A new program from the UCF Communication Disorders Clinic is helping young readers “catch-up” on their reading skills. The 6-week program was led by reading and literacy clinical faculty and involved CSD graduate students in providing the therapy.
“This year more than ever, we saw challenges in our young readers and we knew we could step in to help fill the gap,” said Carrie Loughran, a faculty clinical instructor in the clinic who started the program.
The program focused on reading and spelling skills by utilizing clinically-based methods informed by the latest research on the science of reading. Services were offered both in-person and virtually. Children worked in small groups with graduate clinicians to facilitate therapy that was personalized for each child.
While reading and literacy services are offered in the clinic year-round, the summer program was devised as an intensive therapy program to yield the greatest gains before children start the new school year.
“Even in a typical year, third and fourth grade is often when parents reach out because they notice their child struggling with their reading,” said Loughran. “With this intensive therapy, we hope to help them get back on track so that their reading and spelling skills are on level for the next school year.”
To learn more about the reading and literacy services available, visit the Communication Disorders Clinic website, https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/cdclinic/.
