These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Action Read Outreach
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Action Read Blog
This blog contains learner and volunteer news and writings. If a member has an update that they wish to contribute, please let us know. We'd be happy to post it!
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Action Read YouTube Channel
A collection of videos we've uploaded to YouTube. Click "subscribe" to get notices when we post new videos!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #1
Welcome to Week 1 of Action Read's "virtual" circle time with Brenda MacDonald! This week’s theme is spring. Special thanks to the United Way of Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin, as well as The City of Guelph for supporting the Action Read Early Start Family Literacy Program. Please share with others and subscribe to Action Read’s channel for updates.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #2
Action Read's Brenda MacDonald once again leads children in songs and stories in week 2 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is rain and rainbows - of course!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #3
Action Read's Brenda MacDonald leads children in more songs and stories in week 3 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is something we're starting to think a lot about; flowers.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #4
Welcome back to Week 4 of Brenda’s “virtual” family literacy circle! This week’s theme is Mother's Day. Let’s continue to come together to learn, have fun and explore the world through books and storytelling.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #5
Brenda MacDonald is back with week 5 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is bears!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #6
Brenda and Winnie are back with week 6 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is 'jungle animals' (by special request of Winnie)!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #7
It's week 7 already of Brenda’s virtual family literacy circle! Explore the theme of "farm animals" through stories, songs, books, rhymes and language play.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #8
"By the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf..." Explore caterpillars and butterflies in week 8 of Brenda’s online family literacy circle. What could be more lovely on a warm spring day?! Welcome all.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #9
Travel to the sun and the moon in week 9 of Brenda’s online family literacy circle. Be sure to check out Winnie the dog dancing to 'Mr. Sun Sun, Mister Golden sun, please shine down on me'!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week_#10
Welcome to week 10 of circle time. This week we celebrate Father's Day. Enjoy some of Brenda's favourite father-themed books. Happy reading, happy day!
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United Way Visit to Action Read
A touching video on how United Way donations are making a difference in the lives of the learners at Action Read.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Citizenship and Driving
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Canadian Citizenship Practice Test
A fun, interactive and up-to-date study resource for your citizenship test by the Richmond B.C. Public Library.
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Citizenship Tests and Moving Guide
This website has free citizenship practice tests as well as a comprehensive guide to obtaining work visas and understanding the process of moving to Canada.
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Driver’s Licence Practice Tests
This Toronto based website provides free practice test and quizzes for getting your G1 driver's licence, your class A and D truck licence and your M1 motorcycle licence.
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Ministry Drivers Handbook Test Yourself
This Ontario government webpage provides sample questions from the MTO driver’s knowledge test to help people prepare for the written test required to get an Ontario driver’s licence. It covers topics such as road signs, traffic laws and safe driving practices, and lets users test their knowledge before taking the actual exam.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Family Literacy
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ABC Canada
Excellent tools and resources for early learning and adult literacy.
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ACEs Coalition
The ACEs Coalition provides support and resources to build resilience and to reduce the trauma associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences (abuse, neglect and household dysfunction that happen before the age of 18). Their free online training provides an excellent overview of ACEs and their impact, and how communities can work together to build resiliency in children and families.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #1
Welcome to Week 1 of Action Read's "virtual" circle time with Brenda MacDonald! This week’s theme is spring. Special thanks to the United Way of Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin, as well as The City of Guelph for supporting the Action Read Early Start Family Literacy Program. Please share with others and subscribe to Action Read’s channel for updates.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #2
Action Read's Brenda MacDonald once again leads children in songs and stories in week 2 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is rain and rainbows - of course!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #3
Action Read's Brenda MacDonald leads children in more songs and stories in week 3 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is something we're starting to think a lot about; flowers.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #4
Welcome back to Week 4 of Brenda’s “virtual” family literacy circle! This week’s theme is Mother's Day. Let’s continue to come together to learn, have fun and explore the world through books and storytelling.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #5
Brenda MacDonald is back with week 5 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is bears!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #6
Brenda and Winnie are back with week 6 of her "virtual" family literacy circle. This week’s theme is 'jungle animals' (by special request of Winnie)!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #7
It's week 7 already of Brenda’s virtual family literacy circle! Explore the theme of "farm animals" through stories, songs, books, rhymes and language play.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #8
"By the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf..." Explore caterpillars and butterflies in week 8 of Brenda’s online family literacy circle. What could be more lovely on a warm spring day?! Welcome all.
