release answers an editor’s questions.

They also provide a template for writing a short, powerful press release.

Added: 2011-05-17

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Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

In this document, which complements “Plain Language: A guide to clear, effective communication,” the authors define plain language and explain why it is both effective and efficient.

They also use the acronym POWER to summarize their guidelines for using plain language: Pinpoint your purpose and audience; Outline your document; Write or rewrite; Enhance with design; Read, test and revise.

Added: 2011-05-06

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Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

These worksheets provide practice for some of the concepts described in “Plain Language: A guide to clear, effective communication.”

The authors have included activities to help pinpoint the purpose of a document and to identify its intended audience. Other activities focus on preparing an outline for a document and on writing and revising it.

The authors also introduce the reader to SMOG, otherwise known as Simple Measurement of Gobbledygook, a formula to help determine the reading level of written materials.

Added: 2013-04-29

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Participant workbook

Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

The authors of this workbook begin by explaining what plain language is, why it is important, and who benefits from its use. They discuss the ways that plain language can address workplace concerns like safety and communication between coworkers.

The authors provide a set of plain language guidelines summarized in the acronym POWER: Pinpoint your purpose and audience; Outline your document; Write or rewrite; Enhance with design; Read, test and revise.

They also discuss the pros and cons of using readability formulas; explain how to field test a document; and provide a list of other plain language resources.

Added: 2011-05-10

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Authors: Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN)

In this video, about 12 minutes in length, three adult learners discuss the impact of sharing their personal stories in the media. Each of the learners has given many interviews for both print and broadcast media.

They offer tips for coping with nervousness and presenting the message effectively. Their tips include practising in front of a mirror; asking for interview questions in advance if possible; and getting information about the venue where the interview will take place.

Other topics include setting boundaries by specifying areas that are off limits during an interview; handling an interviewer who don’t seem to understand the issue; and dealing with the response from the public.

Added: 2011-09-16

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