“Roles and Goals” is the process tutors use to identify why learners come for literacy help. The resources below can be used to help create tutoring sessions and lesson plans that help learners meet those goals.
Write a Letter
- Writing a Cover Letter - University of Wisconsin-Madison
- How to Write a Business Letter - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Learn the Alphabet, Letters and Sounds
- Learn the Alphabet, Letters and Sounds (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
Read a Book, Newspaper, or Magazine
- Read a Book (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Read a Newspaper (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Read a Magazine (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Breaking News English
- CNN
- Los Angeles Daily News
- Los Angeles Times
- News For You
- News in Levels - Short news articles written at different reading levels
- Smithsonian Tween Tribune - Leveled science and news magazine with lesson plans and Spanish-language articles
- The New York Times
- The New York Times Learning Network - Classroom version of The New York Times featuring short articles, quizzes, writing prompts, and lesson plans
- The Wall Street Journal
- Voice of America (VOA) Learning English- Multimedia source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide. Audio programs and captioned videos are written using vocabulary at the intermediate and upper-beginner level. Programs are read one-third slower than typical English speed
Learn to Type/Use Computer Keyboard
- Learn to type/use a computer keyboard (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Typing Club
- DigitalLearn.org - Computer basics videos, in English and Spanish, on using a keyboard and mouse, introduction to email, and more
Search the Internet
- Learn to search the Internet (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Duck Duck Go - Internet search engine that doesn’t track your searches, collect or share your personal information
- DigitalLearn.org - Computer basics videos, in English and Spanish, on searching the Internet, using a keyboard and mouse, introduction to email, and other topics
Pass the GED Test
- LearningExpress Library - Online interactive practice exams covering adult basic education. GED, SAT, and other test preparation, career and civil service tests, and more
- Peterson’s Test Prep - GED practice tests and study materials
- Official GED site
- High School Equivalency Tests - California Department of Education. Information on different high school equivalency tests, including the GED, HiSet, and TASC
Get an Email Account
- Computer Basics - Learn how to send an e-mail or search the Internet
- Gmail - Free webmail service developed by Google
- Mail.com - Free webmail that doesn’t require a cell phone
Get a Library Card
Fill Out a Job Application
- Learn to fill out a job application (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Completing a job application - GFC LearnFree
Look for a Job Online
- Look for a job online or in the want-ads (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Jobs & Money Portal
- Glassdoor - jobs plus salary information, company reviews, and interview questions
- Monster - online job recruitment site
Write a Résumé
- Write a Résumé (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
Interview for a Job
- Learn to interview for a job (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Interviewing Skills - GFC LearnFree. Includes videos, worksheets, and online quiz
- Workplace Essential Skills - PBS LearningMedia. Free account required. Self-paced lesson includes videos and activities
Get a Job, Better Job, or Promotion
- Get a job or get a promotion (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- LearningExpress Library - Online interactive practice exams covering adult basic education, GED, SAT, and other test preparation, career and civil service tests, and more
- Peterson’s Test Prep - Primarily a testing and education site, also includes career modules with subjects from career change to salary negotiations
- Workforce Atlas - Free online career path resource that adult learners can use to evaluate their reading, numeracy, digital literacy, and career skills; research jobs they may like; download resume templates and interview worksheets; and more
Perform Current Job Tasks Better
- Perform current job tasks better (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Ten ways to become better at your job today - Forbes.com
Interact with Schools/Teachers
- Interact with Schools/Teachers (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- The smart way to talk to teachers - Parents.com
Plan Nutritious Meals
- Plan nutritious meals (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Food Shopping and Meal Planning - Nutrition.gov
- Planning healthy meals - Mayo Clinic
- Planning meals for people with diabetes - American Diabetes Association
- Nourish - Videos and curriculum on food, health, and sustainability
Write Checks/Pay Bills/Manage Your Money
- Learn to write checks or pay bills (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- How to write a check in 5 easy steps - Bankrate.com. Includes video demonstration
- How to write a check - Nerdwallet.com. Includes video and FAQ
- Consumer Information - Federal Trade Commission. Manage your money for different life events. Also available in Spanish
- Consumer.gov - Federal Trade Commission. Learn to manage your money and protect yourself from fraud. Also available in Spanish
- MyMoney.gov - Financial Literacy and Education Commission. Includes curricula, lesson plans, and tip sheets for tutors
- TV411 Finance - Video lessons to improve your money skills
Read Medicine Labels or Health Information
- Learn to read medicine labels (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Medication Label Literacy - University of North Carolina
- Reading Labels and Patient Information (PDF) - Consumer Reports
- TV411 Reading Medicine Labels - Video and quiz on medicine label literacy
Share a Book with Children/Family
- Share a Book with Children or Family (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- How to Read Aloud to Children - New York Times
Take Children to Storytime at the Library
- Storytime at Los Angeles Public Library
- Storytime at the County of Los Angeles Public Library
- Take Children to a Library Storytime (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
Community Engagement
- Get Involved with a Community Issue (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- How to Speak to Others About the Literacy Program (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
Get a Driver’s License
- California DMV Practice Tests
- Get a Driver’s License (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
Vote in Elections
- Prepare to Vote (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Easy Voter Guide - League of Women Voters/California State Library
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder - Register to vote, find your polling place, etc.
Become a Volunteer
- Volunteer Match
- L.A. Works
- Become a volunteer (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
Pass the Citizenship Test
- Citizenship Information - Los Angeles Public Library
- Study for the Test - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Pass the Citizenship Test (PDF) - California Library Literacy Services
- Instructional Resources for Citizenship - Minnesota Literacy Council
- USCIS Educator Resources - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Includes lesson plans, activities, flash cards, and more