L.I.N.C.s
Each One Teach One
L iteracy I nformation Network in our Communities
Newsletter of the
Western Quebec Literacy Council
Spring 2014
Western Quebec Literacy Council
thanks our volunteers we couldn’t do it without you!
Celebrating volunteers!
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in
elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day
about the kind of community you want to live in. ~Marjorie Moore
The truth of this statement was really brought home this April with the Quebec
election and the celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation week. The
importance of voting was made clear by the media in the days leading up to
the election. Less obvious, but of comparable importance, is the effect that
our personal actions have on the health of our community.
The Literacy Council is mainly made up of volunteers: tutors, directors on the
board, supporters, and students. These people invested 2,600 hours of volunteer work this past year. Their coordinated efforts are helping to build a
strong, healthy community for everyone.
Everyone in this healthy community will be a confident life-long learner: confident to take on-the-job training, to help their children with homework, to keep
in touch on the internet, to start that business that’s been their heart’s desire;
knowing that a literacy volunteer is there to help.
“Thank you” to all our generous literacy volunteers.
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
The vision of the Western Quebec
How to reach us:
Literacy Council is to help and encourage
members of our community to develop the
skills needed for life long learning,
enabling them to reach their full potential.
Executive Director:
Marilee DeLombard
The mission of Western Quebec
Literacy Council is to help Englishspeaking adults, families, and youth
improve their reading, writing, listening,
speaking, numeracy and other life skills
through programs adapted to the needs of
the individual.
As a charitable volunteer organization,
Western Quebec Literacy Council recruits
and trains committed volunteers as tutors
and support personnel. We are dedicated
to promoting community awareness with
sensitivity throughout the region of West
Quebec.
“Each one Teach One”
If you know an adult who would
like to learn to read or read
better, write or improve math skills tell
them about the Western Quebec
Literacy Council.
Our lessons are One-to-One,
Free and Confidential.
This newsletter is made possible by
financial support from the ministère de
l’Éducation, du Loisier et du Sport
through the Programme d’action communautaire sur le terrain de l’éducation
(PACTE).
Page 2
Western Quebec Literacy Council
P.O. Box 266, 381 Route 148
Shawville, QC J0X 2Y0
Phone :
Fax:
Website:
E-mail:
(819) 647-3112 or
1-888-647-3112
(819) 647-3188
www.wq-literacy.org
[email protected]
Board of Directors
Chair:
Deb Powell
Vice Chair:
Michel Chabot
Treasurer:
Shirley Gauthier
Secretary:
Rick Valin
Member:
Norma DesRosiers
Member:
Monica Dodson
Tutor Trainers:
Beryl Kerrison (retired)
Carol Pritchard (on sabbatical)
Mary Johannsen (Tutor Trainer Trainee)
LINCs Newsletter:
Writer: Marilee DeLombard
Writer: Debbie Gauthier
This LINCs is available
electronically. If you
would prefer, let us
know and we will email
you the link. You will get
the newsletter in colour
and we will save paper
and postage.
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
Page 3
L=>R: Brian Ray, Chelsea; Rose Reginbold, Aylmer; Patricia Low-Bedard, Wakefield;
Kate Strickland (Trainer), Hudson; Helen Stach, Aylmer; Margaret Ruppel, Low; DeeDee
Blake, Val des Monts; Meera Ghosh, Hull; Georgie Bracken, Aylmer; Rick Valin, Shawville.
New Tutors 2014
You can tell that this is a happy bunch of new tutors. What you can’t tell from the picture is
that everyone worked hard over the two day workshop to keep up with Kate Strickland, our
intrepid tutor trainer.
At the end we have nine enthusiastic new tutors who are eagerly awaiting their first student.
Hopefully these new students will appear in the new tutors’ home communities: Aylmer,
Hull, Chelsea, Low and Wakefield.
People who would be students are not necessarily beginners at reading and writing. They
may already have basic level skills. Literacy demands these days, however, have put the
lower level reader at a severe disadvantage in terms of upgrading at work, up-skilling between jobs, or starting out in pursuit of a first job. A tutor may be the missing piece to put
together a plan for the future.
The Literacy Council has trained tutors throughout West Quebec. Tell your friends and
neighbours about this opportunity to make a fresh start. Trained tutors are standing by!
“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning”
Diane Ackerman
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
Page 4
Pontiac Adult Learners Week
Semaine Québécoise des adultes en formation 2014
The theme for the Pontiac Adult Learners Week 2014 was “Shine on/Allez-briller” encouraging students to be their unique selves.
Students attended a workshop in February with
artist Kayla Bertrand to develop a sense of what
makes them unique. They created a canvas tile
to represent their individuality (see page 6).
Their works of art where mounted on shooting
stars and were unveiled at the April 2 celebration for Adult Learners Week in Campbell’s
Bay.
