The University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions is offering a Fall Literacy Camp for local students in kindergarten through sixth grades beginning Saturday, Oct. 5.

Camp registration is now open.

The format of this year's Fall Literacy Camp, through the U of A's Literacy Clinic, will vary a bit. It will be held on five Saturday mornings and in small group settings, rather than one-on-one tutoring sessions. Students will receive a "bonus" Saturday for the same price as previous years.

The focus of Fall Camp is for students to learn about writing through a children's book author, and then practice writing skills using one of the author's books as the catalyst, said Linda Eilers, camp director and a clinical associate professor in the Curriculum and Instruction Division.

This year's featured guest is Michael Shoulders, a children's book author who has traveled extensively, visiting schools and speaking at conferences across the country. He has worked in education for over 30 years and has written alphabet and counting books as well as books for older children. His most popular book is Say Daddy!

Participants will meet Shoulders in person when he visits camp to share his love of reading and writing.

Eilers has known Shoulders for over a decade. The two met while conducting leadership training workshops for the Arkansas Literacy Association. They connected over a shared affinity for Italy, history, and literature.

If your child is not able to attend all five Saturdays, they're still invited to register. There will be no gap in learning, Eilers said, noting that each Saturday will focus on stand-alone concepts.

The registration fee is $49.99 and will not to be being prorated based on attendance. Camp dates are October 5 and 12 and November 2, 16, 23. Camp sessions will take place at Peabody Hall on the University of Arkansas Campus from 9-11 a.m. each Saturday. Parents must provide transportation.

The Clinic for Literacy provides students opportunities to improve reading and writing achievement. Teacher candidates serve students through analysis of literacy needs and intervention. Literacy coursework taught at the U of A is immediately applied while working with students.

Students will receive a boost or extra intervention if they have reading or writing deficits, Eilers said.

The Clinic for Literacy hosts camps in the spring and summer as well.

If you have questions, email litcamp@uark.edu or visit the literacy camp registration page.