On June 1, Pitt State’s Center for Reading held their first Secret Codes Camp session. This camp aims to prevent reading difficulties in kids and aids them in developing their literary skills. The program is designed to use science-based approaches, as well as address the challenges of the English writing system.
Michaela Ozier, the director of the Center for Reading, further explains this, saying, “We have a bit of a reading crisis in the United States; around 40% of kids nationwide are reading below basic level, so it’s very important to address the literacy deficits happening.”
The camp is designed to target all types of kids, keeping in mind those who may have more trouble than others.
“It’s a curriculum for all readers designed to prevent reading failure, so it’s going to cover those who may have disabilities related to reading or language like dyslexia,” Ozier mentioned.
She also noted that it’s crucial to start kids with these programs while they’re younger, as the long-term impacts are “far more reaching than just being able to read versus not read.”
“There are studies where it shows that it can affect physical health in the long term,” she said. “There’s also vast negative impacts in regards to mental health. We see lots of self-esteem drop; depression, anxiety, somatization,” Ozier explains.
The camp is an eight-week intensive program, running until July 23, with 50-minute sessions a day, Monday through Thursday.
“We incorporate tasks or skills to work on that are also important to foundational skills of reading,” Ozier said.
The Center for Reading is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, being started by executive director Dr. Hurford in 1996. Ozier explained that their team is important to the outcome of the camp, and that they have a lot of experienced interventionists who have made this year’s transitions a lot smoother.
“They’re fabulous instructors, so the camp this year feels a lot more lively and everyone’s ready to go.”
The center hires college students for the interventionist positions, and Pitt State psychology students specifically are eligible to become paraprofessional tutors.
Ozier noted that the center does services year-round: “If you or someone you know are concerned about reading difficulties and or attention difficulties, reach out,” she said.