GOBSMACKERS
Gobsmackers – what are they?
Gobsmackers are reading books written for adult literacy and language students. They were created by experienced literacy practitioners and volunteer artists, tutors and designers. They have been ‘road-tested’ with students in the Read Write Now adult literacy program in Western Australia.
Gobsmackers – why are they called this?
They have been called this as every story has an interesting humorous twist at the end – some slightly more controversial than others.
What do they look like?
Each reader has from 7 to 22 pages and features a black line drawing with between 1 to 5 sentences below the drawing.
What’s different about them?
Teachers and volunteer tutors in the Read Write Now program often commented at the lack of recreational reading material available for adult literacy students – something with basic language but adult stories that are likely to get a good laugh.
There are numerous text books around and conventional stories but very little to encourage reading for sheer enjoyment - and that’s where real progress in reading is made.
Gobsmackers are mostly true stories of incidents that have happened to people involved in the Read Write Now program. They are written in natural, everyday language and include some Aussie humour and idiom. Some of the stories you’ll find hard to believe - that’s why they are gobsmacking!
Are they a teaching resource?
Yes and no. These books are meant to be read for a light-hearted laugh so you won’t find any word lists at the back or exercises for the student to complete – after all, that’s not what literate adults do. However, you will find on our website numerous activities that you can download if your student would like to go further.
The books and the activities are intentionally not graded. Experience has shown that if you give a student the range of books to look at, they will select their own level and their own activities from the website that are of interest to them.
There are tips for tutors and exercises for each book – the address is on each book. The exercises and tips can be downloaded and printed.
Who profits from Gobsmackers?
We hope that every student who reads them will profit from them! Proceeds from the sale of the books will go to the Community Adult Literacy Foundation which in turn supports the Read Write Now program with resources for volunteers and students. This is a true community not-for-profit partnership.
Thanks
Thanks go to the Rotary Club of Willetton for their support in getting Gobsmackers off the ground!
Code Title No of pages Price (inc GST)BUGLIOA1 Bugs Live On
Joan is looking after her neighbour’s pets. When she finds the dog playing with Bugs the rabbit, Joan’s work really begins. She has to come up with a plan to make sure that Bugs lives on. Will her plan work?
10 $5.50 HOMIMA2 Home Improvement
When Jan and her daughter Kate move into a home of their own there’s lots of work to be done. The neighbours come to lend a hand. There’s one neighbour that little Kate wants to get rid of. What could be the problem? This is a true story.
22 $5.50 ICASA3 I Can’t Sleep
Jeanette works night shift at the local hospital. When her family brings home Patch, a noisy dog from the Pound, Jeanette’s problems begin. Will this mean the end for Patch? This is a true story. 27 $5.50 MABMIA4 Mabel & Michael
Michael likes to relax and listen to loud music – while Mabel does all the housework. Michael is gobsmacked when Mabel tells him that she has had enough. Will they split up over this or can Michael change his ways? This is a true story.
9 $5.50 TRUGRA5 True Grit
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is about to be closed for repairs. Whilst Lesley, Daniel and Maggie are standing at the bottom of the Tower, some grit falls on them. They are gobsmacked at what happens next. This is another true story.
17 $5.50 WHIIFAA6 Whistle if Anyone Comes
On his early morning jog, Nic gets more than his usual workout – so does the lady out walking her dog. Read on to find out why Nic and his girlfriend Kelly can’t stop laughing. This is another true story.
12 $5.50 Full Set 6 Books (1 of each title) $30.00 Class set 15 of same title
(please nominate which title you wish to order) $75.00
· P & H applies (depends on weight and destination)
· Customers with an account will be invoiced on provision of an order number
· Corporate credit cards accepted, where no account exists
· Overseas and personal orders must be prepaid
Please note our new address below. Off street parking is available.
See http://www.languagecentre.iinet.net.au/map.gif for map.
~ The Language Centre Bookshop - Your One-Stop Language Shop ~
The Language Specialists since 1982
See http://www.languagecentre.iinet.com.au/form.html for order form - or use your own.
