Join the Club! A New Approach to the Traditional Reading Clinic.

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8

College School Cooperation; Elementary Education; Higher Education; Instructional Effectiveness; Junior High Schools; Preservice Teacher Education; Program Descriptions; Reading Attitudes; Reading Games; Remedial Programs; Remedial Reading; Teaching Experience; Tutoring

A "Reading Club" approach at Liberty University (Virginia) has been implemented to avoid the stigma that may be associated with elementary and junior high school students receiving remedial reading instruction. Students in grades K-8 from the local schools come to the university campus to be tutored in reading. Elementary education majors enrolled in the reading diagnosis and remediation course provide one-to-one tutoring. The sessions are referred to as a "Reading Club" rather than a reading clinic to avoid the medical/disabled connotations associated with a clinic. The club theme is carried out with contests and prizes. Enrichment is provided for those reading at or above grade level as well as for those reading below grade level. Although the Reading Club concept is utilized to promote a positive atmosphere, the tutoring sessions are serious business. The results of the Reading Club are sometimes immediate. Students who indicated a negative attitude toward reading during their first visit often return the next week with enthusiasm about what they have read. Parents report that performance and attitudes at school have improved as well. Students look forward to attending the Reading Club meeting each week and tutors also enjoy teaching with the positive approach. (RS)

1991

ED327819