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Adult Literacy - For Students & Learners
FOR STUDENTS & LEARNERS
Instruction
Computer software programs that help adults learn English and improve reading, writing and speaking skills are available for use at the Central Library. Literacy staff conduct short training sessions on the software programs and other library resources during regularly scheduled computer labs or by appointment.
Conversation groups are also offered, for those who wish to practice their English speaking and listening skills, and math and reading skills help is also available.
Adults who wish to improve their literacy skills may call (315) 435-1835 for details and session times, or view the class schedule listed below.
Class Schedule [PDF]
Adult Basic Education
New Choices in Pleasure Reading for Adult Basic Education [PDF]
Challenger Series
Challenger is an eight-level series of workbooks that helps develop skills in word analysis, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing. This popular series of books includes workbooks, writing practice books and 
teacher’s guides.
Voyager combines the best elements from traditional direct instruction and contemporary theme-based instruction to develop reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills. A variety of readings: short stories, contemporary literature, biographies, and informational selections expand on unit themes.
Focus on PhonicsThis set of workbooks and teacher’s guides helps beginning level students develop word attack skills by learning the sounds of vowels, consonants, 
and consonant blends.
Endeavor Series (Reading levels 3-8)
Endeavor is a research-based reading series designed specifically for adult learners. This easy-to-use program builds reading and writing skills with emphasis on fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Skill development correlates to the TABE levels M and D.
You Can Read!A video-based phonics program for Adult Basic learners or ESOL students who are learning to connect the sounds of English with the letters. You Can Read includes two DVD’s for the student to use at home and a CD with more than 200 worksheets that can be printed out and used again and again. This is an easy resource to use if you regularly add a phonics component to your lesson.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Citizenship: Passing the TestInformation students need to pass the Civics and Literacy tests is presented in a visual format with language that is easily accessible.
- Students learn words that must be pronounced correctly in spoken answers
- Words key to recognizing and understanding oral civics questions are presented with each new concept
- Words found on the official spelling list are identified
- Students can review the official USCIS questions
Includes an audio CD to help students build the listening comprehension skills critical to passing the Civics Test.
Top-Up Listening Levels 1-3This series of book and CD sets gives students practice listening to natural American English spoken in context. Exercises in each chapter help ensure comprehension.
Open Forum 2: Academic Listening and Speaking
Open Forum is a great resource for development of listening and speaking skills. Each chapter is about a different topic and students get lots of practice listening through multiple recordings. For each chapter the learner will listen for the main idea, listen for more detail, get a chance to think and speak about the topic, get focused training in listening skill and strategies, and practice pronunciation.
The Oxford Picture Dictionary 2nd edition
This dictionary is an essential tool when learning English. Bilingual editions are available in 11 different languages. Provides a pictorial reference for over 4,000 words clearly organized into 140 topics and 12 thematic 
units. Each page contains activity suggestions to reinforce learning.
Health Stories (literacy, low-beginning, and high-beginning)
Health Stories combines important health information with language activities including listening practice, vocabulary, comprehension, and speaking. The teacher’s guide gives many suggestions for lesson activities and background information on covered health topics. The lessons can be taught in any order so students are able to focus on relevant health issues.
504 Absolutely Essential Words
This book features vocabulary lessons focused on words that appear frequently in magazines, newspapers, books, movies, and TV shows. Each lesson uses different activities to teach pronunciation, use, and meaning. This book is wonderful for self-study or homework assignments.
Grammarwork 1 (beginning)
Grammarwork 1 is the first book in a progressive four book series of helpful grammar explanations and exercises. Grammar is presented in contextusing everyday situations keeping it applicable and interesting for the student.
Learning to Speak English Bilingual (low beginning)
The audio CD’s introduce the 1000 words that make up 90% of the English language with translations in several languages. Students get listening experience and opportunity to practice speaking. Accompanying text lists all dialogue. Learning to Speak English is available in:
For more helpful resources please check the Literacy Resources page.
Last updated: February 23, 2012