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The Great Literacy Challenge FAQ

 

The Great Literacy Challenge (TGLC) was created by Fearless Mastery Learning Program, a Canadian not for profit organization that is dedicated to improving the experience of education for everyone, regardless of age or ability. The intention is that by giving students more control over their learning while connecting digitally to others around the globe, they will reveal and have certainty about their innate ability to create successful lives for themselves.

We trust that the following questions and answers will provide enough information about TGLC that will encourage you to participate as fully as possible. If you have any questions that we have not answered, please let us know.
Who can join The Great Literacy Challenge?

LEARNERS: TGLC is open to everyone who is interested in developing or strengthening learning and literacy skills. This means that students from kindergarten to secondary school and beyond, as well as home-schooled children and participants in community literacy programs, can accept the challenge. The way they play may differ, but the missions are suitable for all types of learners. TGLC is also very effective for establishing a foundation in English, making it suitable for students around the world who are learning English.

SUPPORTERS: To learn about how you or your company can support children and adults who have accepted the challenge, please click here.


How much does it cost to join?

 

REGISTRATION IS FREE, but you must commit to provide the necessary reusable materials for each student who is participating, to ensure a complete experience. These materials include modeling clay, specially developed alphabet strips, cards and mats, and storage trays (which can be located for free in many supermarkets). The program will be accessible digitally, so the use of digital technology (including hardware such as computers, Internet access, video recorders, digital cameras, voice recording devices, web cams, etc., and software that facilitates various modes of interaction) is recommended because it significantly enhances the program.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLICLY-SUPPORTED COMMUNITY GROUPS: We will do our best to link you with local sponsors who can support your participation, if necessary.


How is Fearless Mastery delivered in The Great Literacy Challenge?

STUDENTS: The program will be digitally recorded and presented in entertaining and inspiring ways by various celebrities, athletes and others who have the ability to transmit the program with ease and joy. Students who have experienced the program will have the opportunity to expand the database of activities by posting their feedback and creations for the world to see.

EDUCATORS/FACILITATORS: In addition to having access to the digitally recorded components mentioned above, the entire basic manual is available in text format, which can be printed and used as a hard-copy reference guide. Depending upon interest, the basic manual may also be updated as newly-created activities are designed.

 

How does The Great Literacy Challenge motivate students?

COMPETITION AND REWARDS: Competition means, "to seek together." TGLC gives everyone playful opportunities to connect with others as they challenge themselves and each other. Students also have a worldwide forum for displaying their accomplishments and creations as they increase the databank of activities from which everyone can draw to design programs that are personally meaningful. Knowing that the successful completion of certain challenges can generate rewards from various donors adds to the excitement.

OWNERSHIP: Control over one's learning experiences is very empowering, particularly for children who are not yet aware of their innate ability to create meaningful lives for themselves. They are also learning to be literate for the purpose of communicating their accomplishments and experiences, rather than having literacy appear to be an end in itself.

 
When will The Great Literacy Challenge begin?

LEARNERS: You may register your school, group or self right now and begin to organize the materials you will require. We are intending to begin production of the digitally delivered instructions soon so that students can begin using them in September 2006. We will post the details of your participation on this site and link to your group's web site if you wish, so that you can exhibit your efforts with ease.

SUPPORTERS: We are currently contacting potential creators and donors to determine what their participation will be. To learn about how you or your company can support children and adults who have accepted the challenge, please click here.


What is the most powerful aspect of The Great Literacy Challenge?

 

TGLC ENGAGES THE WISDOM OF GROUPS: (The following is an excerpt from Rabbi Simon Jacobson's July 7, 2006 weekly posting, Question of the Week. He can be reached at wisdomreb@meaningfullife.com.) Powerful insights emerge from the opinions of large, diverse groups of people. “The wisdom of crowds” is how it has been coined today in a book by the same name (authored by New Yorker columnist James Surowiecki), exploring the idea that large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant; they are better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future. The aggregative synergy of independent, decentralized opinions has the ability to reveal deeper truths about many issues. Even at its least optimal, the opinions of the masses on the ground definitely expose the state of the human condition, better than any analyst could ever predict from a pedestal (or ivory tower). Analysts, therapists and even marketers and advertisers – and for that matter, educators, clergy and leaders – would do well listening closely to the voice of the people.

CHILDREN KNOW WHAT THEY NEED: Educators worldwide are discovering that there are many children who do not learn effectively by traditional methods in which adults dictate what and how children will be taught. The time is ripe for greater collaboration among all of the stakeholders of the education system: students, teachers, administrators, parents, corporations and the community at large.


What are the rewards for students and where do they come from?

THE COMMUNITY DECIDES: We are soliciting participation from companies who have demonstrated previous commitments to literacy initiatives, and we encourage students to determine what rewards would be meaningful to them so that they can participate in engaging corporate sponsorship or celebrity visits upon the completion of their "missions". Ownership of TGLC by students is consistent throughout the program.

 
How can children's identities be protected if they are posting images and recordings on the Internet?

YOU DETERMINE YOUR METHOD OF PARTICIPATION: What you choose to display is up to you, so that faces, names or voices can be protected as you desire. Of course, parental permission regarding Internet transmission of participation is recommended.