In addition to providing raw material for materials development, collections of authentic materials provide essential resources for an emergent curriculum. Instructors who have access to such collections can find the resources they need to respond to interests and issues as they emerge from the group. Collections can be developed collaboratively - by a program coordinator, for example, and several instructors. Materials can be stored in magazine file boxes, labelled by theme. Housed in a central location, the materials can be accessed by instructors as needed. If a collection is to be used by several instructors, it is essential to have multiple copies of each item. Be sure to mark one of each item file copy so that one sample always remains as a reminder to replenish supplies.

Ready-made learning materials

Before beginning to develop materials, it is important to avoid duplication of effort by identifying any relevant ready-made literacy materials that are available from other union-based programs and instructors or from publishers. When selecting materials from non-labour sources, we have to be sure that they are appropriate for use in a union program. At the end of this section, we have included a tool that may help you when making selections - Guidelines for Reviewing Materials. Whenever a decision is made to use materials that don't meet these guidelines, it is essential that the instructor engage participants in critical reflection on the materials.