Reading/Discussion Programs for Adult Literacy Students
Discussion Themes | How to Apply
Oklahoma Connections is a reading and discussion program that engages scholars, librarians, literacy coordinators, adult new readers, and tutors in a casual, spontaneous setting to explore books and ideas. The program helps literacy students—including at-risk teenagers and ESL students—expand newfound reading skills and gain self-esteem.
The programs enhance an existing literacy program by providing a comfortable forum for students and their tutors to engage with other students and a humanities scholar who serves as the discussion facilitator. For most participants, this will be their first opportunity to discuss books and ideas in a group setting. Students who participate may keep the books—for many, the first books they have ever owned.
Discussion themes feature children’s and young adult books that deal with “adult” issues. A series consists of 3 programs organized around a central theme. With the exception of The Odyssey, each theme offers several books of varying levels of difficulty, from which the scholar/facilitator and the project director will choose 3-6 books.
How to Apply
For information or to apply for a series, contact Dr. Jennifer Kidney, Director of Literature Programs. With its “pre-packaged” approach, even small organizations can participate. Program services include:
- Onsite planning and tutor orientation
- A Planning and Training Guide
- A Scholar Directory of available facilitators
- Multiple copies of books for participants
Eligibility: Any literacy organization can apply to host a series.
Audience: Adults and high school students
Application Fee: $125 [Scholar honoraria and mileage reimbursement are paid by OHC.]
Note: The books pictured on this page are copyrighted to their respective publishers and featured here under the purview of “fair use” as described in the U.S. Copyright Act.