Registration now open for free reading clinic for grades 1-3 at UVa-Wise

Primary school children can improve their reading skills during a free reading clinic to be offered this spring at The University of Virginia's College at Wise.

The clinic has a tentative start date of Feb. 5. Registration is underway now and space is limited. Children in grades one through three are invited to participate. The program is not intended for children with severe learning disabilities.

With the primary grades being the most critical for developing good reading skills, tutors will work with children on reading comprehension, writing, spelling and phonics.

Children enrolled in the program will be expected to attend the reading clinic for one hour on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The clinic will be open from 4:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., providing more flexibility for working parents. Parents or guardians are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from the reading clinic.

All assessments and instruction will be supervised by Jeff Cantrell, chair of the Department of Education and director of the program. The children will be tested to diagnose their strengths and weaknesses, and tutors will design lessons to help children improve the areas where they need the most help. Lessons will be delivered one-on-one with multiple learning activities. 

Tutoring will be offered by UVa-Wise senior education students as part of the requirements for an advanced course in the diagnosis and correction of reading problems.

The children who participated in previous reading clinics and their parents have raved about its benefits. In addition, their undergraduate tutors benefit by applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to gain hands-on experience in reading instructioin and helping children with the reading process.

Pre-registration for the free program is required. To register, or for more information, contact Jeff Cantrell at 276-376-1037 or via e-mail at rjc2e@uvawise.edu.

Posted January 18, 2008