Adult Literacy Classes (Adult Basic Education)  

Foundational Literacy: 

Our Foundational Literacy Program is rooted in the remarkable and groundbreaking work of Dr. Frank Charles Laubach. His instructional methods—best known through the Laubach Way to Reading series—have equipped millions of learners across more than 100 countries with essential reading skills. We draw heavily from Dr. Laubach’s structured, research-based methodology, incorporating his “learning-by-association” techniques throughout our curriculum. By following his sequential approach, we empower both teen and adult learners to master the fundamental reading and writing skills needed for everyday life.

The Five Building Blocks of Reading: 

Phonemic Awareness:
The ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. This foundational skill focuses entirely on sound—not letters—and includes activities such as rhyming, segmenting words (e.g., breaking cat into /k/ /a/ /t/), and blending sounds to form words.

Phonics:
Understanding the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and the letters or letter patterns (graphemes) that represent them. Phonics instruction helps learners “crack the code” of written language by connecting sound-symbol relationships to read and spell words.

Fluency:
The ability to read text accurately, smoothly, and with appropriate expression. Fluent readers decode with ease, enabling them to focus on meaning. Fluency develops through consistent practice, including repeated readings and guided oral reading.

Vocabulary:
Knowledge of words and their meanings. A robust vocabulary is essential for strong comprehension. Vocabulary grows through direct instruction, wide reading, and exposure to rich and varied language.

Comprehension:
The ability to understand, interpret, and make meaning from text. As the ultimate goal of reading, comprehension involves skills such as making connections, asking questions, inferring, summarizing, and monitoring understanding.

These five components work together to build strong, capable readers. Our instructional approach intentionally addresses each area to support comprehensive literacy development.

Program Structure: 

The program begins with a core phonics curriculum that introduces sound–symbol relationships using carefully selected keywords and pictures as memory aids. Students then progress through systematically structured lessons designed to build vocabulary, word analysis, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

As learners gain confidence and independence in decoding, pictorial cues are gradually removed. Instruction shifts to more advanced concepts such as irregular spelling patterns, grammar, and complex reading comprehension. Throughout the program, students engage in critical-thinking and problem-solving activities that strengthen reasoning and deepen understanding.

Student Outcomes: 

Our Basic Literacy curriculum supports adult learners through a well-scaffolded progression—from alphabet recognition and phonics to fluent reading, comprehension, and higher-order thinking. Over the past seven years, our “ABC to GED” approach has successfully equipped over 400 students with the literacy skills necessary to pursue their educational and personal goals. By the end of 2025, more than 500 students will have benefited from the programs and support provided by our nonprofit!

To explore more about the contributions and legacy of  Dr. Frank Charles Laubach, use the link to learn about his life and pioneering work in global literacy.

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