Practicing literacy outside of the classroom can help reinforce what you learn in class, build confidence, and make reading feel more natural over time. Even small daily habits can make a meaningful difference.
The adult literacy programs here at Broward Community Schools are designed to help you build and develop your reading skills. However, your work doesn’t end when class lets out. There are a few ways that you can work on improving your literacy when you’re not in class.
Here are some things that you should do.
Read More
This is the most obvious way to work on your literacy skills. Read more books and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The only way you’ll really grow is by taking on some articles, novels, and other pieces that are a bit beyond you at first.
Start by choosing reading materials that interest you, whether that’s news articles, short stories, or nonfiction topics you enjoy. Reading regularly—even for a few minutes a day—can help strengthen comprehension and vocabulary. If you’re struggling a bit, try reading a book while you listen to the audio book. This can be a great way to learn how to read and pronounce a variety of words and phrases.
Following along with the text while listening helps connect written words with their spoken sounds, which can be especially helpful for developing fluency. Many libraries also offer free audio books alongside physical copies, so this doesn’t need to result in additional expenses.
Use Subtitles
This can be another great way to boost your literacy skills and add to your vocabulary. Just watch whatever TV or movie you were going to watch anyway but make one change. Turn on the subtitles.
Subtitles allow you to see words as they are spoken, reinforcing spelling, sentence structure, and word recognition in a natural way. As long as they don’t distract you too much, this can be a great way to read along and work on your literacy even as you relax and unwind at the end of the day. This approach makes it easier to practice literacy skills without setting aside additional study time.
Once you’re confident in your skills, working foreign films and television shows that use subtitles into the mix is a great idea too.
Reading subtitles in different contexts can introduce you to new words, expressions, and sentence patterns.
Play Word Games
There are plenty of games out there that can help you focus on your literacy skills. Think Scrabble, Boggle, and their digital equivalents. Word games encourage spelling, vocabulary building, and quick thinking, all of which support stronger literacy skills.
It’s easy enough to load up a word game on your phone and play it while you’re killing time somewhere. Even short game sessions can help reinforce language skills in a low‑pressure, enjoyable way.
Keep Building Your Literacy Skills
Improving literacy is an ongoing process, and practicing outside of class helps reinforce the progress you make during instruction. Combining reading, listening, and interactive activities can support steady improvement over time.
Learn More About Adult Literacy Programs
Our programs are designed to support adult learners at every stage, both inside and outside the classroom.
If you want to learn more about the adult literacy programs and other educational opportunities available at our schools in Fort Lauderdale, visit our website!