During the past thirteen (13) years of MTCU funded Native literacy programs and services in the city of Toronto, the following delivery methods have become common practice:

• Drop-in literacy services - provides information and referrals regarding educational and/or training programs for adults, job-related assistance such as resumes and cover letters, assistance with learning how to use available computers e.g., to write an essay, surf the Net, send e-mail, also provides for initial intake and assessments, and basic program information sessions.
  
  
• One-to-one tutoring - which is delivered by staff, volunteer tutors, or peer tutors.
  
  
• Supervised learning - learners study independently on or off-site; the practitioner develops a training plan with the learner to gradually increase their literacy level in specific areas of need at a pace set by the learner; this can be supplemented by weekly tutoring sessions.
  
  
• Small-group literacy - includes: Native language classes; poetry or creative writing circles; reading nights (with various published Native authors); English and math upgrading classes; job-readiness groups; support circles; exercise classes; educational outings, e.g., school and college tours; outings to cyber cafés; attending plays written and performed by First Nations people; exposure to cultural experiences and ceremonies e.g., teaching circles, powwows, visiting the Peterborough petroglyphs, which are followed by various literacy exercises.
  
  
• Special projects - have included a moms’n’tots program, regalia-making classes, creation of a community-based newsletter providing a forum for learners work to be published, design of program flyers, assistance with the development of curriculum workbooks, evaluation of Native literacy learning materials, writing contests, and assistance with the promotion of Native literacy at community gatherings and book fairs.

Historical Timeline