4. Pie chart

* Ask students to keep track of particular class activities, such as their choices for "free time" activities, for a month.
Example:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They might go on to make another graph that shows the combined choices of all the students.


Reading 5
Puzzles 2
Writing 4
Computers 3
Absent 3
Total 17

* Ask them to use software to make pie charts or circle graphs that show the information.

5. Create a book for a child

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bring in instructions for making books - pop-up books, big books, felt or fabric books, and so on.


* Ask students to create a book for a child. They might make up a story or use a folk tale, fairy tale or any story that is not copyrighted. They might make a picture- or number-book, or one that shows colors or shapes.

6. Self-help tips

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This exercise was sent on-line from Indianapolis Public Even Start Family Literacy Program.


* Ask students to format two sheets of paper, and complete the following steps:

  • On the first page list all of the things that bugged you this week.
  • On the second page write down all the things that you can brag about this week. (Include writing this on a computer.)
  • Print them both.
  • On your way out the door, tear up your bug sheet and put it in the trash.
  • Take your brag sheet home with extra paper, if you need it.
  • Put your brag sheet up where everyone can see it.
  • Ask family members to do the same exercise, and put their brag sheets up with yours.

To find affordable software that you like and want to use, contact provincial literacy offices to ask about software evaluations they may have conducted. You may be able to share materials with other organizations or access shareware through bulletin board requests. More and more is becoming available. The National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL) in 1995 created a database of software evaluations for literacy and ABE. They list only American software, some of which could be adaptable. There is also an evaluation available from Project Miranda in the U.K. for British products. (It includes some American materials.) To date, there is no comprehensive listing and evaluation of Canadian materials, but individuals are currently working on projects, and information can be found through the National Literacy Secretariat or by accessing the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD). (For addresses, see Resources on page 209.)

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