Free Reading Clinic for Grades 1-3 at UVa-Wise

Primary school children who struggle with reading and spelling can extra help they need at the free reading clinic set to be offered at The University of Virginia's College at Wise beginning Feb. 13 and continuing through May 1.

Tutoring will be offered by UVa-Wise senior education majors as part of the requirements for an advanced course in the diagnosis and correction of reading problems. The children who participated in lpreviousreading clinic and their parents raved about the benefits they received from the program.

All assessments and instruction will be supervised by Catana Turner, associate professor of education, who directs the reading clinic. "The children will be tested to diagnose their strengths and weaknesses," Turner said. "The tutors will design lessons to help the children improve the areas where they need the most help. Lessons will be delivered one-on-one with multiple learning activities."

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

Children enrolled in the program will be expected to attend the readings clinic for 40 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The clinic, which located in Darden Hall room 122, will be open from 4:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., providing more flexibility for working parents.

"Children will benefit from the program and so will our undergraduates, who will be applying what they've learned in the classroom," Turner said. "As future teachers, they will be more informed abut how to help children with the reading process and reading instruction."

The program is limited to 15 participants and is not intended for children with learning disabilities. Parents or guardians are responsible for their child's transportation to and from the reading clinic.

Pre-registration for the program is required. To register, or for more information, contact Catana Turner at 276-328-0165 or via e-mail at clt4f@uvawise.edu.