Adult Learners

Becoming an Adult Learner

Project Adult Literacy offers one-on-one tutoring and small group classes free of charge.

To be eligible for a tutor you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Live or work in the Newport Beach area
  • Be able to speak English (See our ESL Referrals if not)
  • Commit at least one year to working with your tutor for at least one hour per week

To become part of the literacy program, contact the Literacy Office at (949) 717-3874; email us at literacy@newportbeachca.gov or stop by for an application.

Every potential adult learner must attend a new learner orientation. Space is limited so a reservation is a must!!!

Once you have attended the orientation, you will be asked to take a skills evaluation. The evaluation will help us determine the best tutor to match you with.

Please understand that our tutors are all volunteers and that there are many adults waiting to be assigned a tutor. Please be patient and we will match you with a tutor as soon as we can.

 

Programs

We offer many support programs to help our learners improve their skills.  Classes and activities are open to all learners who have officially entered the Literacy Program.  Please call for times and dates of each program (949) 717-3874.

Below are classes we currently offer. Please be advised that class offerings are subject to change.

American Sitcoms - An intriguing class that focuses on popular TV sitcoms and discusses everyday situations and events. Each learner will observe, study and interpret everyday verbal and facial expressions. 

Conversation Circles - Discuss topics of interest that are important to the group each week. Share ideas, develop vocabulary, improve leadership skills and have fun.

Evening Book Club - A discussion group that reads classic and contemporary novels with the objective to develop reading skills and encourage lively discussion.

Exploring California - Learn more about California. Discuss topics such as the food, places to visit, history, economy, environment and more in our wonderful state of California. Discuss cultural topics related to living in California in this class. 

Idioms in Everyday Life - The English language has many expressions that have other meanings called idioms. People use idioms to express something more vividly and they serve as an image or mental picture. This class will review idioms with the origin of words and phrases used in everyday conversational English.

Media Literacy - In a world saturated with immediate news, digital messaging, and social networking, concepts of literacy must expand to include all forms of media.  Media Literacy is a helpful tool to navigate through the overwhelming volume of content portrayed as “news.” 

Morning Book Club - A discussion about classic and contemporary American writings. The goal is to deepen and enrich the adult learner's understanding of American culture, and to promote critical discussion.