Our Learners
People who struggle with reading and writing come from all walks of life, and we have Learners ranging in age from school leavers to pensioners. What they have in common is a desire to improve their reading and writing. The reasons why our Learners have reached adulthood without adequate reading ability for modern life, are many and varied too, as are the reasons they have contacted FRED. This is why it is important we get to know our Learners, so we can give them the most effective help in their learning journey.
Any information we have about Learners is confidential, but many are happy to share their experiences to encourage others to come forward for help. Below are some of our Learners stories and what our Learners think about FRED.
Anne Holt (Reading Coach) Developing remote support during COVID
“During the COVID lockdowns my Learner and I kept in contact using the telephone or by meeting outside when permitted. Our telephone conversations were useful in keeping our relationship going and we were able to keep working so long as we both had copies of the same book and of course Turning Pages. We also kept in touch by post; I would send a worksheet or just a card or note to encourage her to read it and to write back to me. This developed her confidence in addressing an envelope and writing her own sentences. It also gave me an insight into some of the problems she was having in writing as well as reading.
We also tried using a dictaphone for me to record text so that she could practise at home. There proved to be some technical difficulties in using the machine (the delete button is too accessible!) but we have done more practice on this and are giving it another go! Providing new material has also been a challenge but overall this has been a very positive experience as it has enabled my Learner to practise independently and to try a new way of learning.”
Read about some of our Learners’ experiences
Nodeen
Before joining FRED I was lacking in confidence and self-esteem as I was always conscious of issues with my grammar due to a gap in education that left me lacking in basic grammar even though I was fine with bigger words and reading. I‘ll never forget my first session with the amazing Teresa. I was so nervous, but she really helped me to relax and overcome my concerns. As time went by Teresa taught me how to tackle the issues I’d been dealing with and now I can compose sentences much more confidently as I have a better grasp of the fundamentals of English grammar. I really cannot thank FRED enough for their amazing work and endless patience assisting me to ultimately improve my life.
With the aid of FRED I’ve enrolled on other courses to further my career where in the past I thought it was impossible…but not anymore! Thank you so much!
More stories below………
Les
Richard
Tracey
Pete
Tommy
Sabrina
Hannah
Ryan
What our Learners think about FRED
FRED has opened up a new world for me. I cope better with everyday tasks such as shopping and reading letters from the hospital. I am even able to read phone texts now. My coach has also helped build up my self confidence so that I feel more positive about my life – FRED Learner aged 47
I’m getting there slowly and making progress. It is helping me a lot and I feel a lot better in myself – more confident -FRED Learner aged 35
I now have a small son and am thrilled to be able to read to him. I feel very proud – FRED Learner aged 35
I haven’t been getting help from FRED for long but my coach is very encouraging and I already feel more positive about my reading. I have been putting on the subtitles when I’m watching telly and try to pick out some words…..just wish they stayed on there longer! – FRED Learner aged 54
Would I recommend FRED to others? Definitely!
My confidence was low when I started working with my reading coach, but now I am working on passing my driving theory test as well as improving my writing skills. I have just written a letter to my uncle in Canada which I have wanted to do for a long time. Very happy! – FRED Learner aged 30
I had tried to improve my reading skills a couple of times over the years but working 1:1 has been what I needed. I am getting on well with the new Turning Pages scheme and like the reading books which go with it. – FRED Learner aged 55
My reading has really improved. I am now reading with my daughter when she brings books home from school. I never thought I’d be able to do that. – FRED Learner aged 25
I was really pleased to be able to read a proper book. I am much more confident in reading online and try to read notices and other things when I’m walking around. For the first time I was able to read labels on Christmas presents which was great.
I am also writing impressive text messages now! – FRED Learner aged 38
My son’s pre-school asked me to go in and read a story to the children and I had to make an excuse so I knew I needed help. I feel so much more confident now and am already reading to my son at home. – FRED Learner aged 30
I was very nervous when I went to my first session but I soon felt comfortable and liked the venue where we met. I was able to borrow books from the library and could take worksheets home to do which gave me practice in between sessions. – FRED Learner aged 21
My dyslexia problems meant I couldn’t cope in a group situation. Since working 1:1 with my coach, my literacy skills have improved no end and I recently achieved an English qualification at college which was a massive achievement for me! – FRED Learner aged 32
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. My reading coach was good fun and very patient. I would certainly recommend FRED to anyone who finds reading difficult. – FRED Learner aged 70
I feel more confident now and am able to use my mobile phone to pick up texts from my boss at work. I also get help with my reading from work colleagues in between my FRED sessions which has really helped. – FRED Learner aged 19
I had tried to learn to read a couple of times before but having one-to-one help really made a difference. – FRED learner aged 56
I couldn’t read at all when I started and thought I was too old to try. However, my coach has been really patient and I have now read lots of books and feel a real sense of achievement. I have even started a basic computer class – you’re never too old! – FRED Learner aged 60
I considered myself to be at the bottom of the evolutionary ladder and thought I was useless. I have more confidence than ever before and wish FRED had been available years ago. At school I just shut off and closed down from learning. I am now more rounded as a person. I am always trying to encourage other people to come along and get help from FRED. – FRED Learner aged 45