Is it possible for a motivated adult to learn to read on his/her own?

Question

If so, what materials could be used for self teaching?

Answer 1

YES! YES! YES!!!!! I read an article recently about a man who was in his 70's or 80's who didn't know how to read, until a first grade teacher at his granddaughter's school agreed to help him learn. He would go to school with first graders during their reading time. It was a wonderful experience for all involved- it gave inspiration to the students- they valued what they were learning- and the man didn't have to struggle with many of the day to day things we use reading for.

The adult doesn't have to do this on his/her own. There are many people out there willing to help. The literacy council in our area offers adult reading classes/tutoring. Reading is complex, and the english language can be complex. I am a teacher, and many of the students at my school are immigrant students that are learning how to read and speak english. It helps if there is a person to work with one on one. I would really suggest the person wanting to learn, work with a patient person. This person needs to learn individual phonemes (sounds) for example: the aphabet....our vowels are a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y. Each of the vowels have two sounds....a long sound and a short sound...."a" can sound like aaaaah as in "cat" or it can sound like ayyy as in "cake".

My point is he/she needs some sort of support neccisarily from a teacher or tutor but from someone who knows how to read. Even a child learning how to read can be helpful to the adult. They can teach the adult what htey know.  

However if he/she wanted to do it on their own I would suggest getting books from the library that are very simple (for preschool/kindergarten) ones with pictures. Getting books that are for english language learners. Also, this website would be very helpful for the person to go on, and listen to the sounds. It has interactive stories, they can work from the bottom up....sounds...word patterns....words....sentences...

the website is: www.starfall.com

Good luck to the person trying to learn! I admire their courage, and am excited about the gift they are working to recieve!

Answer 2

Absolutely!  Just pick up a book on the subject you want to learn and have at it!! History, spelling, english grammar, religion, geography even science. Start in the kids section if you need something basic, math you might have to ask someone to help you but anyone can learn most subjects just with a book in their hand!

Answer 3

Hooked on Phonics could probably really help teach you the roots reading and writing