Daniel Coutu, a talented young magician/
comedian entertained the students with his
magical tricks. Coutu is also the school perseverance spokesperson for the Outaouais. He spoke
of how volunteering and networking helped lead
him to where he is today.
WQ Literacy Council’s shooting star displays
student works of art.
Testimonials were given by Adrianna Newberry student at PCEC, Sheila Emon, secretarial
studies at PCEC, Milaine Lavigne, student at CFPP and Kevin Denault, student from Centre
Pontiac. The students explained their struggles, how they overcame their challenges, and
their perseverance in their studies.
Perseverance awards where presented to students from various learning centres throughout
the Pontiac. W Q Literacy Council’s student, Bruce Walsh, received the award for perseverance in learning. As a result of his years of study Bruce has progressed from learning to
read to reading to learn. Lately he has been using the internet to research topics of interest.
Congratulations on winning the Perseverance award, Bruce!
Bruce Walsh receiving his perseverance award
WQ Literacy student, Melissa G., beside her artwork tile
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
Page 5
Literacy Volunteers of Quebec iPad training project led
to unexpected student donations and provincial "pay it
forward" efforts.
A "GOOD NEWS" STORY FOR ADULT LEARNER'S WEEK
A Montreal teen donated her brand new iPad to a boy in Rwanda. Her teachers and LVQ think we could
all "pay it forward."
Literacy Volunteers of Quebec (LVQ) is pleased to announce that our recent iPad training development
project has produced an extraordinary ripple effect. 17-year old Elisabeth Umutoni, a student at Sir Wilfrid
Laurier School Board's Vimont Competency Development Centre (CDC), recently won the province-wide Student Voice Competition at the 2014 Leadership Committee for English Education in Quebec Conference.
Her prize, a mini iPad, was one she never intended to keep. Elisabeth made an exceptional effort to produce an entry for the competition, with the sole objective of giving the prize to a boy in Rwanda if she won.
As she explained in her entry:
"I would give this mini iPad to Type, that it will make his life much easier in the learning process. I know the
value of social networking and how they have changed my English skills, I would love that also to happen to him
too."
The story demonstrates the tangible ripple effect of a provincial collaboration.
"The idea for the initial iPad training was that it was a pilot project," explains Margo Legault, LVQ's Executive
Director. "LVQ trained someone from each of our member organizations, and then they took that back to their
organization and trained others (staff, tutors, etc.). Together, everyone explored how iPads can be used as a
teaching tool on many levels, for teachers, tutors, and learners alike."
Darlene Brown, Elisabeth's teacher at CDC, is also the Executive Director of The Learning Exchange, a LVQmember organization. Ms. Brown says the LVQ iPad training project inspired her to introduce iPad technology
to her students at The Learning Exchange and in classes at the CDC. During an autumn 2013 pilot project, Avi
Spector, an educational consultant with the provincial RECIT FGA taught Ms. Brown's students, including Elisabeth, iPad basics and loaned them six iPads.
"This story is a wonderful collaborative effort between school boards, literacy councils, and support networks to
benefit our students" said Ms. Brown. "It is a product of shared teaching and learning initiatives."
Province-wide “Pay it Forward” effort is developing. Ms Brown has led a concerted effort to contact local
media, post pictures on Twitter and FaceBook, and even arranged for a recent interview featuring Elisabeth on
Global News. Ms Brown was at the interview, and recalled that, “Elisabeth even said, ‘I want to change the
world’”
Thanks to Ms Brown’s outreach, another LVQ-member organization (the Quebec city Reading Council) learned
of Elisabeth's generosity and decided to donate money towards getting Elisabeth her own iPad. This idea
sparked donations from staff at Elisabeth’s school, and close to $200 was collected within one day and donations are still being made. Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board has committed to making up the difference.
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
Page 6
Outaouais Health and Social Services Network (OHSSN)
Notes from the OHSSN Spring 2014 newsletter
OHSSN serves the English-speaking population of the Outaouais. The network is committed
to working with communities, public health agencies, and community organizations to facilitate access to health and social services in English. Comments or help in finding information
or services in English, please contact (819) 777-3206, e-mail: [email protected] or
www.ohssn.org.
OHSSN name change
OHSSN will now be known as the Connexions Resource Centre, or simply CONNEXIONS.
INFO-LINE for Caregivers
APPUI Outaouais has launched a new info-line 1-855-852-7787 for caregivers. The info-line
aims to accompany caregivers throughout their caregiving experience and to support them by
directing them to their community’s resources. Caregivers can speak to professional and
qualified counselors who will listen and direct them to the appropriate services. APPUI is an
organization dedicated to supporting caregivers so that they never feel alone. Their projects
focus on the development of training, psychological support and respite. For more information, visit www.lappui.org/outaouais. To read a copy of their English newsletter see
OHSSN’s news page at www.ohssn-news.org.
