L&N Teacher Resources
Adult literacy & numeracy teachers don’t always graduate with all the knowledge they need to pass on. This is not a criticism. It would take an age to master everything up-front. The range of what’s involved in literacy and numeracy mentoring is very wide. Every so often, newly-trained teachers and seasoned professionals need to brush up on a few points.
With this in mind, ALNS helps teachers prepare for class. Administrative duties can really squeeze new teachers given the size of their learning curve. Many websites offer great learning materials but they’re not always designed for adults. It’s one thing to download a resource – another, for it to be appropriate. In order to teach, we are often required to develop tailor-made resources.
The above describes the facts of life for any teacher. We often need to vary what, when and how we deliver. What is a noun, for example, is not mono-dimensional. One might know the top-level definition but not everything that lesson can involve.
About the Resources
ALNS’ provides two types of literacy & numeracy resources: General Templates and Grammar Resources. The latter help build practice and study skills. The Grammar Resources guide L&N teachers in specific subjects. Scroll down to read more about each type of resource.
Please note: ALNS’ suite of L&N resources is going to take a while to build. Each template is developed and tested with students before being offered. As a self-employed teacher with no support staff, this is not a rush job. The aim is to get things right. This will take time and, even then, there will be ways to enhance them. As and when you notice such things, please forward your feedback.
This project does not receive government funding. Everything that’s offered is made in Fran’s spare time. Given this, ALNS charges a nominal fee. The prices are set to keep things affordable whilst helping Fran cover costs.
Most of ALNS’ literacy & numeracy resources are available in MS Word and .pdf format. Having purchased one, you can save, copy and use it as much as you like. You may share it within your teaching institution but wider distribution is not permitted. Please refer to ALNS’ Terms & Conditions of Website Use & Purchase.
Due to the nature of the online environment, refunds and views before purchase are not offered. The product outlines seek to address this. Please let us know how we might improve them.
Also…. ALNS’ L&N resources are available in a few countries – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, much of Europe and the US. If you’re in a country we do not currently supply, please get in contact.
If you like what you find on this website, please spread the word!
Fran
ALNS’ Learning Templates
L&N students can need to learn how to learn. Well-laid out templates provide an easier platform to launch from. Guides like these help learners become independent. This only empowers and leaves them feeling more confident.
Twenty years in marketing and admin helped Fran develop an eye for formatting. She’s used this ensure that ALNS’ resources contain good amounts of white space and simple layouts. Visually complex resources can distract students from learning tasks. ALNS keeps things simple to optimise session outcomes.
ALNS’ Learning Templates do not represent “the way” to teach or learn anything. By inviting people to follow their format, they simply help begin the learning journey. Derivatives, synonyms and antonyms, for example, can be presented in a number of ways. In downloading a template (rather than creating one), ALNS helps you better channel your energy.
To purchase one of ALNS’ Learning Templates or view the list, click here.
To enquire or give feedback, please email resources@alns.com.au.
ALNS’ Grammar Resources
ALNS’ Grammar Resources help teachers brush up and develop lesson plans. They do not seek to teach grammar, per se. They merely flag what you, as mentor, might need to teach well. They aim to outline the layers involved in an aspect of grammar. You may only need to review one section or reconnect with all of them.
Most of ALNS’ Grammar Resources contain simple exercises and answers (where appropriate). Even here, they help teachers reconnect with grammatical concepts. Bibliographies are provided for those who want to research more. The resources may be suitable for student use. You will need to confirm this. They should not be viewed as lesson plans however. You will still need to determine how and what you will outline.
Fran is familiar with the functional approach to grammar. She has much more to learn but understands its value. This said, adult L&N students often need to learn some traditional grammar first – e.g. how to identify nouns before beginning noun group work. ALNS’ Grammar Resources build bridges, where necessary, between the two frameworks.
Adult L&N students often want theory. They can need (and like) to know, “Why?” They’re often less concerned with the creative elements which are fundamental for younger students. There are, of course, exceptions to this but it helps to explain ALNS’ simple approach to resource formatting. Downloading the MS Word versions will enable you to adjust a resource’s layout.