The Auburn University Reading Center will offer low-cost tutoring during June and July for children who need extra help with reading.

In its sixth year, the Summer Reading Program is designed for children who have completed kindergarten, first or second grade and who are reading at or below grade level. The program also has a few places for older children who are struggling with reading.

First- and second-graders typically gain a full reading level during the summer, said College of Education Associate Professor Bruce Murray, the program coordinator.

"Children who have just finished kindergarten will get a head start in formal reading instruction at the hands of a positive, patient and caring tutor," Murray said. We expect all participants to improve their decoding ability, reading fluency, comprehension and enjoyment of reading through the Summer Reading Program."

Junior and senior education majors and graduate students studying reading development at AU will serve as tutors under Murray's direction.

The program features individually designed lessons with instruction in decoding and extensive, supervised practice in reading and writing.

The Summer Reading Program consists of 12 45-minute sessions. The Monday-Wednesday program is from June 11 to July 21. The Tuesday-Thursdat program runs June 12 to July 22. Children who can attend the entire program are given priority.

For more information, please call Dr. Bruce Murray at (334) 844-6934.