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 fall at The University of Virginia's College at Wise. The clinic begins Sept. 23.

Registration is underway now and is limited to 15 students. Children in grades one through three are invited to participate. The program is not intended for children with learning disabilities.

With the primary grades 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 40 minutes 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 Catana Turner, the associate professor of education who directs the program. "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."

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 previous reading clinics and their parents raved about the benefits they received from the program.

"Children benefit from the program and so do our undergraduates, who have a chance to apply 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."

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.