Programs
Literacy Volunteers Serving Adults serves adult learners and their families in Northern Delaware through four basic programs:
- One-to-One Tutoring
Individual tutoring at mutually convenient sites two times a week. - Family Literacy
Weekly meetings at the Woodlawn Library for parents and children 2-8 in our Families Learning Together Program. - Adult Literacy Learning Center
Center-based skills training at the Woodlawn Library. - English Literacy/Civics Classes
Study in American acculturation in small classes
One-To-One Tutoring
By far, our largest program is our one-to-one tutoring for adult learners by trained volunteers. Once enrolled in the program, students meet regularly with tutors at mutually convenient times and locations, such as churches, libraries, work sites, and community centers. All tutors receive at least 21 hours of professional training and commit to 100 hours of volunteer tutoring service. Students receive one-to-one tutoring at no charge in:
Basic Reading
- For native adult English speakers who need help with reading.
- Students meet twice weekly for an hour with a tutor who designs an individual plan to improve basic skills.
- The goal is to reach a proficiency level at which a student can enter an Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, which will offer further education to those interested.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
- For students for whom English is not their native language.
- Students meet with a tutor on a one-to-one basis twice weekly to learn reading and practice conversational skills in English.
- Individual lessons are tailored to a student’s educational needs and native culture and language.
Family Literacy Program
Families Learning Together, the LVSA family literacy program, is a federally funded EVEN START Project. The goals of the program are to increase school readiness for children, improve parent literacy levels, increase parenting skills, improve communication and reading skills, and promote use of the library. The program involves:
- Parents and children (ages 2 to 8)
- Weekly meetings
- Families meet Saturday mornings (Sept-June) at the Adult Literacy Learning Center at the Woodlawn Library.
- Volunteer tutors who provide:
- Instruction for parents in reading and writing skills individually or in small groups.
- Theme-based activities for children to increase reading and vocabulary skills.
- Parent and Child Together (PACT) activities, such as field trips, crafts, and cooking activities to encourage conversational English skills and communication in work and play.
- Books for borrowing and learning packets
Adult Literacy Learning Center
The Adult Literacy Learning Center is located at the Woodlawn Library in Wilmington and serves adults needing Basic Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. A large variety of instructional materials are available for use by tutors and students.
- Open Mondays-Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- 302-658-5382
- Literacy Instruction
- One-to-one or small group tutoring sessions
- Individual learning plans are student centered, goal oriented and created according to the students’ individual needs
- Small study rooms for individualized work
- Computer-Aided Instruction
- Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended
- The office is located in Room 111 across the lobby from the main library doors. The Woodlawn Library is located at 2020 West 9th in the City of Wilmington near a convenient bus line.
English Literacy/Civics Classes
For those interested in practicing conversational English skills and learning about American Civics, LVSA conducts English Literacy/Civics classes. Geared to foreign-born adults, these classes offer an opportunity to learn about American culture while practicing English literacy skills. Highlights of the program include:
- Weekly classes at area churches, mornings and evenings
- Discussion and hands-on activities related to American cultural practices, such as holidays, shopping, employment, medical needs, and citizenship.
We will be holding another set of English Literacy/Civics Classes this fall. Please check back for more information.