How Strengthening Literacy Practices Strengthened Me
Lindsay Carton, Wainwright Adult Learning
In 2020/2021, I enrolled in the Strengthening Literacy Practices (SLP) program. I wasn’t sure exactly what SLP entailed, but it was recommended to me by a trusted mentor. Also, I just love professional development opportunities! I didn’t know what I was getting into or what I was embarking on, but this experience truly transformed me personally and the world I work in.
Within the first two assignments, I realized that my reading skills weren’t as strong as I thought, and I started to worry that this program might be above me. But I didn’t give up. To be honest, the first half of SLP was difficult for me. It was a lot of information, reading, and reflecting. Things can get quite overwhelming in my brain, but as we moved through the program, I learned more about myself in this way. I was sure it was easier for others than it was for me — some seemed more academic. I wasn’t well-spoken, which was a little nerve-racking when sharing my thoughts and ideas. As a side note, since then, I’ve made a more conscious effort to read—and even though I often listen to audiobooks, I’ve expanded my world through the stories I listen to and the new concepts I learn about.
As a group, we learned together and from each other. It was interesting to see different "takes" on the readings, and the final projects were so cool because they really showed how different we all are and how we all have our own ways of journeying through and understanding learning.
During this time, I also became aware of — and was diagnosed with — ADHD. Things started to make sense, and instead of just learning to help others, I began analyzing myself and how I could be better — for myself and while helping others.
One major reality that really stood out to me was how the brain simply can’t learn effectively when it’s under stress and trauma. This idea clicked with me on a personal level and opened up a whole new way of thinking about how we support learners. When learners are preoccupied by major events in their lives, it can deeply affect their ability to process information, focus, and engage in learning. Everyone has their own level for what can push them to a point of shutting down. I realized that many learners come into the classroom with invisible burdens of varying degrees. Understanding this has made me more compassionate and thoughtful in my approach, knowing that some students need more than just educational support — they need emotional and psychological safety as well. Because of this program, I became more empathetic — not just toward others, but toward myself.
I now see the importance of adapting my approach to suit different learners and situations. Not everyone learns the same way, and that’s okay. This understanding has made me more patient, flexible, and intentional in my practice.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was how the program built my confidence as a practitioner. I walked away feeling more capable, empowered, and equipped with new strategies that I could immediately put into practice. I knew we had all the tools, but Strengthening Literacy Practices gave me the confidence to use them.
As I reflected on how I would share my SLP journey, a map came to mind. All the activities and readings we worked on seemed to categorize themselves in my mind like a grocery store layout. In this store, each section represents a part of the learning journey. Every stop along the way is important.
When people come into our organization, we want to welcome them with open arms into a safe and inviting space. We assess learners where they’re at, then connect them with tutors or classes that align with their needs and goals. We gather resources and strategies for teaching and then we plan. The grocery list of each shopper (learner, tutor, or instructor) will show different needs; therefore each cart will hold different items. Some shoppers may skip sections, some may wander down every aisle, some may just want perimeter items, and some may prefer quick and easy options. Learners come to us, we grow together, we accomplish goals, and eventually, together we complete the journey…we checkout.
If you would like more information or are interested in being part of Strengthening Literacy Practices 2025-2026, click here: https://calp.ca/forum/?comaction=discussion&node=29199#target