Evidence-Based Structured Literacy Consulting & Personalized Instruction
Why WordWise?
Research suggests that only 35%-40% of students will learn to read relatively easily with broad instruction, but that the majority of people require explicit and systematic instruction to learn how to read. An estimated 1 in 5 people have language based learning disabilities (formerly known as dyslexia and dysgraphia) and, whether they are diagnosed or not, they are among those who absolutely must have intensive and explicit instruction. This means that two-thirds of people will experience struggles in learning to read! Nearly half of adults cannot read (decode and comprehend) a book written at an eighth-grade level. Over three-quarters of juvenile offenders have problems reading, and three out of five people in prison are functionally illiterate. The good news is that 95% of these reading difficulties can be solved through intensive, systematic, evidence-based instruction. This is why WordWise exists! We offer research-based instruction driven by the decades of data on how humans learn to read. This data is known as the Science of Reading. (Science of Reading isn't a "buzz word." It's simply what we call the decades of data that informs our instruction.) Every child has the right to read. WordWise gives students the key to unlock the magic of reading and writing through a positive and supportive series of lessons. Some children progress rapidly and will see marked growth in just three to six months. Other students may take a year or more. All brains are unique, and learning complexities affect each person differently. Nicole works hard to meet each student's needs in an individual manner, and all successes will be celebrated at WordWise, no matter how long it takes!
Dyslexia Beach
Created by Irish picture book author and illustrator Paddy Donnelly.
(used with permission)
About WordWise
Who is Nicole?
A passionate educator since 2001, Nicole believes every child has the right to read. She has the training, expertise, and experience it takes to ensure students with learning disabilities, students with complex learning needs, and students who just need extra explicit instruction for any reason in a safe and supportive environment receive personalized, systematic, and evidence-based instruction that aligns with the decades of research on how humans learn to read a synthetic language such as English.
Some things about Nicole:
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She is trained in Orton-Gillingham methodology.
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She has completed several trainings focused on therapeutic intervention for dyslexia & dysgraphia.
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She is trained in educational assessment and teaches it at the undergraduate level.
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In addition to her B.Ed., she has an undergraduate degree in Psychology focussed on child development and neuroscience.
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She has taught hundreds of children to read through quality tier 1 & tier 2 instruction and tier 3 intervention.
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She teaches pre-service teachers at the University of Lethbridge and loves sharing her passion for evidence-based high-quality education with future educators (and anyone else who will listen to her).
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She believes every student can read and every child deserves high-quality systematic, evidence-driven instruction.
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Nicole is a dedicated advocate for all children, with a particular focus on those at risk, including neurodivergent students, LGBTQ+ youth, and individuals with complex learning needs. Inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone are foundational principles that guide both her private practice and personal life.