CALP Connections: December 2025

Like others, I love a good shopping trip — my particular favourite is Costco. There’s something about pushing your cart down the aisles, filling it with all those things that make life better: inspiration, innovative ideas, and the occasional bulk pack of snacks! And of course, there’s always that one special item that adds a little extra excitement to your cart — an item that really resonates with you — whether it’s a rotisserie chicken, a charcuterie board, or one of those massive Christmas blow-up Santas waving at you from the end of the aisle. Or, let’s be honest, a giant pack of TP (2020 wasn’t that long ago!).  

In many ways, the Community Learning Network (CLN) does the same for the CALP community. Each year, CLN recognizes an individual or a group who has filled their own “cart” with meaningful contributions that strengthen adult learning across Alberta.  The Outstanding Contribution Award celebrates an individual or a group who has gone above and beyond to support learners, build community partnerships, and embodied the spirit of lifelong learning — it's that one special item that adds extra excitement to our collective cart, reminding us just how much joy and inspiration can come from the work we do together. 

As part of our commitment to community-based adult learning and literacy in Alberta, the Community Learning Network (CLN) proudly recognizes the exceptional individuals or organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to the field over the past year. Nominees must be CALP organizations, employees, board members, or volunteers and be CLN members in good standing. 

Think of those people in our CALP family who are always willing to lend a hand, share a resource, or encourage others.  Maybe, they’ve helped a new facilitator find their footing, created a life-changing program, or made an impact on adult learners in their region.  Their “cart” is overflowing — not with paper towels and granola bars, but with compassion, collaboration, and commitment. 

If a CALP staff, organization, board member, or volunteer in your network fits the description of exceptional contributors, don’t let their efforts go unnoticed - nominations for the CLN Outstanding Contribution Award are now open! 

Let’s celebrate those who make a difference — the ones whose carts remind us that when we fill others’ baskets, our whole community becomes richer. 
 
As we head into the holiday season, may your cart — and your heart — be full. Here is to celebrating generosity, connection, and the incredible people who make Alberta’s learning communities shine a little brighter all year long. 

A big thank you to Dave Albrecht, Chair of the CLN Board, for his creative Costco-inspired “Build-a-Board" idea that sparked this theme! You can find Dave’s full article in the November edition of the CALP Connections Newsletter.  

Stay tuned to see how, as a CLN Board, we’re going to run with this concept and bring a little more fun and connection to our work together. 

CLN is launching two new go-to resources to support teaching foundational skills in writing and digital skills. Each resource is a hub or go-to space for discovering strategies and activities which include step by step instructions and “See it in Action” examples with videos and additional resources to help you apply these concepts immediately. 

• Teaching Writing: Strategies and Resources provides a collection of adaptable instructional strategies to use with adult foundational learners.  Discover everyday writing activities and guidance on adjusting the complexity depending on the learner's level.
  
  
• Teaching Digital Skills: Strategies and Resources is designed around a learner-centred task-based approach for building confidence in digital skills. Access easy to use instructional ideas and resources to help build digital skills that are transferrable across devices and platforms.

These two new resources will join our existing Teaching Reading: Strategies and Resources resource to form the Teaching Foundational Skills collection—a comprehensive suite designed to help you create learning that builds foundational skills in reading, writing, and digital literacy. Whether you are just beginning to work in these areas or are looking for new ideas, these resources offer a clear starting point with practical instructional ideas, and clear guidance on how to teach basic skills.

Watch the Portal for a launch announcement in the coming week.

To learn more about the strategies and guidance in these new resources, join in on one of the upcoming Staff Picks sessions:

Staff Picks: Teaching Digital Skills: Strategies & Resources (Dec 11)

Staff Picks: Teaching Writing: Strategies & Resources (Jan 14)

Oh, baby, it's cold outside!

Are you getting the feeling that learners are starting to hibernate? Why not offer online learning opportunities? Tutoring, information sessions, and classes are all great ways to reach out virtually. Connecting online has never been easier and participants can stay safe and warm while they learn.

When you're ready to promote those wonderful winter learning opportunities, Adult Learning Alberta (ALA) is the perfect place to post! It's free to CALPs and right at your fingertips. Each learning opportunity is displayed on the site events calendar, and upcoming events are also displayed on the home page. The site is user friendly and easy to navigate for staff and learners alike.

Add the link to your social media pages for even easier access: https://adultlearningalberta.ca  

Register for your CALP's free account today. Go to https://adultlearningalberta.ca/submissions/request-an-account or click the login button at the bottom of the ALA home page.

Métis Week 

When Practitioners Learn, Learners Thrive 

Creating a Personal Curriculum

Looking for a staff gift this holiday season? Nametags are a great way to showcase the organization you are a part of, your name, and your role (if desired).

Nametags can be purchased on the Portal and shipped directly to your CALP.

Click here to learn more and purchase a nametag!

Season’s greetings and best wishes for a joyous holiday season, and a very happy New Year!

Please note the CLN office will be closed from Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 to Monday, January 5th, 2026.