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Circle Time with Brenda Week #9
Travel to the sun and the moon in week 9 of Brenda’s online family literacy circle. Be sure to check out Winnie the dog dancing to 'Mr. Sun Sun, Mister Golden sun, please shine down on me'!
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Circle Time with Brenda Week_#10
Welcome to week 10 of circle time. This week we celebrate Father's Day. Enjoy some of Brenda's favourite father-themed books. Happy reading, happy day!
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Community Resilience Core Training
Low-cost (and some free!) self-directed training courses for those wanting to develop a better understanding of the relationship between early life experiences and long-term health and well-being. Certificate of recognition given upon completion. From Guelph Wellington.
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Early Years Centres
The EarlyON Child and Family Centre at the Guelph Community Health Centre provides child-centred, responsive programs and services for all children aged birth to six and their families.
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FLIT (Families Learning & Interacting Together) App
FLIT is a free app produced by the Centre for Family Literacy in Alberta that helps families promotes and encourages a rich and healthy early learning environment. Parents and caregivers will find great tips and activities ranging from reading, recipes, rhymes and games specifically designed to develop strong early literacy skills, and have FUN doing it!
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Get Set Learn Family Literacy Training & Certification
The Project READ certification program helps practitioners learn and apply the key components of family literacy in order to increase the literacy skills and wellbeing of the families they support.
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How Does Learning Happen?
Introduced by the Ontario Ministry of Education in 2014, this document is based on best practices in early learning and care. The four foundations of high quality early learning and care outlined are: Belonging, Well-being, Expression and Engagement.
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Kidsability Speech and Language Therapy
KidsAbility’s Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work with families virtually and or in-person to build their child’s communication skills. SLPs help children learn to engage, interact and play with their family and friends, to communicate with words, signs, gestures or specialized communication devices. You do not need a doctor's referral to contact KidsAbility.
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Saskatchewan Literacy Network
A not-for-profit organization that offers terrific resources and ideas for family literacy.
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Video Supporting Early Learning
Fascinating video from Harvard University that explains well what we are working to achieve in our Early Start Family Literacy Program.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Guelph
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Guelph Community Foundation
Over the years, the GCF has provided Action Read with grants for many exciting projects. Then, in 2017, an anonymous donor generously created the “Action Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph Fund” held at the GCF. Every year the original gift will generate interest and income that will be given back to Action Read! To contribute to the fund, please visit the Guelph Community Foundation's website.
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Guelph Community Health Centre
GCHC provides access to health programs and services and creates opportunities for people to improve their well-being. Program focus on primary care, children, nutrition and fitness.
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Guelph Public Library
From the latest books, audio books, e-readers and movies; to cool resources like the Golden Oak Clear Language Series and Ancestry.Com; to awesome literacy related events; the Guelph Public Library is a go-to community resource for anyone interested in reading, writing and lifelong learning.
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Guelph Transit
Provides information on all City of Guelph bus routes, fares, bus passes, news and route changes. Also links to Guelph Mobility services for people with special needs.
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Here 247
Here 24/7 is your front door to the addictions, mental health and crisis services provided by 12 agencies across Waterloo – Wellington – Dufferin. They help you figure out your needs and navigate the system. They do the intake, assessment, referral, crisis, waitlist and appointment booking work for local programs. programs.
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Kidsability
Empowers children and youth with special needs to realize their full potential.
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The City of Guelph
The City of Guelph provides funding to our Family Literacy Program. It also offers numerous other programs and services that contribute to making Guelph a wonderful place to live. The following link connects to the City of Guelph home page.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Housing
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Canadian Centre for Housing Rights
Provides information, legal services, research and advocacy to help renters understand and protect their housing rights. It works to advance access to safe, adequate and affordable housing and to address issues such as discrimination, eviction and housing insecurity.
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Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada
The mission of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is to inspire, represent and serve our members in a united co operative housing movement.
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Dealing with Mould
This resource explains how to deal with mould and presents research on indoor air quality.
