One-to-One Tutoring

At PALS, adult learners work one-to-one with a volunteer tutor to improve literacy skills (reading, writing, language, math and digital) skills. Before being matched with a tutor, each learner meets with the program coordinator to identify the existing skills of the learner, determine a starting point and shows what a learner needs to learn.

All PALS programs are literacy specific. The tutor guides the learner through the process and is available to help when they encounter difficulty. Tutors also serve as motivators and encourage a learner to keep going.

Literacy – Reading and Writing

Are you struggling with reading or writing? In this program learners work one-to-one with a tutor to improve their reading and writing skills. We will match you with a tutor who understands your unique needs and learning style. One-to-one tutoring allows us to focus on your areas of challenge and we can go back and address any learning gaps you need to. You can work online or in-person at the PALS office or at a library.

Meetings are for a few hours each week at a time that works for you.

To learn more about this program contact our Literacy Coordinator

Literacy for English Language Learners (LELL)

This program is for immigrants with little or no formal education. There are 6 levels in this program, pre-CLB to CLB 5. You will work one-to-one with a tutor to learn how to read and write in English and to develop listening, speaking, numeracy and digital skills. Some of the literacy skills you will learn in this program are – learning strategies, vocabulary, reading, writing, grammar, sounding out words, spelling etc. Our program will help you develop your general English skills for day-to-day living, like making a doctor’s appointment, asking for help in a supermarket, filling out forms, getting a library card or talking to your child’s teacher.

Meetings are for a few hours each week at a time that works for you.

To learn more about this program contact our LELL Coordinator

Math Literacy

This program is for adults who want to improve math skills for work, school, or everyday life. There are no minimum math skills required to join this program. Meet with a volunteer tutor one-on-one or in small groups for a few hours each week. Use learning materials with real-life examples. Go at your own pace and build on what you already know. Gain confidence with numbers, improve your problem-solving skills and learn how to apply math skills to everyday tasks.

Meetings are for a few hours each week at a time that works for you.

To learn more about this program contact our Math Literacy Coordinator

Digital Literacy

Our Basic Digital Program exists to help you achieve the tech-fluency that you need to feel more comfortable using computers, tablets, smartphones etc. There are three areas that we typically focus on:

  1. Developing familiarity with the hardware of a computer – monitor, mouse, keyboard, USB memory stick etc.
  2. Building an understanding of how different types of software work – including using Microsoft Windows or a Mac Operating System to navigate spreadsheets, word processors, PowerPoints etc.
  3. Your personal digital goal: programs that you may require or want to learn for work or school such as accessing email, word processing, spreadsheets, using search engines, joining social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter), and data management may also be covered, as per your personal learning goals.

Meetings are for a few hours each week at a time that works for you.

To learn more about this program contact our Digital Literacy Coordinator

Reaching New Heights (RNH)

The Reaching New Heights program is designed to help you prepare for the future. This program will provide you with a foundation of skills to enhance your self-confidence and independence. Be actively involved in determining what, how, and when to learn by working independently or as a team. The primary goal of the program is to assist you in achieving confidence in your abilities to work towards your goals.

By joining RNH you will be:

  • Taking charge of your own learning

  • Using your own judgment and decision-making capabilities

  • Setting smart goals and share expectations

  • Having learning experiences that actively involves you

Meetings are for a few hours each week at a time that works for you.

To learn more about this program contact our Reaching New Heights Coordinator