Literacy Resources
Though there are lots of free resources available on the Internet, not all are suited for use with lower-level adult learners. Resources should positively support learning goals with adult-oriented content. Tutors should take into consideration the diversity of interests, perspectives, abilities, learning styles, and maturity levels that adult learners bring to literacy program sessions. Try to select resources that will stimulate learning success, critical analysis, and the ability to make informed judgments. Avoid using materials with child-oriented graphics and content that may be demeaning or irrelevant to adults. Consider adapting resources or creating new ones.
Resources and or recommendations for websites will be an ongoing process. All URLs cited were confirmed as of June 2025. However, it is likely that a number of URLs will become outdated as time goes by. We suggest that if you find a web page is no longer available, you try to shorten the URL or go to the home page. If the site no longer works, please let us know at volunteer@readnb.ca.
Resources and or recommendations for websites will be an ongoing process. All URLs cited were confirmed as of June 2025. However, it is likely that a number of URLs will become outdated as time goes by. We suggest that if you find a web page is no longer available, you try to shorten the URL or go to the home page. If the site no longer works, please let us know at volunteer@readnb.ca.
SUPPORTING PDFs
- Teaching Spelling to Adult Learners - Spelling words in English is challenging work - this resource will provide some easy and entertaining ways to teach spelling (including the Ough Poem).
- Punctuation and Grammar Rules (with Exercises) and Answer Document - Learn the rules and then try the exercises. We have provided an answer document as well.
- 100 Writing Prompts - These prompts are great to help get your learners writing - a variety of topics are covered.
- Teaching Strategies for Sight Words - Sight words consist of 220 of the most frequently used words in printed English, excluding nouns. They are pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and verbs.
NB PUBLIC LIBRARY SI
The NB Public Library site has several electronic resources on various subjects & e-books accessible with a
library card.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
READING
- www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise (Site has English exercises useful for adults.)
- www.gcflearn.org (Practical site for meaning-based learning. Reading comprehension activities and tutorials.)
- English Reading: English Texts for Beginners (lingua.com) (Free texts and comprehension exercises.)
SPELLING
- www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise (A variety of spelling exercises and free downloadable factsheets can be found.)
- www.puzzle-maker.com/
WRITING
- www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise (English skills for adults include games, writing, spelling, word & sentence grammar.)
- www.gcflearn.org (Grammar practice, videos, tutorials)
- www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/ (Site has worksheets for the writing process. See educator resources for spelling & more.)
- http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/index.htm. (Writing Den offers many writing skill levels & topic areas, word-of-the-day & tips galore.)
OTHER LITERACY ORGANIZATIONS
- ABC Life Literacy Canada
- Literacy Coalition NB
- Decoda Literacy Solutions BC
- Alpha Plus - open resources and useful apps
- Laubach Literacy Ontario - Has a special section for tutors & trainers, as well as reading, writing, math, fun & games, computer, workplace, life & lifestyle, world news, essential skills, & research stuff.
- Literacy Nova Scotia - Site offers a series of videos in the Teaching Toolbox, of practical teaching techniques for use with adult learners.
- CopianLibrary - For over 25 years Copian was a national, bilingual voice for adult literacy. When the organization ceased operations its primary asset, the Copian library, has been transferred to CDEACF, in partnership with RESDAC and the Center for Literacy. On this site you will find Adult Literacy research & learning resources (formerly NALD). There, you can search by subject, title, or author. (You’ll find 7 resources that Joan Perry wrote under the name Joan B. Perry, incl. a book of NB learner stories called Live & Learn: Profiling Successful Outcomes in Literacy.