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Fire Safety Canada
The Canadian Fire Safety Association is a non-profit organization that promotes fire safety through the use of seminars, safety training courses, informative newsletters, scholarships, and regular meetings.
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Housing Services, County of Wellington
The County of Wellington is responsible for the delivery and administration of provincially mandated social and affordable housing programs, energy assistance programs, as well as initiatives to prevent and address homelessness. Covers housing in Guelph and Wellington County.
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Ontario Government
Official information about housing and renting in Ontario.
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Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU)
Contact the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit if you have been locked out of your rental unit by your landlord. Call: 1-888-772-9277
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Settlement.Org
If you are new to Ontario, this website helps you find answers to common questions about housing, language, legal issues, employment and more.
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Steps to Justice – Housing Law
Steps to Justice gives reliable and practical information on common legal problems related to housing and other topics. It provides step-by-step information to help you work through your legal problems; practical tools such as checklists, fillable forms, and self-help guides; and referral information for legal and social services across Ontario.
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Tribunals – Landlord & Tenant Board
The Landlord & Tenant Board resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Legal Tools
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CLEO
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) provides plain language information and education to help people understand and exercise their legal rights.
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Free Living Will Kit
Wills and Living Wills need to be properly and freely completed, witnessed and stored. It is always a good idea to talk to your family, and to get legal advice when doing up your Will and Living Will.
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Legal Clinic of Guelph Wellington
Provides free legal advice for the areas of law they practice in to low income people who live in Guelph and Wellington County.
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Power of Attorney
In this series, CLEO provides detailed information about Power of Attorney, and how it relates to property and personal care.
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Pro Bono Ontario
Provides free legal information and advice to Ontarians who cannot afford a lawyer, connecting them with volunteer lawyers for help with everyday civil legal issues. It also offers specialized legal programs for areas such as education, housing, employment, consumer issues and support for charities and nonprofits.
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Steps to Justice
Provides practical, easy to understand, step-by-step information about legal problems.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Community / Literacy Organizations
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2026 Directory of Programs
Project READ Literacy Network presents this directory in partnership with its associate organizations. Browse the directory to find out about adult literacy, employment, family literacy programs, ESL and online programs in Wellington and Waterloo counties.
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Community Literacy of Ontario
CLO is a provincial literacy network of 100 community literacy agencies across Ontario. CLO provide many services to Ontario’s literacy community such as creating and sharing information via e-bulletins, newsletters, resource guides, our website, and via online and face-to-face training events.
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Conestoga College Upgrading
Academic Upgrading is a tuition-free program that prepares adults for further college learning, apprenticeship or employment. Support topics include English and Essential Skills, science, math, computers, and learning how to learn.
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Project Read
Kitchener-based support organization which shares information, coordinates local literacy planning and provides outreach for literacy services in Wellington and Waterloo regions.
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Skills Upgrading
The Skills Upgrading Program from the Upper Grand District School Board helps adults build their Essential Skills in order to move on to employment, high school credits, apprenticeship, or post-secondary education. Programs run September to June.
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Wellington County Learning Centre
WCLC provides Essential Skills training to adults in the County of Wellington. Other programs include Youth and Adult Literacy Program, Let's Get Real, Adult Small Group and the Circles Program.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Blended Learning
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AI Tutor
AI Tutor is a free, bilingual, 24/7 online learning assistant developed by Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s non-profit distance education and training network, to help students better understand course material, practice problems, and improve their learning skills.
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E-learning FYI
The "wikipedia" of online learning! A curated free database of over 300 learning sites covering a variety of subjects for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Created by Sophia Joffe, a high school student from Toronto.
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Good Learning Anywhere
Free online distance learning for Ontario adult learners who wish to upgrade their reading, writing, math, computer and other Essential Skills. Good Learning Anywhere works with Aboriginal and non Aboriginal communities, organizations and individuals to identify and meet their learning goals in a flexible environment.
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Learn Free
A free online learning resource operated by a U.S. nonprofit organization, offering self-paced lessons in digital skills, workplace skills, math, writing, and other practical skills. Formerly GCFGlobal / Goodwill International.
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LinkedIn Learning
Guelph Public Library card holders have FREE access to thousands of courses and instructional videos on topics covering business, technology and creative fields.
