This approach adheres to state and national literacy standards, says Jang. In the first session, third and fourth graders are encouraged to research a topic that interests them, guided by the graduate students toward a creative synthesis of material through a process of reading, analysis and synthesis of printed materials and age-appropriate internet research. The program offers two sessions a day across three weeks in late summer. Secondly, rather than relying solely on phonics and decoding, the summer program “is an intermediate, asset- and inquiry-based program focused not only on comprehension but also digital reading, writing and research skills,” says Jang.
Students take other classes during the day and receive free breakfast and lunch. That is, instead of parents paying tuition and board to send their children to campus for reading intervention, this program is part of Roberts’ Summer School activities. Why a “camp” and not a “clinic”? For one, it uses a community-based model rather than a commercial or medical one. (Photo by Randy Pellis) Reinforce the Lessons Literacy clinic graduate students guide third and fourth graders through a research project at Roberts PreK-8 School in the Syracuse City School District.
