Reading and Writing Circles
Many adults in Calgary, particularly newcomers and people with low incomes, face significant barriers to accessing English literacy support. Language class waitlists have grown to over 2,800 learners, and recent program reductions across the city have left thousands of adults without timely language instruction. Reading & Writing Circles was developed to help fill that gap, bringing free, accessible, small-group literacy support directly into the community spaces where people already feel at home.
Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Reading & Writing Circles Framework Pilot
Before expanding delivery, we invested in getting the approach right. Through our first phase, we developed the ESL Reading & Writing Circles Framework — a shared set of resources, tools, and guidelines that gives facilitators and community partners everything they need to deliver consistent, high-quality literacy programming.
Phase 2: Delivering the Program
ESL Reading & Writing Circles in the Community
With the framework in place, we put it to work. Reading & Writing Circles is now a free program running at community partner sites across Calgary for adults learning English at a CLB 1–2 or CLB 3–4 level. Over 10 weekly sessions, participants build everyday reading and writing skills in a small-group setting that meets them where they are.
For more information or to find a program near you, please contact us at programs@furthered.ca
These projects are funded and supported by Calgary Learns.
Now I have become part of a wonderful community, I don’t feel lonely in a new country. I have become more confident in speaking English and now every ride in the elevator of my building goes with a small talk with my neighbours!
— Participant, ESL Reading and Writing Circles
