To be a successful student, your child needs to be a successful reader.
We know you want the best for your child.
If your child is struggling, you may be worried or frustrated.
You aren't alone. We serve parents like you every day.
We Will Get Your Child Back on Track.
Improve Confidence
Your child will have the confidence to take on new academic challenges.
Better Scores
Your child’s grades across all subjects are impacted by reading skills.
New Opportunties
Your child has opportunities to enjoy activities inside and outside of the classroom.
Too many children are struggling to learn to read. Dr. Christina Williams, Ed.D. created FOUNDATIONS FOR LITERACY to help struggling readers actually understand how words work. These fun-focused lessons help kids learn the code upon which our language is based.
Book Bums Tutoring uses the Foundations for Literacy (FFL) curriculum created by Dr. Christina Williams Ed. D. throughout her 30 years of teaching and in response to scientific research regarding how to effectively teach students to read and spell. The research makes clear that explicit, systematic phonics instruction, leaning into an awareness of phonemes, is required to accurately navigate the code upon which our language is based. The Foundations for Literacy curriculum is a fast, fun, and highly-effective alternative to the inadequate “strategies” that have infiltrated our school system.
What parents like you are saying...
“We BOTH looked forward to class each Saturday morning. We couldn’t wait to see what fun activities Dr. Christy would have planned for us and which books she would share. I was fascinated by her clever ideas for helping kids “crack the code” of reading. Not only does Dr. Christy have a Ed.D. in Early Literacy, she has years of experience as a classroom teacher right here in our community! This class is well worth the time and money. It was an investment in my child’s literacy that I am so glad I made!”
–Emily M., Educator and Author
"We cannot thank you enough for your amazing support on our literacy journey! I am super happy to report that James improved his MAP score in reading by 18 points from Fall to Winter and he achieved the required 194 to meet the third grade guarantee!
We are forever grateful to you and the Book Bums crew for carrying us across this finish line!!"
-Michelle L.
Text Message 9/13/2019
"Tommy apparently scored lowest of all the second graders in their initial assessment. I am so confused and discouraged about that."
Text Message 2/6/2020
"I just left Tommy's conference and wanted to tell you that I left crying tears of JOY this time. He is completely "caught up" to the averages. His teacher told me she thinks he is the best student she has ever had at sounding out words phonetically."
-Casey P.
Why Phonics? Why FFL?
There are thousands of words in the English language. It is unrealistic to think your child can simply memorize them all. Our language is based on a code and the Foundation for Literacy curriculum helps our tutoring students crack that code. This rare skill all but guarantees your child’s ability to read and spell well.
Is your child ready for 2nd Grade?
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Parent Resources
Newsletter – March into Literacy March 22, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! If you’re part of the Book Bums family, you are likely already a reader and know the importance of books and language. Even so, I am often amazed at what studies show about the power of reading. Check out the benefits illustrated in this chart. Word of the Week eminent (em-ih-nuhnt) adjective/describing […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Signs of Spring March 15, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! Poison ivy, birds’ eggs, and Easter ideas: this week’s newsletter is full of signs of spring! Dr. Christy shares ideas and resources for getting the most out of non-fiction reading this season as well as our regular book recommendations and word fun. Read on and enjoy! Word of the Week alleviate (uh-leev-e-ayt) […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Word Collectors March 8, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter we share a book about a beloved childhood character, Winnie-the Pooh. There’s more to his story than you may know. We also think about building libraries of words, English language quirks, and springing forward. Word of the Week ebullient (e-bull-yent) adjective/describing word – cheerful and […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Welcome March March 1, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! Welcome March! March is, of course, the name of our third month; but it is also an action verb. Words in English often act as different parts of speech depending on how they’re used. As a fun challenge for your family, try to think of a word for each letter of […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Everyday Magic February 23, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! From snow to spring-like temperatures, it has been quite a February in the Cincinnati area. This week in the newsletter we’re thinking about the magic of the everyday world – from interesting words to creative writing, unusual magazines to celebratory songs. We hope you find something magical inside. Word of the […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Mister Rogers and LaVar Burton February 16, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! I recently listened to a podcast episode where the hosts focused on books they were embarrassed not to have read yet. But did you know that hundreds of thousands of books are published each year? (Millions, if you include self-published works.) Since there’s no way we can read it all, enjoy […]
Read MoreNewsletter – A Penny for your Thoughts February 9, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! This week in the newsletter we’re sharing ideas for learning from the world around us, from pennies to street signs. You’ll learn about bossy r’s, word roots, and how to make a paper football for the big game. Read on and enjoy! Word of the Week antsy (ant-see) adjective/describing word – impatient […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Welcome February February 2, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! Welcome February. Here are some fun facts about this month: February is one of the most misspelled words in the English language. The name comes from a Latin word meaning purification. Historically, February is the snowiest month in the United States. The odds of being born on February 29th are about […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Exciting News! January 26, 2024
Hello Book Bums Families! I read a book recently with a main character named Chase. Of course the word chase is also an action verb. Can you think of other first names that are also action verbs? Make it a challenge in your family on a car ride or around the dinner table. We’d love […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Sugar Snow January 19, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! We hope you are staying warm and safe during this very cold stretch. This week in the newsletter we’re turning our attention to the sweet business of maple syrup. We have book recommendations, poetry, and some modern technology to help with an age old practice. We love to hear from you! […]
Read MoreBook Bums Locations
West Chester:
7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. Suite L
West Chester, Ohio 45069
Inside Kids First Sports:
7900 E Kemper Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45249