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The Learning Hub
An Ontario-based free program available to adult learners who want to access a flexible online learning environment. They do not offer High School credit courses. Learners are assigned an online practitioner who will lead and support them with their upgrading.
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Tutor.com
Guelph Public Library card holders have FREE access to live, one-on-one, online tutoring services for students as young as kindergarten and as advanced as post-secondary education. Live tutoring is open from 12pm to 12am, 7 days a week.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)
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CAEC Alignment Project
The CAEC is a high-quality, made-in-Canada education credential that meets industry standards as a replacement for the GED® In March 2025, CLO created or added over new 50 tools and resources to help learners complete the CAEC. Check it out!
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CAEC Overview Video
The CAEC credential replaced the GED® in Canada in 2024. It is made up of 5 tests. Watch this video to learn more about how the tests are formatted, written and scored.
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CAEC Sample Tests
Vretta creates assessments and learning experiences that support the success of students through feedback and learning strategies.
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Ontario CAEC
The TVO Independent Learning Centre (ILC) is the only provider of the CAEC testing program in Ontario.
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Outcomes by Subject
This document outlines the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass each of the 5 CAEC tests.
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The Canadian Encyclopedia
Great source of information for Canadian history, economy and culture. Includes resources on Indigenous and Settler populations.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Computers
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Chromebook Instruction
Learn the basics of using this low-cost alternative to traditional laptops.
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Compare Cell Phone Plans
Cell phone prices and availability vary by location throughout Canada. PlanHub is a Canadian site that looks at the costs and features of all the websites in your province, town or city. Make sure the plan you choose meets the internet need and speed of your needs. Do a personalized search to find the most suitable option for you. Information on this site is updated regularly. This is a powerful tool!
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E-learning FYI
The "wikipedia" of online learning! A curated free database of over 300 learning sites covering a variety of subjects for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Created by Sophia Joffe, a high school student from Toronto.
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Email Etiquette
As Grammarly says "Email etiquette is the set of social guidelines that govern polite, productive email communication. As with offline etiquette, email etiquette serves to make conversations comfortable, considerate, and professional." Click to learn basic email etiquette.
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Guelph Digital Literacy Coalition
Action Read is part of the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition (GWDEC). This group addresses digital inequity in all its forms, and is making a plan to promote digital equity in Guelph Wellington so that everyone in the community can benefit from technology.
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Ipad Lessons
CBAL, a British Columbia community-based literacy network offers this clear language 'how to' ipad manual. Explore the CBAL website for other valuable resources too.
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LinkedIn Learning
Guelph Public Library card holders have FREE access to thousands of courses and instructional videos on topics covering business, technology and creative fields.
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Mouse Tutorial
Teaches you how to hold and use the mouse, including rollover, double clicking and drag and drop functions.
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Mousercise
Exercises to help you get used to the mouse. An older website, but still relevant!
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Northstar Digital Literacy Project
The Northstar Digital Literacy Project uses self-guided assessments to identify the basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online in ten main areas: Basic Computer Use, Internet, Windows Operating System, Mac OS, Email, Microsoft Word, Social Media, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Information Literacy
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Who Can You Trust?
This video, produced in 2021, helps viewers understand the role of bias in traditional and social media. It explores the concept of 'information hygiene', in order to help viewers become more critically aware media consumers.
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Zoom Training
The manuals provide information on how to use Zoom, and highlight features that practitioners find particularly useful. You will find step-by-step instructions and practitioner tips.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Financial Literacy
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ABC Canada’s Money Matters
Money Matters is a free financial literacy and education savings program for adult learners developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada.
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Credit Canada Debt Solutions
Offers resources to help you manage your debt and improve your credit
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Credit Counselling Canada
Credit Counselling Canada is the national association of not-for-profit credit counselling agencies that work provincially, regionally and locally throughout Canada. Only not-for-profit or charitable organizations are accepted as association members by their volunteer Board of Directors.
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Free Living Will Kit
Wills and Living Wills need to be properly and freely completed, witnessed and stored. It is always a good idea to talk to your family, and to get legal advice when doing up your Will and Living Will.
