Creating Learning Partners: A facilitator’s guide for training effective adult literacy tutors

Section 2 Why We Write

The main reason for writing is to communicate. When we communicate, we do it for a particular reason. We choose formats such as letters, cards, cheques and forms, depending on what our writing has to communicate.

Tutors will first explore the reasons people write; then they will connect those reasons with the formats they choose. Finally, tutors will explore why their learners need to understand the reason for writing and how to include writing in a lesson.

Activity A

We write for a purpose

Option 1 Discussion
Why choose this option? Choose this option if you have limited time. Materials and equipment Flip chart and markers STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS Ask tutors why people write. Explore the fact that we write to communicate and for a purpose. Ask tutors to brainstorm the reasons people have for writing. Write their ideas on the flip chart. For example: to convey a message for enjoyment to accomplish a specific goal to get information Make a list of the different items people want to write such as: lists journals letters cards e-mails Some of the writing we do is informal, while other writing is formal. Ask tutors to identify from the list generated what is formal and informal writing. Ask tutors why is it important for the learner to see the purpose and reason for writing. Write their ideas on the flip chart. For example: We use it in our day-to-day life. When learners can see the purpose and reason for writing, they may be more willing to write. Discuss with tutors the possible challenges the learners may have faced with writing and the ways the learners may have dealt with those challenges. Have tutors brainstorm how they could include writing in their sessions. Write their ideas on the flip chart. For example, keeping a journal could be part of the session.

Option 1 Discussion

Why choose this option?

Choose this option if you have limited time.

Materials and equipment

Flip chart and markers

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

Ask tutors why people write. Explore the fact that we write to communicate and for a purpose.
Ask tutors to brainstorm the reasons people have for writing. Write their ideas on the flip chart. For example:
- to convey a message
- for enjoyment
- to accomplish a specific goal
- to get information
Make a list of the different items people want to write such as:
- lists
- journals
- letters
- cards
- e-mails
Some of the writing we do is informal, while other writing is formal. Ask tutors to identify from the list generated what is formal and informal writing.
Ask tutors why is it important for the learner to see the purpose and reason for writing. Write their ideas on the flip chart. For example:
- We use it in our day-to-day life.
- When learners can see the purpose and reason for writing, they may be more willing to write.
Discuss with tutors the possible challenges the learners may have faced with writing and the ways the learners may have dealt with those challenges.
Have tutors brainstorm how they could include writing in their sessions. Write their ideas on the flip chart. For example, keeping a journal could be part of the session.