Gobsmackers are reading books written for adult literacy and language students. They were created by experienced literacy practitioners and volunteer artists, tutors and designers. They have been ‘road-tested’ with students in the Read Write Now adult literacy program in Western Australia.
Gobsmackers – why are they called this?
They have been called this as every story has an interesting humorous twist at the end – some slightly more controversial than others.
What do they look like?
Each reader has from 7 to 22 pages and features a black line drawing with between 1 to 5 sentences below the drawing.
What’s different about them?
Teachers and volunteer tutors in the Read Write Now program often commented at the lack of recreational reading material available for adult literacy students – something with basic language but adult stories that are likely to get a good laugh.
There are numerous text books around and conventional stories but very little to encourage reading for sheer enjoyment - and that’s where real progress in reading is made.
Gobsmackers are mostly true stories of incidents that have happened to people involved in the Read Write Now program. They are written in natural, everyday language and include some Aussie humour and idiom. Some of the stories you’ll find hard to believe - that’s why they are gobsmacking!
Are they a teaching resource?
Yes and no. These books are meant to be read for a light-hearted laugh so you won’t find any word lists at the back or exercises for the student to complete – after all, that’s not what literate adults do. However, you will find on our website numerous activities that you can download if your student would like to go further.
The books and the activities are intentionally not graded. Experience has shown that if you give a student the range of books to look at, they will select their own level and their own activities from the website that are of interest to them.
There are tips for tutors and exercises for each book – the address is on each book. The exercises and tips can be downloaded and printed.
Who profits from Gobsmackers?
We hope that every student who reads them will profit from them! Proceeds from the sale of the books will go to the Community Adult Literacy Foundation which in turn supports the Read Write Now program with resources for volunteers and students. This is a true community not-for-profit partnership.
Thanks
Thanks go to the Rotary Club of Willetton for their support in getting Gobsmackers off the ground!
Code Title No of pages Price (inc GST)BUGLIOA1 Bugs Live On
Joan is looking after her neighbour’s pets. When she finds the dog playing with Bugs the rabbit, Joan’s work really begins. She has to come up with a plan to make sure that Bugs lives on. Will her plan work?
10 $5.50 HOMIMA2 Home Improvement
When Jan and her daughter Kate move into a home of their own there’s lots of work to be done. The neighbours come to lend a hand. There’s one neighbour that little Kate wants to get rid of. What could be the problem? This is a true story.
22 $5.50 ICASA3 I Can’t Sleep
Jeanette works night shift at the local hospital. When her family brings home Patch, a noisy dog from the Pound, Jeanette’s problems begin. Will this mean the end for Patch? This is a true story. 27 $5.50 MABMIA4 Mabel & Michael
Michael likes to relax and listen to loud music – while Mabel does all the housework. Michael is gobsmacked when Mabel tells him that she has had enough. Will they split up over this or can Michael change his ways? This is a true story.
9 $5.50 TRUGRA5 True Grit
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is about to be closed for repairs. Whilst Lesley, Daniel and Maggie are standing at the bottom of the Tower, some grit falls on them. They are gobsmacked at what happens next. This is another true story.
17 $5.50 WHIIFAA6 Whistle if Anyone Comes
On his early morning jog, Nic gets more than his usual workout – so does the lady out walking her dog. Read on to find out why Nic and his girlfriend Kelly can’t stop laughing. This is another true story.
12 $5.50 Full Set 6 Books (1 of each title) $30.00 Class set 15 of same title
(please nominate which title you wish to order) $75.00
· P & H applies (depends on weight and destination)
· Customers with an account will be invoiced on provision of an order number
· Corporate credit cards accepted, where no account exists
· Overseas and personal orders must be prepaid
Please note our new address below. Off street parking is available.
See http://www.languagecentre.iinet.net.au/map.gif for map.
~ The Language Centre Bookshop - Your One-Stop Language Shop ~
The Language Specialists since 1982
See http://www.languagecentre.iinet.com.au/form.html for order form - or use your own.
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