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Living Better on Less
A local project that aims to provide the support and skills, including cooking, to live well. The website contains healthy, inexpensive recipes will help individuals build greater self-reliance, self-confidence and self-worth.
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Special Needs Planning
This website provides an overview of various special needs planning issues.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Math
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* BBC Math for Adults
An collection of resources designed to improve your math skills. Includes sections on numbers, calculation, percent and fractions, measuring, shapes and graphs.
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aplusmath
Customizable online or printer-friendly worksheets, flash cards and games for basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
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Count & Rhyme
Songs, rhymes and memory tricks to help you remember your times tables.
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Division Using Place Value
One of many great learning videos from the Khan Academy.
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Eqivalent Fractions BINGO
A fun educational game to practice equivalent fractions with two modes: Easy & Challenge.
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Fact Monster Math Flashcards
Practice your math facts with these flashcards. Find addition, subtraction, multiplication and division flashcards, from basic math facts to 3-digit problem
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Fun Brain
A fun site, with cartoonish math and reading games. Check out the "Math Arcade", math baseball, and the "Reading" section which contains Mad Libs. Although the site's audience is kids, many of the activities can be applied to an adult context.
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How to Build a Multiplication Table
Shows how to create a tool to help you memorize your multiplication facts.
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Instructional Archive
"Quintessential Instructional Archive". There are over 1200 math activities on this website. Simple design and 16 different types of interactive online activities give a good framework for learning much more than just math. Screen the activities before using them with a learner; the levels vary wildly. The "advanced search" feature is useful.
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Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a trusted source, used by both students and teachers. Contains free quality practice and lessons on math, English, science and more.
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Math Drills
Includes over 50 thousand free math worksheets. Their PDF math worksheets are available on a broad range of topics including number sense, arithmetic, pre-algebra, geometry, measurement, money concepts and much more. There are some interactive math features including the Sudoku and Dots math games, and more!
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Math History. Who knew?
Animated short doc about the development of numbers throughout history.
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Math is Fun
They offer mathematics in an enjoyable and easy-to-learn manner. They truly believe that mathematics is fun. See if you agree!
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Multiplication Games
Interactive games to make math learning more engaging.
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Multiplication Made Easy
This video gives useful strategies to individuals who have not yet mastered their multiplication facts with speed.
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National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
The objective is to give concrete examples of common math concepts. The grid connects concepts to the grade level according to the American public school curriculum which closely mirrors the Canadian. These are not exactly games but can feel pretty fun as they visually represent concepts.
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Roll it! Rounding Game
A free, two-player math game that helps learners practise rounding numbers and understanding place value using dice and a game board. Players create numbers from their dice, round them to the required place, and compete to get four counters in a row
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Rounding
Another helpful Khan Academy video showing how to round to nearest 10.
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Rounding Game
A free printable math game for practicing rounding numbers to the nearest ten, thousand, and hundredth. Learners use dice to create numbers and practice rounding while playing a simple, competitive game.
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Time-for-Time
Resources and exercises to learn how to tell time using digital and analog clocks.
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Web Math Minute
This website helps you print math sheets to practice math. Fun and fast math practice!
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Reading and Writing
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BBC Skillwise English
A collection of resources designed to improve your English, including sections on reading, writing, spelling, word grammar, sentence grammar and speaking and listening.
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Dictionary.com
Comprehensive online English language resource. Additional tools such as 'word of the day', videos and language games make it interactive and fun.
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English Maven
Provides free skills-building English lessons and exercises, geared towards a range of ability levels...grade school to General Educational Development (GED).
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Grammar Bytes!
"Grammar Instruction with Attitude!" Interactive grammar exercises and printable worksheets to brush up your English grammar. Learn about fragments, irregular verbs, parallel structure, misplaced and dangling modifiers, apostrophes and pronouns, all delivered in an engaging visual format.
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Grammarly
From grammar and spelling to style and tone, Grammarly is a widely used tool that helps you eliminate errors and find the perfect words to express yourself.
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Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a trusted source, used by both students and teachers. Contains free quality practice and lessons on math, English, science and more.
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Latin Dictionary
Latdict is a "powerful dictionary tool to aid those wishing to lookup Latin words or their English equivalents." This is helpful as some dyslexia learning programs emphasize on teaching vocabulary and how to recognize Latin roots, which may help with extracting meaning in reading.
