Resources for Teaching Adults to Read
Whether you are an educator or are just helping someone you know, teaching an adult to read requires time and commitment. One advantage you have is that an adult student is more likely to be focused on learning because he understands why he is learning and he has chosen to do so. The right reading tools can help the learning process go smoothly, which will be less frustrating for you and your student.
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Flash Cards
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Flash cards work well when teaching an adult to read because visual aids help you establish a starting point. Visual aids can be especially useful when you are teaching students who do not speak the same native language you do. When using flash cards to teach an adult to read, it's best to use flash cards that are made for the task. You can purchase flash cards for adults or make your own using magazine cutouts and index cards.
Games
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Word games can be used to teach adults to read because they help reinforce concepts. Play games such as Scrabble, Boggle, hangman and crossword puzzles. An altered version of bingo is a good choice for teaching reading. Make a game board with 25 common words; examples include the, she, he, cat, is, it and that. The game board is five words across and five words down. Write all 25 words on slips of paper, fold them and put them in a container so you can draw a new word each turn. Five across, down or diagonally wins. If you make doubles of all the cards you can use them to play the card game Memory as well.
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Writing Tools
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When teaching a student to read, it can be helpful to have him write the words he is learning. For this reason, supplies such as paper, chalkboards and dry erase boards can be useful. When teaching a student a new word, write it first and have him look at it. Next, have him spell the word aloud, then have him write it from memory. Finish up by having him check the word he wrote with your original copy.
Reading Material
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Naturally, when teaching adults to read, it helps to have reading materials. These may include books, magazines, newspapers and other periodicals. Choose reading materials that are on their level. Encourage adults to read children's books to their own children or young relatives. You can also get creative and use restaurant menus, brochures and product advertisements to teach adults to read.
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References
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