Welcome to The Little Bookworms Club! I'm so glad you're here!
The Little Bookworms Club is created specifically for Kindergarteners to attend on their off days from school. We will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 at my house.
Research based Instruction
The first half of our time together will include direct small group instruction in early literacy skills based on the science of reading. Students will receive literacy instruction through an interactive read aloud, phonemic awareness and multisensory phonics.
Interactive Read Aloud
Interactive Read-Aloud builds background knowledge, expands children’s vocabulary, and increases their ability to think, talk, and write about texts that fully engage their interests. It is a key element to promote the joy of reading with children and one of my favorite activities!
Multisensory Phonics
Research shows our brains learn and remember best when multiple senses are engaged. Multisensory phonics instruction incorporates the use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile activities within the components of learning to read. A strong grasp of basic phonics is the building block that leads to higher literacy skills. Furthermore, incorporating multisensory strategies makes learning to read… FUN!
Phonemic Awareness
One of the best early predictors for reading success is the ability to understand that spoken words are made up of individual sounds. This is known as phonemic awareness. Some examples include taking sounds in words apart, putting them together again and adapting them into a new word (or even a nonsense word!). It is the glue that helps your child use phonics and keep written words in memory!
Purposeful Play
The second half of our time together is focused on applying taught literacy skills through purposeful play. Students will have intentional learning environments in which creativity, imagination, curiosity and wonder are the driving forces. Whether its learning through a game, with art or in nature, your child will apply learned skills while having so much fun!
Nature- Based Learning
Nature can help a child feel more attentive, more self-disciplined, and more engaged. It can provide a calm, quiet and cooperative setting for learning. Some examples of learning through nature might include sorting “nature treasures” by beginning letter sound, writing observations in nature journals or using imagination with natural materials to retell a story. My back yard is a preserve and makes the perfect environment for nature- based learning!
Game - Based Learning
Research shows that using games in teaching can help increase student participation, foster social-emotional learning, and motivate students to take risks. In addition, games improve student learning, promote critical thinking skills and increase problem-solving skills. Some fun examples of learning through games include playing hopscotch with high frequency words, rhyming dominos or word family Jenga. I have found literacy games bring both joy and confidence to students!
Hands-On Learning
Brain research indicates that children retain information much better when hands-on activities are paired with learning. One example is incorporating sensory art with children such as writing in shaving cream or sand, tracing tactile letters or smashing playdough to blend sounds in a word. Another hands on example includes using sound boxes to stretch out individual sounds as students say a word aloud. When kids are ready to move into phonics, the sound box routine can be used to spell out the word with letter tiles or letter magnets. The possibilities are endless and so much fun!
Meet the Teacher,
Mrs. Merz
My Family
My husband Brent and I have twin daughters who are 11 years old. They are my whole world! We also have two fur babies, Lady (16) and Copper (3).
My Education
I graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters degree in Special Education. I have 18 years teaching experience and was named the teacher of the year in 2022. I have training and experience with many reading programs including Orton Gillingham, Wilson Reading, Fundations, Heggerty and more! Currently, I teach part time as a Literacy Specialist for grades K-5. I absolutely LOVE what I do!
My Hobbies
When I’m not teaching, you can find me...
- being a cheer mom & soccer mom
- spending time with my family and friends
- reading
- working out
- volunteering
- spending time outside
- cutting fresh flowers from my yard
- gardening with my girls (new this summer!) :)
The Little Bookworms FAQ
Who?
This program is intended for children who are enrolled in Kindergarten to come on their off days. All ability levels are welcome as differentiation within my lessons are always a priority! Ideally, your child would go to school on Tuesday, Friday, every other Wednesday which would allow their schedule to be in my program Monday and Thursdays. We will not meet on Wednesdays.
What?
This program is intended to provide reading enrichment for your child through researched based instruction and purposeful play.
When?
Our club will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 at my house in Westerville (close to Walnut Creek Elementary). My very sweet/attention seeking dogs will be upstairs in my room as to not disturb our time together. :) There are certain dates that I will not be able to meet, including professional development days for my other job as well as holiday breaks. (See calendar)
How much does this program cost?
Please fill out the form below if you would like to know more about tuition.
Click here for more information
Are there any registration fees?
There is a one time sign up fee of $60. This will ensure your spot and also cover materials needed for the program that we will use. At the end of the year, your child will keep these materials. It will be so nice to have these materials at home to practice skills as they grow in school! The materials include:
- Fundations Letter Board
- Magnetic Letter Tiles
- Dry Erase Writing Tablet
- Fundations Student Notebook
- My Fundations Journal
- Desk Strip
2024-2025 Calendar
Please call or email with any questions. I can't wait to meet you and your child!
Contact Information:
Jamie Merz
Email Address:
Thelittlebookwormsclub@gmail.com
Phone Number:
(614) 946-5911