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LibriVox
LibriVox makes public domain books available for free, in audio format on the internet. It is a non-commercial, non-profit and ad-free project, powered by volunteers. Listening to books and stories can be a powerful tool in improving literacy skills, so check it out!
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Perfect English Grammar
Clear explanations and examples on a variety of English grammar issues such as prepositions, verb tenses, adjectives and more . This site contains free and paid content.
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Simple English Wikipedia
In this series of Wikipedia articles, the language is simple, but the ideas don't have to be.
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Word Matrix Maker
This website has information on how English words are built up and interactive web-tools to try out. It is helpful for anyone who is using morphology to help them understand the English writing system, especially in how words represent meaning and how they are put together.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Learners / Typing Instruction
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10 Fast Fingers
Quick typing speed tests, practice exercises, and a leaderboard to track your progress. Focuses on increasing your typing speed.
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Action Read’s Guide to Learning to Type
Action Read created this guide with information on learning how to type, with general steps, strategies and tips. All of the sites referenced in this guide are linked to Action Read’s learning Resource section ‘Learn to Type’ .
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Keybr
A minimalist and effective typing trainer that emphasizes learning through random letter combinations to build muscle memory. Keybr helps you improve both speed and accuracy. It automatically generates typing lessons based on your mistakes and adjusts to your skill level.
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Ratatype
A simple, user-friendly typing program that includes a typing test and a variety of free lessons. Ratatype offers typing certifications and detailed performance feedback.
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Sense Lang Typing Tutor
Learn how to type without looking at the keyboard. Learn to practice typing using various types of tutorials and keyboard layouts. Free typing lessons for beginners and advanced.
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Type Racer
Type Racer makes typing fun/ It allows people to race each-other by typing quotes from books, movies, and songs. It is the first multiplayer typing game on the web.
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Typing Club
Free lessons for beginners to advanced typists. The lessons include interactive exercises and progress tracking. Provides structured courses with a gradual increase in difficulty. It also has a gamified approach to make learning fun and engaging.
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Typing.com
Free typing lessons, including courses on specific skills like number pad typing and speed-building exercises. This site is beginner-friendly, offering courses for all ages, from kids to adults.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Accessibility
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Chromebook Accessibility Features
Provides instructions for using Chromebook accessibility features, including text-to-speech, magnification, dictation, captions, keyboard and mouse settings, and other tools that make Chromebooks easier to use.
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Compendium of Assistive Technologies
This Simcoe Muskoka Literacy Network resource lists assistive technologies that can support people with learning and other challenges. Includes mostly free or low-cost tools, along with some more expensive options.
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Hand Speak
Online resource with videos for American Sign Language students, instructors and interpreters.
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Sign ASL
A free online American Sign Language (ASL) dictionary where users can search and compare thousands of signs and watch video demonstrations. It is designed for ASL learners, teachers and members of the Deaf community.
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Speech to Text
With this free online tool you can speak into your computer, and the tool types out what you saying. The finished words can be edited with a keyboard and then printed, or copied and elsewhere.
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Text to Speech
Natural Reader converts written text into spoken words. Free resource with paid options for more features.
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Web Accessibility Initiative
Outlines strategies, standards, resources to make the Web accessible to people with disabilities.
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Web Aim
Offers training, strategy and technical assistance on improving web accessibility
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Windows Accessibility Features
Learn about the Microsoft's accessibility resources for vision, hearing, dexterity, mobility, focus, and more
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Adult Education
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AI Tutor
AI Tutor is a free, bilingual, 24/7 online learning assistant developed by Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s non-profit distance education and training network, to help students better understand course material, practice problems, and improve their learning skills.
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Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Educatoin
The Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education is an online peer reviewed journal committed to sharing knowledge derived from the fields of adult education, continuing education, and lifelong learning. Since 2015, the journal has been an open access publication.
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Language & Literacy Journal
Peer-reviewed bi-yearly journal of the Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada (LLRC) of the Canadian Society for Studies in Education. The journal's research focus is on issues related to the nature, function and use of language and literacy in both formal and informal educational contexts and across the lifespan.
