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We Create Something New
About Us
Who We Are
In the Reading Rookies' enrichment classes, students learn the skills they need to become confident readers and spellers. Specifically, the classes focus on improving phonemic awareness and phonics skills. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify and manipulate individual sound phonemes in spoken words. Before children learn to read, they need to become more aware of how the sounds in the words work, and they need to learn how to manipulate those sounds. Children must understand that words are made up of speech sounds or phonemes. Phonemic awareness is the precursor to learning phonics. Phonics is the relationship of the letter/sound correspondence. These two skills make up the code your child needs to unlock the door to reading and spelling.
Our Mission
Reading Rookies' staff wants to cultivate pre-reading and reading skills to enable children to have a life-long love for reading. We recognize that children have different learning styles. We embrace these differences and engage the children through multi-sensory activities that will help your child build confidence in his or her abilities and inspire your child to be a life-long learner.
Atmosphere
A day in the life of a Reading Rookie class
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The enrichment classes engage students in fun, thematic activities that will build on your child’s knowledge of letters, sound recognition and sound blending. Each week we focus on 2-3 letters while combining play and learning. Through the use of fun, multi-sensory academics, games, crafts and stories, your child will gain the knowledge necessary to better prepare for reading and spelling.
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Our enrichment classes are structured for Pre-K children, ages 4–6.
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The classes meet once a week.
About Our Founders
For more than 20 years, Carol Irgang and Wendy Moskovitz have been classroom teachers, private tutors, trainers and instructors for a well-known structured, multi-sensory reading program, working with teachers one-on-one and teaching seminars. In 2013, they decided to combine their knowledge and experience and design reading enrichment programs for 4-6 year-old children. This is an important age in which to get your child excited about letters, sounds and reading. Carol & Wendy believe that with a solid letter/sound base children will be primed for success in school and life.
What We Believe
The teachers at Reading Rookies are united in their belief that all children:
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Have the power to learn
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Have different learning styles
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Are curious & creative
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Can succeed
No two students have exactly the same skills or learning style. That’s why we teach using multi-sensory learning. While students use all their senses, lessons and skills will reach all learning styles.
Who are the creators/teachers?
Meet Our Staff
Wendy Moskovitz
Wendy Moskovitz has over 25 years of teaching experience. Before creating Reading Rookies, Wendy taught special education for 9 years in District 15 (Palatine). Wendy taught elementary school students in classroom and self-contained settings. In 1999, she obtained her SLANT System® Structured Literacy & Dyslexia Specialist Certification. In 2005, she became a SLANT System® instructor, working with teachers to help guide and mentor them through the SLANT System® practicum. Wendy also has a private practice, as a learning specialist, tutoring children in reading, writing and math. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Drake University and her Master's Degree in Special Education from National Louis University.
Founder/Teacher
Carol Irgang
Carol Irgang graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from National Louis University. Additionally, Carol taught special education in District 112 (Highland Park), working primarily with children with learning disabilities. Currently, Carol coaches and assists teachers who want to become certified in a multi-sensory reading program called SLANT System®. Also, she has a private tutoring practice focusing on reading, writing and math.
Founder
Debbie Keller
Debbie Keller graduated from The University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She then went back to get her Master’s of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. She taught 7th grade at Old Orchard Junior High and was a Unit Director for a day camp before becoming a Reading Rookies Teacher.
Teacher
Jenni Jacobson
Jenni Jacobson attended the University of Illinois for Education and earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at National Louis University. Prior to starting a family, Jenni dedicated her time teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Columbia Explorers Academy and 4th grade at Wescot School in Northbrook. She enjoys spending quality time with her 3 teenage children and her dog Marley, the family favorite! Jenni is excitedly looking forward to starting her new role at Reading Rookies.
Teacher
Shari Marcus
Shari Marcus received her bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from and her Master’s in Art Education from the University of Illinois. She taught art at Rolling Meadows High School for twelve years. She retired from teaching when her daughter was born, and now, 18 years later, she is excited to be going back to teaching!
Teacher
Liz Schwaeber
Liz graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Journalism. She enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 kids and her golden doodles Maisy and Joey. Liz began as a substitute teacher for Reading Rookies and loved it so much that she joined as a teacher! She has many hobbies such as reading, pickleball, canasta, and she also enjoys making stickers on her Cricut machine. Occasionally she will even share some stickers with the Rookies who love to add them to their arts and craft projects!
Teacher
Amy Katz
Amy Katz earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Indiana University and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University. She has taught Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Second Grade. Amy also worked in the fields of curriculum development and educational technology content creation. She continues private tutoring in reading and math. Amy is excited to join the Reading Rookies Team. Ih her free time Amy loves reading, canasta, all sorts of sports and most of all, to spend time with her husband, four kids and four dogs!
Teacher