Helping Jo to read and write (1)

Heart In The Write Place (see Jesus Life: issue 89)

Helping Jo to read and write (1) 

OK, Jo comes into your organisation, probably a little shuffling and shy, tells you he’s missed much of school through truancy, got behind and never caught up.  Teachers didn’t seem to like him anyway and he often felt shown up in front of his mates because he couldn’t read. Apart from his name, he can’t write at all but can read a little.  What do you do…?

Well, here’s a little introduction in three parts.. not much more. I hope it’s helpful. I do welcome all comments to improve these blogs! – Either below or email julia.faire@yahoo.com    Particularly welcome are any ideas for games or fun and practical activities. After all, let’s enjoy what we do – if we do, the chances are Jo will as well! Here goes ……

Introduce yourself, say how much you enjoy helping people to read and you are really happy (not too over the top) to lend a hand

Have a conversation about his skills – listen - empathise – assess. Ask leading but unthreatening questions.

IF YOU LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND at this stage you are on the road to success already! Feeling misunderstood, dismissed or put down by teachers in early life is often the point where things in Jo’s life have gone badly wrong. From the start try to understand and turn around any negative input Jo has had over the years. Particularly be quick to show he has ability and intelligence and any downward trends in his life can be reversed.

Never sound shocked or surprised at Jo’s lack of skills

Find out why Jo wants to improve his skills and what he needs to know for his everyday life e.g. if he is a cleaner can he read ‘toxic’ or ‘poison?’ If he is looking for a job, can he understand words on forms like ‘name’, ‘address?’

Don’t give false expectations – there are no short fixes – tell him learning to read and write takes time. 

Encourage him from the beginning to stick at it, practise at home and come each week – the effort will be immensely worthwhile. 

     Offer 1-1 help for a few weeks but tell Jo that after a while he will learn in a group (this all depends on how many helpers you have.) 

Next week's post: part 2 of helping Jo to read and write