Literacy Corner

Gemma introduces The Open Door Series. This innovative program of original works by some of our most beloved modern writers was first designed with new readers in mind.

More than improving skills, readers can expand their world view, comparing their own experiences to situations profiled in colorful, grown-up stories.

To help teachers and adult learners use Open Doors to develop reading skills and the joy that comes with books Gemma is developing teaching guides and literacy resources for educators and learners alike. Please click any of the links below to download an Adobe 'pdf':

• Cathy Kelly's Letter From Chicago
• Roddy Doyle’s Not Just for Christmas 
• Vincent Banville’s Sad Song
• Garth O’Callaghan’s Joe’s Wedding  
• Peter Sheridan's Old Money, New Money 
• Patricia Scanlan’s Second Chance
• Rose Doyle's The Story of Joe Brown
• Carol Newman Cronin’s Oliver's Surprise
• Cecilia Ahern's Mrs. Whippy
• Patricia Scanlan’s Fair-Weather Friend
• Marta Maretich's The Possibility of Lions
• Elizabeth Mosier's The Playgroup

Watch for more!

*GemmaMedia’s Teaching Guides for The Open Door Series are free, downloadable Adobe™PDFs, available to teachers for class use. They may not be resold under any circumstance. If you would like to tell us your experience using them, or if you have ideas about teaching guides, please contact literacy@gemmamedia.com.

Download Adobe Reader

TEACHER’S NOTE: If you would like to purchase multiple copies of books in The Open Door Series, please contact literacy@gemmamedia.com for special educational discounts.

Links to Literacy Resources

Gemma has assembled a list of sites for educators and adult learners alike to find programs, research and support in their efforts. Please note that linked sites will open in a separate, popup window.

ProLiteracy, the world’s largest organization of adult literacy and basic education programs

PBS Literacy Link, helps adults build basic skills for lifelong learning

National Center for Family Literacy, helping parents and children form a learning partnership that ends the cycle of poverty