One on One Literacy Instruction
We transform your stuggling reader into a thriving student.
Too many parents are worried because their kids are struggling to read and spell well. At Book Bums, we use explicit, systematic phonics instruction to transform struggling readers into excelling students.
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.
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?
Take this free at-home assessment.
Newsletter and Blog Posts
Newsletter – Squirmy Worms – April 19, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! Spring is springing all around in our local area. This week in the newsletter Dr. Christy digs into some spring dirt. We share some book recommendations to get you into your garden and a poem in praise of worms. As always, we’re thinking about words and learning. Reply to our newsletter […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Think Spring – April 12, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! In this week’s newsletter we do some thinking about thinking, and Dr. Christy shares a book full of thinking skills for the twenty-first century. We also have ideas for creative ways to get your kiddos writing. As always, we learn about words and have fun with language. We’re so glad you’re […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Something for Everyone – April 5, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! This week’s newsletter has something for everyone: a deep dive into some nautical non-fiction, eclipse day ideas, teacher talk about syllables and phonemes, and some poetry and book recs as well. What would you like to see in an upcoming newsletter? Get in touch by replying to this email to let […]
Read MoreNewsletter – Memory Muscles – March 29, 2024
Hello Book Bums families! Do you have a favorite author of children’s books? Kate DiCamillo is a favorite of ours. Today in the newsletter, Dr. Christy reflects on DiCamillo’s writing and what she values in it. We also share a simple strategy for helping your kids (and yourself) build memory muscles. Read on and enjoy! […]
Read MoreNewsletter – 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 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