Adult Literacy Programs

Group photo of a group of women wearing face masks, in a learning centre.

In Person or Remote Learning


Action Read is fully open for in-person services. However, in response to COVID Action Read began offering remote tutoring via Zoom, which we continue to offer to individuals who would prefer to learn this way. Computer support is available. Speak to staff if you are interested.

1. One-to-One Tutoring


This program partners adults who want to improve their skills with trained volunteers who meet for one to three hours each week. In creating matches, we consider the needs, schedules and interests of both the learner and the volunteer tutor. The learner’s goals and individualized plan guide the tutoring process. Ongoing staff support and assessment are provided. We rely on the help and support of approximately 100 amazing tutors who also provide encouragement, focus and mentoring. Learners can be involved in tutoring and / or group learning at the same time.

2. Group Learning


Action Read offers a variety of groups that focus on improving reading, writing and numeracy for learners who are at basic and intermediate literacy levels. We offer short-term and ongoing groups. There are usually no more than 10 people in each group.

Ongoing groups include Book Club, Reading and Writing, Creative Writing (with an Indigenous lens), Computer groups, and three GED groups offered at different times throughout the week. We also offer Modular short term courses on various employment topics.

3. Computer Learning


Learners at Action Read are using computers to improve their reading and writing skills in all kinds of ways. They are exploring the web, reading and write e-mails, researching health and employment issues, and practicing their literacy skills. They are using software that accommodates special learning needs.

Computer Groups runs every week. We use the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments program, and we make use of other tools and resources as well. Here are some examples of how learners use our program…

Patricia is sight impaired. She uses the computers at Action Read to type her life story, using Microsoft Word. She uses ZoomText, which enlarges everything on the screen, making it easier for Patricia to see and use the computer. The flat screen monitors help her see what she’s reading and writing, as well.

David has been coming to the Computer Group to read articles from the local paper. Using Kurzweil, he scans the article he wants to read. He then puts on his headphones, clicks the mouse and listens to the article being read to him from the computer.

Sylvia is coming to the Computer Group to get extra help with her job search. She is working on writing cover letters, using Word Q in Microsoft Word. As she writes, a word prediction drop down box moves alongside her cursor, helping her with her writing and editing.  She is finding fewer mistakes in her writing now and is not as worried when she sends out her resume.

Andrew is interested in going to a horseback riding camp for people with disabilities. The Computer Group facilitator has been helping Andrew learn how to use the web to search for affordable camps that he could go to. As well, with help, Andrew has opened his first e-mail account. Andrew is going to send his first e-mail message to one of the camp directors, asking if the cost of camp could be reduced for him.