LEARN

This Conference is geared toward tutors and students, but it may have some useful information that libraries could use. Check it out at http://www.lvillinois.org/OntheRoadtoLiteracy.asp

The Literacy Volunteers of Illinois are hosting the “On the Road to Literacy Conference” on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: The University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Literacy
Education, Performing Arts and Social Work Building, 1040 W. Harrison,
Chicago, IL 60607.

Whether you’re staff, a tutor, or an adult learner, there is always something for everyone at LVI and the UIC Center for Literacy’s On The Road To Literacy conference.

Twenty-plus workshops in a variety of areas will explore strategies, techniques, materials and games to build your vocabulary, pronunciation, conversation, comprehension, reading, writing, and computational skills in or out of tutoring sessions.

The Spring LEARN Meeting will be on April 3, 2012, from 2-4 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library. For location, visit http://plainfield.lib.il.us/

Agenda:
Introductions
Future of LEARN
Resource Sharing

At this meeting we will be discussing the direction that members would like to see the LEARN group taking. In 2010 LEARN hosted a workshop called “Serving the ESL Patron 101.” Should LEARN plan more of these workshops? If so, what topics should be covered?

Rather than plan workshops, maybe LEARN should continue to seek out speakers who can talk about topics related to ESL. These might include searching for ESL grants, marketing to ESL patrons, etc. What other topics might it include?

At least once a year we like to share ideas. Please bring an ESL resource (book, DVD, CD, etc.) that you purchased that you feel is particularly good. Alternatively you could mention a good website, a way of organizing the collection, a bookmark or brochure you created, or some other idea related to ESL which you have tried.

Please let me know if you think you can attend the meeting, joep@ippl.info.

I hope to see you all there!

Joe Popowitch
Reference Librarian
Indian Prairie Public Library
401 Plainfield Road, Darien IL 60561
630-887-8760 ext. 240
joep@ippl.info

People Educating People (PEP) is the volunteer component of the ABE/GED/ESL Department at College of DuPage. PEP has been supporting adult learners since 1982.

PEP’s mission is to equip adult students with confidence and skills necessary for success in daily life.

PEP tutors work with adult students in the following subjects: reading, writing and basic math for persons without a high school diploma and beginning ESL. The tutors work with students one-on-one, small group or in a classroom setting.

Tutors are needed in 18 communities throughout DuPage County.  PEP requires all tutors to complete a 12-hour training series prior to working in the program.  Our next training series will be in February 2012.

We do understands that life can be busy for all of us.  If you or someone you know has the time to tutor one of our many students in need of reading, writing, math and English assistance, please contact Ashley at 630.942.2209.

Thank you!

Ruta Jonusaitis, Student Services Coordinator/PEP Volunteer Tutor Program

Calvary Lutheran Church is preparing for the next session of its Conversational English Class that begins on January 11 and runs through May 23, 2012. It is a small group format, informal friendly atmosphere, which includes reading and speaking practice. Refreshments are served. A basic understanding of English is required. Registration and supplies are only $10 for the semester. People can visit the class first and register later.