BearsRead Literacy Camp

 Who May Attend?

BearsRead is experiencing high demand, and we are currently unable to accept any more students. Please check back in the Fall.

Students who are struggling with reading and writing, entering grades 2 to 8 may attend. BearsRead Literacy Camp is designed to build on the students’ strengths and offer intervention experiences for students who have struggled along their literacy path. Students will meet from 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. on Monday and Thursday nights. During this time, students will be engaged in whole and small group instruction that focuses on developing confidence as readers and writers in an engaging and supportive environment. Instructional support will be provided that is fun and meaningful. Sessions will focus on developing reading and writing strategies through inquiry-based projects, reading of award-winning children’s and young adults’ literature, utilization of digital technology, reading/writing workshops, literature circles, and content-based instruction.

Students will be given literacy screenings on week one to identify skill deficits which will be targeted in upcoming weeks through intensive one-on-one tutoring sessions. Students who have markers for dyslexia will be given intensive interventions based on Orton-Gillingham’s multi-sensory approach. UCA Reading candidates will be assigned a student to work with to diagnose reading difficulties, correctly score and evaluate various screening assessments, plan appropriate instructional interventions which align goals, instruction, and assessment for at-risk or disabled readers based on current research in instructional strategies, including principles of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). Specific lessons will target phonology, phonics and word recognition, handwriting, spelling, fluent, automatic reading of text, vocabulary development, text comprehension and the writing process.

Program Fees

Students attending the BearsRead program for the eight weeks will be not be required to pay a fee. Applications will be processed on a first-come basis with a preference given to struggling readers and writers. Applicants are expected to honor their placement in the program by attending ALL scheduled sessions. Registration will be closed when space is filled.

Faculty

Each of the BearsRead Faculty have a degree and expertise in reading development, recent training in the Orton-Gillingham approach for interventions with children with dyslexia and hands-on experience working with students in this age group. UCA graduate students taking courses in reading diagnosis, intervention and strategies will conduct tutoring sessions with the students, under the direct supervision of trained UCA College of Education faculty.

Camp Schedule

5:00-5:15 Whole Group Literacy Activity focusing on teaching comprehension for understanding and engagement

5:15-6:15 One on One Tutoring Sessions / Snack

Student Worker Application (UCA Students ONLY)

Contact Information