Frequently Asked Questions
For what age is Little Bookworms most appropriate?
Little Bookworms is designed for children ages 4-6. It is perfect for children in preschool, children who are being home schooled in preschool or kindergarten, and children who attend half-day kindergarten programs.
How many children are in each class?
Classes are made up of no more than 6 children to ensure that each child get the individual attention they deserve and an optimal student-teacher ratio is achieved.
Why is Little Bookworms a drop-off class?
Honestly, because most children act differently when they are separated from their parents in a class setting. When caretakers are removed the dynamic shifts to a more child-centered atmosphere and the interaction between the children and with the instructor better supports the objectives of Little Bookworms. There will be newsletters and activities sent home each week that support and strengthen the home connection.
What if my child doesn't want to stay or I don't want to leave?
Trust me, I've been there (on both counts)! In my experience, often times a child gets upset in the initial minute or two when separating from a parent, but as soon as the parent is out the door all is well. With that in mind, I hope you will give your child 5 or 10 minutes to see if they adjust and make a decision from there. As for you, it is my hope that once you see the space and meet me, you will feel at ease dropping your child off at class. If you still are unsure, and would rather bring a cup of coffee and a book and wait for your child in my home you are most welcome.
Are special needs children welcome?
ALL children develop differently, and ALL children are welcome. I have training and experience working with children with a wide-range of special needs. If accommodations need to be made or someone needs to accompany your child due to a specific need, please contact me. Working together, I'm sure we can come up with a plan to make your child's experience a meaningful and successful one.
What if my child needs to go to the bathroom?
All they need to do is ask! There are clean bathrooms available, and while children must be potty trained to participate, I am certainly willing to help them if needed.
Does my child need a snack?
Class is only an hour and fifteen minutes so please give your child a snack before coming. This makes it much easier to manage allergies etc. Feel free to send your child with a water bottle!
What happens if my child misses a class?
If you miss a class and can come to the other session, please let me know and it can be arranged. If you miss several classes due to illness or other extenuating circumstances please contact me. I'm sure we can find a solution.
Will my child learn how to read?
For a small percentage of children who are developmentally ready to learn to read, Little Bookworms may give them the boost they need to start reading, but that is NOT the intention of the program. Most 4 and 5 year olds are not ready to become readers and research does not link reading at this early age to later achievement or even stronger reading skills. What research does support is that children who have strong early literacy skills, such as vocabulary development and phonemic awareness, benefit more from later reading instruction and become more successful readers than children lacking in these skills. Little Bookworms is structured to develop these early literacy skills in a meaningful way.
What if my child can't sit still for 75 minutes?
Sit still for 75 minutes? I hope they can't! Little Bookworms is engaging and developmentally appropriate. There is a frequent change of pace which keeps everyone's interest and attention. Your child will not be sitting for long periods of time, they will actively be participating and having fun!