Learning Language

THROUGH DISCOVERY

Providing students with tools to make sense of English

For many students, learning to read and spell by sounding out words and memorizing information does not work. This can be extremely frustrating for students and their parents.

The good news is English is a highly structured language. Students, especially those who struggle, can learn to read and spell when they are taught how language works. 

Assorted colored pencils on pink and white paper.

What I Do

I offer a variety of educational services, including: customized one-to-one tutoring, group classes and workshops for parents, teachers and educational psychologists.

Young girl reading a colorful magazine in a bright room with a window and city buildings in the background.

My Approach

Using Structured Word Inquiry (SWI), I help students, parents and educators develop a deeper understanding of how English works.

Person writing in a notebook with a red pen, next to a coffee mug on a desk.

Who Am I

My passion as an educator is deeply rooted in my personal history. Like many of my students, I also struggled to learn to read and spell.

Examples Of My Work

  • Educational infographic showing the purpose of spelling to signal meaning, featuring illustrations for words "sea," "see," "heel," and "heal." Each word has a related image: turtle in water for "sea," astronaut with telescope for "see," socks with arrow pointing to heel for "heel," and bandages for "heal."
  • Illustration of a tree with the words "Friend," "Friday," and "Frigg" connected by hearts. Three people sitting with backs turned, raising hands in peace signs. Text reads "Silent letters make sense when you explore related words" and "to love."
  • Diagram illustrating base word 'sect' in 'insect', 'section', and 'dissect', showing pronunciation and meaning connections. Includes visuals of an ant and scissors, with the Latin root 'secare' meaning 'cut.' Highlights pronunciation shift with 't' in 'insect' and 's' in 'section.' Text emphasizes spelling consistency and phonological flexibility."
  • Illustration showing a smartphone with a map and location pins, alongside the words "here," "where," and "there" with "ere" highlighted, under the text "Meaning and spelling are connected."
  • Educational graphic illustrating morphology and etymology with words 'accident' and 'deciduous', breaking them into parts 'cide' meaning 'to fall'. Includes visuals of a person falling and a tree shedding leaves.
  • Illustration showing word formation from the root "do," with a house design. The word "do" is central, with affixes "un," "es," "ing," and "ne" to form words like "does," "doing," "done," and "undone." A caption emphasizes understanding related words for spelling. A pink heart symbolizes creativity.

Unlock Your Child's Literacy Potential

Are you a parent watching your child struggle with reading, writing, and spelling? Or perhaps you're an educator seeking more effective ways to boost your students' literacy skills? I can help.