The growing presence in Quebec of adult newcomers facing the challenge of developing literacy in French has forced the political, educational and research communities to take greater interest in these learners in order to offer them services that best meet their needs. In order to promote a better understanding of this population, which is present in all four corners of the province, this article will first provide a brief overview of the demographic situation and the school offerings in the Quebec context. We will then highlight some of the characteristics shared by many of these learners, which will allow us to better understand their rich linguistic and cultural background and how this background can influence their learning. Finally, we offer pedagogical suggestions adapted to these characteristics, with the objective of creating learning opportunities that can easily be implemented with learners who are unfamiliar with the academic expectations of their new host environment.