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Learn Free
A free online learning resource operated by a U.S. nonprofit organization, offering self-paced lessons in digital skills, workplace skills, math, writing, and other practical skills. Formerly GCFGlobal / Goodwill International.
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Literacy Basics
Site contains hands-on information around instructional strategies, assessment strategies and much more.
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New York Times Teaching Resources
Publishes over 1,000 teaching resources each school year, all based on using Times content — articles, essays, images, videos, graphics and podcasts. Most of their resources are free (though limited to five lesson plans per month for nonsubscribers). The intended audience is middle, high school and college teachers and students (teenagers 13 and up).
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Seeds of Literacy Recorded Lessons
Cleveland's Seeds of Literacy organization offers dynamic video-based lessons on a wide range of topics. These lessons were created and conducted by their tutors during live tutoring sessions. Check back as they are adding more lessons all the time. Pretty cool!
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Apprenticeship
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Apprenticeship Resources
Literacy Link South Central is a go-to resource for quality apprenticeship information for Get SET practitioners. This site connects practitioners with resources, information and tools to support learners with career exploration, apprenticeship preparation, and connections to further training and employment.
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Apprenticeship Tools and Resources
A thorough and accessible resource by Literacy Link South Central which provides access to a wide range of tools, links, government information and resources regarding apprenticeship.
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Province of Ontario Apprenticeship Site
Provides basic info about the skilled trades, starting a career in the skilled trades, apprentice resources and more.
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Skilled Trades Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario is the official Ontario agency responsible for apprenticeships and skilled trades certification. They help individuals explore trades, understand apprenticeship requirements, find out how to become an apprentice and navigate the process through to certification.
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The Apprenticeship Hub
The Apprenticeship Hub helps literacy practitioners better understand apprenticeship pathways and the skills learners need to succeed in skilled trades. It provides resources, information and tools that practitioners can use to support learners with career exploration, apprenticeship preparation and connections to further training and employment.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Board Information
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Board Governance Resource Guide
Community Literacy of Ontario has created this resource guide "to help organizations further develop and strengthen their board governance practices". Topics include board roles and responsibilities, governance structures, the board and risk management, board development, effective board meetings and evaluation.
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Not for Profit Handbook
The purpose of this Ontario government handbook is to provide general information on the nature of a not-for-profit corporation. It also provides basic information on incorporating charitable corporations, which are a special type of not-for-profit corporation. Published in May 2018.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Learning Disabilities
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Accommodations Comic
Clear visual case for why accommodations are important.
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Learning and Violence
Important, transformative and research-based website which looks at the impact of violence on learning. Jenny Horsman is a very respected Canadian literacy practitioner with years of experience. Site is filled with insight and practical tools.
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Learning Disabilities Ted Talk
Olympian Scott Sonnon courageously shares his childhood experience with learning, how violence affected his ability to learn and how finding his kinesthetic learning style transformed his life.
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Learning Strengths Self-Assessment
A fun and easy tool to help you discover your strengths and interests.
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The Brain from Top to Bottom
This site explores brain science topics from a social, psychological, neurological, cellular and molecular perspective. You can look at each topic from a beginner, intermediate and advanced level. The site is a little old, but the information is still relevant.
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Trauma and Learning
Clear explanation of how trauma affects brain functioning and learning.
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Staff Resources
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Community Literacy of Ontario Resource Database
Community Literacy of Ontario has designed and overseen many research projects over the years. Check out the resources directory by date or topic. A rich trove of information for practitioners.
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Community Resilience Core Training
Low-cost (and some free!) self-directed training courses for those wanting to develop a better understanding of the relationship between early life experiences and long-term health and well-being. Certificate of recognition given upon completion. From Guelph Wellington.
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Conference Notes:
Supporting Indigenous Learners - Peterborough Native Literacy Program
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Employment Ontario Partners’ Gateway
This is the "go-to" overview site for staff looking for information to support current Employment Ontario partner organizations delivering Employment Ontario programs and services. Under the Programs heading, staff will find the "Get-SET Program" tab with Get SET program guidelines, updates, reporting guidelines, participant and program managements and more. This is an important resource.
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EOIS-CaMS
Database used by all Employment Ontario programs.