Reading, writing & art!
Students and tutors enjoyed a creative
morning making art on a wintery day in
February. Kayla brought all the tools
and materials and words of encouragement. She brought examples of her own
art work.
She asked the group: “What inspires
you?” The results were fascinating and
individual!
The pictures on the Literacy Council
shooting star are now on display at the
office at 381 Route 148, Shawville.
Come for a visit!
Shane, Kayla, Melissa and Venetia tapping in
to their creativity.
Coming Events
WQLC Annual General Meeting……………………………………..October 4, 2014
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
Page 7
Strategy Improves Reading Comprehension
This Strategy Increases Reading Understanding and Recall
By Ann Logsdon
Students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) in basic reading , reading comprehension,
and dyslexia need effective strategies to understand what they read and to remember details
of what they've read. This strategy can also help non-disabled students improve reading
comprehension and retention. The PQ4R strategy is a good study skill that can be adapted
for students of all ages.
This strategy will improve the student's reading comprehension. It also may improve recall
of facts by as much as 70%. PQ4R is an acronym for Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, and Review. here are the steps:
1. Preview: Look through the pages of your reading passage and read the headings of the
chapter and any sections dividing the chapter. Read the first and last paragraph in each
section. View the illustrations in each section. Read the captions under the pictures and
take a few minutes to look at charts, graphs, or maps.
2. Question: Think about the information you learned in the Preview. Ask yourself questions about it. Think about what do you already know about ideas you saw during your
Preview. What do you think are main points that will be raised in the chapter? What do
you expect to learn from reading this material?
3. Read: Read the passage. If there are ideas seem important, make a note of them on paper. If the book belongs to you, consider making notes in the margins and highlight important parts in the book. If you just can't imagine writing in your book, make notes on
paper.
4. Reflect: Take time to reflect on what you have read. How are the passages or chapters
inter-related? How does the information fit into things you have already learned? What
new information did you learn? Did the passage include the information you expected it
to cover? Was there information that surprised you?
5. Recite: Think about the material. Discuss it with someone else or write down the main
points you learned. Generally, writing information down by hand will improve memory
of the material. If writing is a problem for you, consider brief notes or discuss the material with other students. It is important to summarize the material in writing using your
own words. Explain it aloud to someone else or recite your notes aloud to yourself. Consider using a graphic organizer to increase your understanding of how concepts in the
reading relate to each other.
6. Review: Consider the main points of the material. Were your questions answered? Do
you feel that the writer's points are fully understood?
Use the PQ4R strategy with new reading material to improve comprehension and retention,
which can lead to better grades and improved achievement in all school subject areas.
http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/instructionalmaterials/a/pq4rstrategy.htm
Spring 2014
L.I.N.C.s
Page 8
A Tutor’s Take on The PQ4R Strategy
The article on page 7 is extracted from the “Parenting > Learning
Disabilities” web page.
As I read through it, I noticed that these same strategies are
incorporated into the “Voyager Series” Reading and Writing for
Today’s Adults, which are currently used by WQLC’s tutors.
The series includes a Foundation Level, and Levels 1 - 8. They are
available from the WQLC office.
Debbie Gauthier
The Excruciating Clarity of a Good Read (Excerpt from The Ottawa Citizen)
All Night
By Alan Cumyn (Grass Roots Press)
Alan Cumyn, the author of novels such as the Sojoum and Burridge
Unbound, was invited by Grass Roots Press to write a short novel for
their series Good Reads. The series is written by prominent Canadian
authors for adults just learning to read.
For a gift to his daughter Gwen on her graduation from George
Brown Theatre School in Toronto, he wrote a two-character, one hour
play. Gwen and Colin Munch, her boyfriend and fellow actor, where
perfect for the roles of two struggling actors. Alan decided to turn the
play into a novella called “All Night”.
The characters, Gregor and Jess, are the struggling actors in “All Night”. They both have
dead-end day jobs. They fight about money, sex, insecurities and jealousies. The couple just
returned to their apartment from a friend’s funeral. After going to bed, they spend hours quarreling. You are not sure whether they will make up or break up.
Good Reads novels are original rather than adaptations of complex novels. The Grassroots formula requires authors to use clear writing, short sentences, easy to understand plots and common words. The novels are short, no more than 100 pages. Therefore, most authors in the
Good Reads program have found it is a challenge writing for adults with only primary school
reading ability.
Gail Anderson-Dargatz, most famous for her novel “A Cure for Death by Lightening” was also
approached by Goods Reads. Her first project “The Stalker”, took her a year to write as she
learned how to write with a totally different structure. She has since written two more Goods
Reads, “Coyote Song” and “Bed and Breakfast”.
Tutors who would like to receive Good Reads novels for their student please call the Literacy
Council (1-888-647-3112) to request copies.