Wonder.io

Representation:

Over five years, we co-created Wonder.io with students at the Boys & Girls Club, who were mostly diverse, struggling readers. We asked, “How can we make reading something you identify with and want to engage with?” Dr. Hedman became a literacy teacher at the club, trying different books with the students and implementing their suggestions for improving the app each week. We then distributed Wonder.io in after-school clubs across Denver.

Methodology:

Eye tracking showed how readers would skip over the text but then reread each question two to three times.

Our emotion sensor showed how important answering questions and receiving positive feedback was for students.

Iteration:

We have created over 70 different versions of Wonder.io (and are still making more). In our next version, we hope to better capitalize on students’ desire for more images and comics and more humor.

Outcome:

Students reading Wonder.io have increased their reading level by three grade levels. Wonder.io is read internationally and has come highly recommended by struggling readers. You can try Wonder.io free here. A write-up on why Wonder.io works can be read here: Inquiry-Based Reading — Wonder Stories, and a research article can be found here: Motivating Struggling Readers to Mentally Show Up with Wonder Stories, 2021