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EOIS-CaMS Tips, Tricks & Best Practices
Recorded webinar for Get SET practitioners. It provides tips on registering a person in CaMS, maintaining and updating a service plan, closing a service plan, using reports and more. From the Learning Networks of Ontario in 2024.
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Maker Modules
This is a link to an overview of Literacy Link South Central's free Maker Modules, which offer hands-on, fun activities to engages learners at any digital technology skill level. Links to each module is provided.
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Milestones and Culminating tasks
For Ontario's Literacy and Basic Skills program.
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Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework
The Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF) is the official framework that guides adult literacy programming in Ontario. It organizes learning around six competencies and three levels of performance, connecting literacy skills to real life tasks and learners’ goals.
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PD Place Get SET Training Courses
PD Place is an online professional development and training platform for Ontario’s adult education and literacy sector. These self paced online courses provide an introduction to key aspects of Ontario’s Get SET program, the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF), the Performance Management Framework, EOIS CaMS, and e Channel. Courses are designed for Ontario literacy practitioners and offer a flexible way to build foundational knowledge.
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Quill Learning Tasks and Assessments
This resource has been created for Get SET practitioners in Ontario who are preparing learners to complete Milestones and Culminating Tasks. It contains over 700 task-based activities that align with the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF). Tasks have been designed for all goal paths, with a variety of activities for each competency and level indicator.
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The Canadian Adult Education Credential
The new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) replaced the General Education Development (GED®) high school equivalency assessment in May 2024. TVO Independent Learning Centre (ILC) has the central role of its administration. It registers and verifies candidates, processes the registration fee, approves candidates, and coordinates the five CAEC tests, which are computer based and written in person at official testing centres. Check out the link for more information.
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Understanding EOIS-CaMS Reports
Performance Management Reports Training Guidelines for Service Providers. Created in 2012, but largely still current.
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Working in Manufacturing
Literacy workbook for individuals considering work in manufacturing. Check out all the workbooks in the Working in Manufacturing series (food processing, apprenticeship, essential skills etc).
These are the Learning Links grouped under: Staff and Volunteers / Volunteer Resources
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Accessibility Training
In order to be AODA compliant, Action Read asks volunteers and staff to take accessibility training. Please complete Module 1 (Customer Service Standards) and Module 2 (General Requirements). Please give your certificates of completion to any Action Read staff member.
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CESBA Literacy Training Resources
The Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA) offers these free literacy training modules.
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Conference Notes:
Supporting Indigenous Learners - Peterborough Native Literacy Program
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Essential Skill Workbooks
Literacy Link South Central created these resources for people who want to strengthen their Essential Skills while they look for a job. These workbooks were designed to be used in a facilitated group setting but can be used effectively on their own. The topics reflect the steps people take when looking for a job.
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Handwriting, Typing and Spelling
Their importance in learning to read.
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Literacy Basics
A Community Literacy of Ontario project containing a wide range of accessible literacy resources for volunteers and staff who are new to literacy and adult education.
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Make the Month
A valuable interactive activity that helps people understand the difficult day to day decisions faced by individuals living in poverty.
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Red Cross Training
Provides information about first aid, CPR, safety and emergency preparedness courses, including options for workplaces, caregivers, community members and professional responders. It also allows users to explore course types and find training in their area or online.
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Research on Handwriting
New evidence shows handwriting aids the reading acquisition process.
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Self-Directed Literacy Tutor Course
Self-directed learning course for new adult literacy tutors by the Virginia Literacy Foundation. Learning units include (1) the adult learner (2) teaching reading to adults (3) teaching writing to adults (4) tools for tutors. While not everything will apply to Action Read or to the Canadian context, it is still an interesting resource with lots of relevant information.
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Testimonial Video
Father and volunteer hockey coach Tony Silveira, speaks about his challenges with reading and writing. Silveira shares his journey to becoming more functional in his day-to-day life, attributing his success to persistence, hard work, and a dedicated volunteer tutor .
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The Importance of Handwriting in Learning to Read
Hand-writing letters more effectively teaches reading than typing.
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The Orton-Gillingham Classroom
Brenda Childs, certified Orton-Gillingham educator, demonstrates OG priniciples in the classroom.