ALTA MATERIALS

ALTA is a programme of sequential instruction of the component skills of reading and writing built around the step-by-step teaching of phonics and analysis of the structure of words and language. Once a skill has been taught, it is incorporated within the following lessons, being repeatedly reviewed, then extended and built upon. Students entering the programme move in sequence through Books 1, 2 & 3 to complete an entire ALTA level within an academic year.

The ALTA STUDENT LEVELS

Beginner

A beginner in the ALTA Programme does not recognize the letters of the alphabet or their sounds, does not know how to write the common and capital letters, does not recognize any words or knows so few as to make reading impossible. Click on the picture of the set of Beginner Books below to view a sample of the exercises covered in Book 1.  

Class material for the Beginner Level

In the Beginner Programme, the emphasis is on word recognition and on learning to write all the letters of the alphabet in both print and cursive.  The workbooks focus on handwriting with much tracing to ensure correct letter formation.  For reading, the tutor writes down the words the student says to use them as teaching material.  This way the material will be familiar and of interest to the student.  Reading for beginners is matching the words in their minds to the written form, in order to develop word recognition. Click on the picture of the Beginner workbooks below to view a sample of the exercises performed.

‘Predictable’ books are also used, where the stories follow a pattern, involving much repetition.  There are also picture clues.  The tutor reads the book to the students first so they grasp and remember the repeated phrases.  The reader can ‘predict’ the words on every page.  Moreover, reading an entire book gives the student a feeling of accomplishment. Click on the picture of the Predictable books below for a preview from the book 'Trini Lime'.

The six books that comprise the 'Predictable Books Set 2' Series

Other books used at the Beginner Level are the Beginner Reader Books 1 and 2. Click on the cover of the book below for a sample of the stories in Beginner Reader Book 1.

Each Level 1 or Level 2 lesson teaches through practicing four or five literacy skills, one or more from word recognition, vocabulary development and comprehension.  Students have workbooks that they write in, and ‘phonic & rule cards’ to practise the words they have learnt and the grammar rules.   At the end of each unit of seven lessons, there is a review lesson to reinforce what has been learnt thus far. Click on the image of the books below for a preview of worksheets for Levels 1 and 2.  

Some of the class materials for Levels 1 and 2

Students learn the difference between Creole and Standard English, to gain proficiency in the latter.  In addition, the lessons teach how to use a calendar, alphabetize, use the dictionary, read tables and diagrams, interpret maps, graphs, charts, floor plans and graphic symbols.

Writing skills are developed through letter writing, reports, form-filling and narrative pieces.  Students learn how to punctuate. Tutors give one-on-one feedback to students to edit their writing for meaning, punctuation, spelling and, from Level 2, Standard English grammar.

Level 3

Since students have now learned all the frequently used phonics, reading passages need no longer be simplified and are usually a full page, working up to two pages as they progress.  Real-life material now appears in its original format and style.  Their vocabulary is further expanded.  The purpose is to equip students to function independently in society.  

There is a heavy emphasis on grammar at this level: students are taught all parts of speech, irregular plurals, Standard English use of pronouns, adverbs, the verb ‘to be’, past tense and subject-verb agreement.  Students are taught how to develop a structured and coherent writing style, and shown how to write a paragraph, leading up to writing an essay.  Using the dictionary to look up words is an integral part of Level 3.  In the games, words are chosen not only to widen the students’ vocabulary but also to encourage them to apply the phonics taught to decode the words. Click the covers of the Level 3 books to view a sample of the lessons taught.

Class material for Level 3

At this stage, the students are encouraged to do supplementary reading outside of class, to reinforce all they have learnt.

TEACHING MATERIALS - COSTING

In a sponsored or workplace project, or in private tuition, the cost per student to complete an ALTA literacy level is listed in the table below. Note that the materials are subsidized - TT$15/term - for students ; TT$25 per term for tutors, but free after two years of volunteer teaching.

The materials listed below are for general sale except for the ALTA workbooks and accompanying tutors books. The ALTA workbooks and tutors books are sold only to registered ALTA-trained tutors or current tutors/assistants at ALTA community classes. A workbook cannot teach you to read, but it can provide the structure and practice activities for a trained teacher to progressively build literacy skills. Teacher training is key to any programme of instruction and particularly important when students have learning disabilities.

Tutors need all the students’ books as well as the accompanying Tutor’s Book priced at $60.