Handouts for low literacy with teen focus?

[Joyce in the mtns.]

Looking for low literacy info for a potential client who is 16 and doesn't read well at all- described to me by referring source, as "can't read".

So this info should definitely be geared to a low reading level teen.

Anyone?

Thanks very much in advance for any ideas, links, connections, etc. that you may share with me on this demographic.

I've searched high and low and need this type of info pronto (and hopefully it's online and free as this girl is a gratis client if I take her on). She's 38 weeks along too. Going to call her later today to see if we will even meet to check out the possibility... but I'm thinking that this literacy issue and the teen focus could come up for me anytime so best to be prepared anyhow.

Any ideas that anyone can share... do you have handouts that apply to this demographic yourself that you'd feel ok about sharing???

Much obliged.

[1stimestar]

Don't give her handouts. Give her conversations, perhaps while walking or providing her with a snack. Contact your local Literacy Council and ask if they have any resources. But yea, handouts for someone with a lower reading level may not be not much use. On the other hand, we have people come in with a 6th grade reading level all the time, it doesn't mean they can't read. So perhaps just going over them with her.

[Joyce in the mtns.]

Was thinking about some visual aids actually... hmmm. I need a strategy and y'know you've got me thinking... hmmm.

Thanks! Maybe she'd like some mehndi/henna... that might be a good opportunity to connect and talk and stuff.

She is not in a position to pay, her mom simply can't deal emotionally with watching her baby go through birth... her aunt thinks that SHE could do it,though, so maybe she doesn't need me.

I have to think about this more. I have no issue with gratis work since I know this is a teen, y'know? And there's NO issue with her location or where she will give birth, distance-wise from me.

Anyhow... need to think a bit more.

Thanks again, Dear One.

[1stimestar]

Oh talking while hennaing is a great idea. Though I really have a hard time talking much while doing it as I loose my focus on either one or the other lol. But DOING something while talking is normally helpful with younger people as then it is less like you talking, her listening.

[Joyce in the mtns.]

Also... would you invite her mom and/or aunt to be present during an initial meet'n'greet?

Would you do it her home or at a neutral location? (local coffee joint?, library?) The non-profit for whom I work part time is buying a house in the town where she lives and we will be creating a satellite there for our services and I think that they'd be open to me meeting her there... hmmm. I don't know. Never did teen pregancy/birth before.

Anyhow...we'll see.

[1stimestar]

Yes, both of them if they are interested. I normally meet at the coffee section in Barnes and Noble for our first initial consultation. I always like to include anyone that may be at the birth or anyone that has great influence on mom. They can help her make a choice and then everyone is on the same page about what you do and do not do.

[Joyce in the mtns.]

I've not a whole lot of experience... and have gone to the hospital with a friend of my daughter's when she was being induced, was there with her mom and her.

But she was probably 20 or so at the time... or maybe 19. (Her child is going into kindergarten now, so she was not a teen then)

I am not sure how to work with a teen, which I guess is another thread, eh?

(I don't wanna clog up this forum with all these particular questions)

Thanks.
J.