Unlocking the Mysteries of English Spelling: A Structured Word Inquiry Approach
Andrea Dalland, M.Ed, MLS
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(116)
If learning rules with tons of exceptions and rote memorization of words isn't working, it's time to try a new approach. This class will transform learners' understanding of words and how spelling works while also improving vocabulary.
Class experience
US Grade 3 - 6
***Please note, I offer other classes in Stuctured Word Inquiry as well. There is an 8̲-l̲e̲s̲s̲o̲n̲ class version that makes a great introduction to this approach to spelling, and offers live lessons with the teacher. Follow this link to see scheduled sections and enroll! https://outschool.com/classes/introduction-to-structured-word-inquiry-dyCAN9V7?usid=nD85Y1ms&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link ####There is also a F̲l̲e̲x̲ v̲e̲r̲s̲i̲o̲n̲ of the class with pre-recorded lessons that students can...
At the end of this class, students will be able to: -break words apart into prefixes, bases, and suffixes -understand how to identify the graphemes, morphemes, and phonemes that create a word -understand that words that are connected in meaning will also be connected in spelling -understand how adding a suffix can change the spelling of a base word, for example by dropping a silent -e or doubling a final consonant -use provided flow charts and matrices to make decisions about spelling when adding a suffix to a base word -approach spelling problems by "thinking like a scientist," making a hypothesis about a word, testing their hypothesis, and seeing the results
I have had extensive professional development in the ideas presented in this class, including working directly with Peter Bowers and WordWorksKingston to learn the principles of Structured Word Inquiry, and I have seven years of experience teaching this content in a classroom setting. I have also been involved in the creation of resources for colleagues to use in their teaching as they implemented SWI in their own classrooms.
Homework Offered
After some lessons, some additional practice work may be posted for learners to complete on their own if they choose. Some lessons may not have posted work. Feedback will always be given for any homework learners post.Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Students will need paper or a notebook for taking notes, practicing some of the skills and spellings we learn in the class, and for doing some of the assignments. It's very helpful to have a printer to print some of the assignments and flow charts.
Parents, be aware that this class could turn your child into a logophile (not sure what this word means? Check a dictionary, think about the parts that make up this word and see if you can think of words that are related in meaning and spelling. Now you're on your way to becoming a logophile yourself!) and will make them notice and ask questions about words and the spellings of words all day. You have been warned!
The content of this class is based off the work of Melvyn Ramsden, Peter Bowers, Susan Scibetta Hegland, and many others. Some of the resources used were created by Peter Bowers and used with his permission. More about his work with the WordWorks Literacy Centre can be found at: https://wordworkskingston.com/WordWorks/Home.html During the class, we will use online resources including dictionary.com, thesaurus.com, etymonline.com and a word searcher website. Students will not need to access these sites directly, I will share these via screen share.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(116)
I love being a teacher and have wanted to be one for as long as I can remember! I now have 20 years of experience teaching elementary school and I hold two Master's degrees; one in Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction, and one in Library...
Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 161 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-6 learners per class
