For more than 20 years, the University of North Dakota College of Education and Human Development has helped area children find their love of reading through the Summer Reading Program, a tradition that continues this summer.

The College and the Department of Teaching and Learning works in collaboration with the Grand Forks Public School District, as well as several rural schools in the area. The program is designed to promote the literacy development of young readers and writers. In addition, the program serves as a clinical practicum for undergraduates majoring in elementary education and graduate students enrolled in either the Reading or Elementary Education Masters’ program. It is designed for children entering 2nd-7th grades in the coming fall.

"Each February, faculty in the College contact teachers and principals in the surrounding schools to help identify children who would benefit from participating in the Summer Reading Program," said Dr. Shelby Barrentine, professor in the Department of Teaching & Learning and director of the Reading Program.

"Then, on the recommendation of school professionals, families apply to have their children participate in the program. University students who want to specialize in reading education register for the courses associated with the Summer Reading Program."

In June, undergraduate and graduate students in the College take a course in assessment and instructional methods. In the class students learn to diagnose reading difficulties and to use methods of instruction to help children develop reading skills and strategies. In July the Summer Reading Program takes effect as college students work with one or two children under the supervision of two course instructors.

The program is interactive with the children participating in a 4-week quest to become better readers. There is also a variety of fun activities in which the children take part including mini-field trips to interesting sites around campus.

"The children read books, practice word recognition and comprehension strategies, hear guest storybook readers," said Barrentine, "and take a field trip to Barnes & Noble where they may choose a free book. Through these events, college students learn to teach readers with specific needs. Besides benefiting from supportive, summer instruction in reading, the children gain the valuable experience of being on the college campus for academic purposes."

The UND College of Education and Human Development has nearly 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students in six departments including Counseling Psychology and Community Services, Educational Foundations and Research, Educational Leadership, Physical Education, Exercise Science and Wellness, Social Work, and Teaching and Learning. The mission is fostering healthy human development and learning across the lifespan. The departments employ multi-faceted approaches to education, relying on teaching, research and service in the education of students.

--30--