Tutor Resources
The BSLN office at Opportunity Place is
open on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 till 9 for tutors to drop in and
borrow books. If the door is locked, please ring the BSLN doorbell. The Bedford
and Sackville branches of the Halifax Regional Library are also a great source
of materials for literacy tutors. Check out their easy readers, ESL and
literacy collections and the non-fiction found in the Youth Services section
for books that will interest your student. The Resource Centre at the NS
Department of Education Trade Mart Building is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays
if you wish to borrow books. If you are having trouble finding appropriate
materials, call Denise at 869-3838 and I will put together a selection for you.
Book of the Month
 One of the best
goal-setting workbooks I’ve seen is A Dream
That Walks by Myrna Hanna (Garlic Press). Although aimed
at Level 1 & 2 literacy students, this workbook can be adapted for learners
at any level, including ESL students. Through a series of writing exercises, a
learner can help identify their personality type, dreams and goals and
eventually develop a goal plan that will work best for them. This book is part
of the BSLN Resource Collection and can be photocopied for use with our
learners. Check it out!
Metro Council on Continuing
Education
The
Metro Council on Continuing Education is committed to providing a voice for
those concerned with the availability and quality of programs that meet the
needs of adult learners. An MCCE membership costs $30 per year and allows
individuals access to adult education panel discussions, newsletters, and the
opportunity to network with others in the literacy community. If you would like
to become a member, please call Gail Boylan at 494-1468.
Over The Mountain Deadline: March
15
Again this
year, the NS Department of Education will publish Over the Mountain, a
collection of poetry and stories by adult learners. Tutors and instructors are
encouraged to work with their students to help them produce a poem or story for
submission. All of those who are published will receive a free copy of Over
the Mountain. Please contact Denise at 869-3838 for an Over the
Mountain application form.
Tutor and Instructor Training
Class
Congratulations to BSLN tutors Dee and Beth for completion of the fall session
of the 10 week Tutor and Instructor Training class. At present, 16 volunteers
are enrolled in the winter session of this program at Opportunity Place. If you
are interested in taking this class, please call Denise at
869-3838. 
NALD: a literacy library at your
fingertips
For
tutors with Internet access, the National Adult Literacy Database (www.nald.ca) is an excellent resource. NALD
provides information on literacy programs across Canada and access to literacy
discussion groups, resource lists, and lesson plans. Tutors and their students
may want to check out the Story of the Week page, where adult learners
share their original stories. Perhaps your student has a story to
share!
 Family Literacy Day: January 27
January 27th is Family Literacy Day across
Canada, and BSLN marked the date with a display at the Sackville flea market at
Downsview Mall. Thanks to Rick, Rose, Mona, Avril and Karen for their
help.
Literacy Action Week
The first week of November was
Literacy Action Week and several BSLN students and volunteers took the
opportunity to write a pro-literacy message to government officials. An event
was held at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia where BSLN was presented with a PGI
grant for $1,600 which will be used to buy office supplies, bus tickets and
books. Thanks to the Nova Scotia Provincial Literacy Coalition for organizing
the distribution of PGI funds and a great event.
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Members of the BSLN were
saddened by the recent passing away of PGI founder Peter Gzowski January 24.
The PGI has been an important contributor to literacy networks across Canada.
Thank you Peter and farewell. |
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