By Janette Rose
May 04, 2008 03:04 pm
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There is not a certain “type” of person who has difficulty with reading.
Individuals that can’t read or experience great difficulty reading are usually not willing to admit that they have a problem. They fear rejection, embarrassment or ridicule from others. Employees of the Muskogee Public Library are very respectful of the feelings of adults needing literacy help. We are careful not to intimidate or belittle an individual who asks staff to help them read because they’ve “left their glasses at home.” This is just one of the many common recurring signs that a person is unable to read. The following is a partial list of possible indicators of low or no reading skills:
• Writing very little or misspelling many words
• Avoiding situations in which he/she may have to read.
• Ordering the same item whenever he/she goes to a restaurant.
• Requesting to take paperwork home to fill out or ask someone else to complete it.
• Making mistakes when given written instructions.
• Asking for verbal directions when there are clearly written instructions.
• Unnecessary collaboration with a fellow employee immediately after assignments.
• Refusal of advancement when one apparently has the talent to do the new job.
• Slow performance immediately after receiving written directions.
• Asking few or no questions before signing forms or documents
This is only a few of the signs indicating that a person may not be able to read and write fluently. There may be acceptable reasons other than illiteracy as to why someone may exhibit these signs, but it’s important to be aware that more than one-quarter of our adult population has less than adequate literacy skills. If you are a friend or family member of someone experiencing difficulties with reading and/or writing, do them a favor by letting them know that help is available. If you don’t feel comfortable bringing up the topic, come by the library and pick up one of the Adult Literacy Services brochures or call 682-6657, Ext. 246, and one will be mailed to you. Tell your friend or loved-one that you picked it up at the library because you may be interested in becoming a volunteer tutor. Perhaps this is one way to begin talking about a sensitive subject.
Nevertheless, let your friend or family member know that you care for and support them and want them to reach their potential. If you have any questions about our English Language Learner classes, one-on-one adult tutoring program or volunteer tutor training, please call 682-6657, Ext. 246, or e-mail rosej@eok.lib.ok.us for information.
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