Fall Literacy Camp Accepting Applications

Photo by Heidi Wells

Author Michael Shoulders talks to children at last fall's literacy camp.

The University of Arkansas Clinic for Literacy is partnering with the University of Arkansas Education Renewal Zone to offer a new format for a fall literacy camp. Both are based in the College of Education and Health Professions.

The focus on one Saturday each month from September through December will be on motivation to reach through reading and writing skills in small group settings using the books of one author. The time is 9 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 16, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 2.

"Saturday means no parking issues, fewer schedule conflicts, and less learner fatigue," said Linda Eilers, an associate clinical professor in the elementary education program who coordinates the camp. "The focus on one author is exciting because the children (and parents) get to meet the author at the culminating camp for a lively and humorous presentation with book-signing and a free book."

Visit the literacy camp web page for more information and to register. The cost of the camp is $49.99 per child.

Children will work with U of A teacher candidates in small group settings to learn about Michael Shoulders through an author study, activities using his books, and then meet Shoulders at the December camp.

Eilers and Heather Kindall, an assistant professor of childhood and elementary education, created the literacy clinic last year. Returning students attending the clinic's programs have averaged 1.5 years of growth in their reading levels, with some students gaining more than two years of growth, they said.

Each U of A teacher-education student providing intervention for the children understands the science of reading and the various difficulties students face in learning to read. The goal is to teach students strategies that align with what they are already learning in school and that can be transferred to other areas of achievement.