Flickinger Learning

🌟 Parents, here's some encouraging news:

Research shows that children who READ FOR ENJOYMENT often make greater academic gains than children who only read because they have to.

So this summer, let your child read:
📖 Graphic novels
🐉 Fantasy stories
⚾ Sports magazines
🐾 Animal books
😂 Joke books

The best book is the one they actually want to read!

Reading for fun today can create lifelong readers tomorrow.

📚 Library Fact of the Day

Children who have access to books over the summer perform better academically than those with limited access to reading materials.

A library card may be one of the most powerful school supplies your child can have!

This week:
✅ Visit your local library
✅ Let your child choose books that interest them
✅ Read together before bed

The goal isn't perfect reading—it's creating a love of learning.

➕ Summer Slide Isn't Just About Reading!

Many students lose math skills over summer break, especially when they go several months without practicing.

The solution can be simple:
🍕 Let kids help measure ingredients while cooking
🛒 Compare prices at the grocery store
🎲 Play board games that involve counting and strategy
➗ Practice one math problem each day

Math is everywhere—and everyday practice helps keep those skills sharp!

🧠 Fun Fact!

One of the best ways to improve your child's reading skills isn't reading alone—it's talking with them!

Research shows that children develop stronger vocabularies and language skills when adults engage them in meaningful conversations throughout the day.

Try asking:
❓ "What was the best part of your day?"
❓ "Why do you think that happened?"
❓ "What would you do differently?"

Every conversation helps build the language foundation needed for reading success.

📚📚 Did You Know?

Children who read just a few books over the summer score significantly higher in reading achievement when they return to school compared to children who do little or no reading.

The good news? You don't need expensive programs or hours of instruction. A daily reading routine—even 15–20 minutes—can help keep literacy skills strong all summer long.

✨ Summer Reading Challenge:
📖 Read for 20 minutes a day
📚 Visit the library once a week
🗣️ Ask your child questions about the story

Small habits today can build stronger readers tomorrow!



What book is your child reading this summer? Share it below! 👇

📚 FUN FACT: Just 20 minutes of reading a day can make a huge difference in preventing the "Summer Slide"!

Research shows that many children lose reading and math skills during summer break when they aren't regularly practicing academic skills. Studies have found that reading is one of the most effective activities for maintaining and improving literacy over the summer months. Children who continue reading during summer vacation are more likely to return to school ready to learn and less likely to experience declines in reading achievement.

💡 Easy ways to help:
📖 Read one book together each day
📚 Visit your local library weekly
➕ Practice one math problem or math game daily
🎲 Count, measure, and solve real-life problems while cooking, shopping, or playing

The best part? It doesn't have to feel like school. A few minutes of reading and math each day can help keep young minds growing all summer long!

What book is your child reading this summer? Share it below! 👇

Building the Leaders of TODAY!

Meet Our New Executive Director

My name is Audreanna ( Anna) Dominguez, and I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Flickinger Learning here in Muscatine.

As a wife and proud mother of four amazing children, my passion has always centered around children, families, education, and creating opportunities for every child to succeed ; no matter their socioeconomic background or personal challenges. My heart has always been rooted in serving the community and helping families feel supported, encouraged, and empowered.

Over the years, I have dedicated my career to education, nonprofit work, child development, and community service. I have served in roles within the Community School , by worked extensively with children and families, volunteered throughout our community, and being the Founding president of Davenports first Charter school Horizon STEM Academy and other educational initiatives.
Education has always been extremely important to me. I earned my Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) and a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) . I believe strong leadership and quality education can truly transform lives and strengthen communities for generations to come.

At Flickinger Learning , my vision is to build a strong teacher-referred tutoring and academic support program designed to help struggling students gain confidence, improve academically, and receive the additional support they need to succeed in school. Our immediate focus will be supporting Kindergarten through 6th grade students in the general education population while building a safe, encouraging, and engaging learning environment.

As we continue to grow, my long-term dream is for Flickinger Learning to expand services to support all learners; including students with IEPs, behavioral challenges, and those needing individualized academic support. I also hope to create opportunities for early childhood education majors and future educators to gain valuable hands-on experience working directly with students while ensuring our staff receive high-quality training and ongoing professional development.

This work is bigger than tutoring it is about changing lives, restoring confidence, strengthening families, and making sure every child has access to quality educational opportunities.

Looking toward the future, I also hope to continue advocating for children and families on a larger scale, with aspirations of eventually serving in legislation to help shape policies that improve education and support communities across Iowa.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead for Flickinger Learning and the families we serve.

Together, we can make a lasting impact. ❤️

What an incredible school year it has been at Flickinger! While we experienced a few growing pains along the way, the successes and memories made it all worthwhile.

We are grateful for the leadership of our former Executive Director, Niki Moore Nienhaus, and wish her continued success as she embarks on her next chapter.

We are also thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Anna Dominguez! Anna is excited to hit the ground running, and we couldn't be happier to have her leading our team. Stay tuned for a separate post highlighting her background, credentials, and vision for the future.

We are all about getting out and enjoying this nice weather during the last week of programming!

☀️😎☀️

It’s hard to believe this year is coming to an end! We will enjoy these last few days with the students and hope they enjoy their summer!