Literacy Training

Under the USAID/EDC SKYE Project two sets of literacy curricula were developed to meet the needs of youth who were totally illiterate as well as those whose literacy levels fell below a Grade three levels preventing them from becoming sustainably part of the work force.  The Basic Literacy Training dubbed ‘Ready to Read’ is 16 Weeks (240 hours) where learners will have the opportunity to learn to read.  The ‘Pre Work Ready  training is designed to be an 8-week (160hrs) course and is a step up from the ‘Ready to Read’ Curriculum where it focuses on strengthening literacy with an infusion of work ready concepts.

The ‘Ready to Read’ curriculum is divided into two units:

  • Unit I introduces concepts in quick succession. Phonemes, vocabulary, writing practice and reading are introduced early on, to provide context for alphabet knowledge.
  • Unit II is dedicated to mastering old concepts and introducing several new ones that will be developed in SSYDR’s ongoing literacy lessons.

Lessons follow a systematic sequence.  With some exceptions, youth will have phonics, vocabulary (DVI – direct vocabulary instruction), writing and reading.  On some days, lessons will include oral language development (OLD) and listening. Lessons will typically have a ‘Getting Started’ section which tells the trainer what materials will be necessary for the day.  Many games are also included to create a learn-with-fun environment.

Unit 1 focuses on developing phonemic awareness. Therefore, the following time allotments are proposed:

90 min Phonics
30 min Vocabulary
30 min Writing
30 min Reading

 

Unit 2 focuses on putting phonemic awareness skills into context of reading and writing; the following time allotments are proposed and will be conducted for the same number of days:

45 min Phonics
30 min Vocabulary
60 min Writing
45 min Reading

 

The ‘Pre Work Ready’ curriculum is a basic literacy course that uses work readiness concepts to help participants improve their reading and writing abilities.  It guarantees them an opportunity to improve their foundation in reading and writing skills and build self-esteem and overall personal self-development.  Youth learners whose literacy level is determined as being between Grades 1-3, are the recipients of this training.

The literacy content follows the themes of work readiness:

  • Personal Development
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Work Habits and Conduct
  • Leadership and Teamwork
  • Health and safety at Work
  • Worker and Employer Rights and Responsibilities
  • Financial Fitness

 

The literacy activities follow a weekly cycle and touch upon the 5 components of reading and writing skills:

Reading Writing
Phonological awareness Encoding
Phonics Writing process skills

  • Generating ideas (pre-writing
  • Drafting
  • Editing
  • Revising
Fluency Organization & structure of text (language conventions; style, clarity, coherence)
Comprehension

The weekly cycle of the Pre Work Ready literacy activities encompasses

  1. Skill builder
  2. Pre-reading activities
  3. Read-aloud & Listening comprehension
  4. Group reading & Reading comprehension
  5. Review of phonics and
  6. Group writing presentations & Self assessments