Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry (Spelling)
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.
Andrea Dalland, M.Ed, MLS
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(128)
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What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
We will plan to complete practice work together during the class time, however there may be some weeks when we run out of time to finish the work together, and students may need to finish some of the work on their own. It should take students no longer than 10-15 minutes to complete any unfinished work. Student who would like extra practice can let me know and I will provide it for them.Grading
If students need a grade, certificate of completion, or other verification of having completed the course, just let me know and I am happy to provide that.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Intermediate Level
★★ New to Outschool? Use code AndreaDa20 for $20 off any class! ★★ If you are like most speakers of English, you’ve been taught to spell a word by “sounding it out.” But you probably also know that this strategy only works a small handful of times. Between silent letters, letters that can make more than one sound, and words that sound exactly the same but are spelled differently…..the number of obstacles in the way of “sounding out” words makes this strategy inefficient at best and frustrating at worst. If rote memorization of lists of spelling words, copying sentences, and applying spelling “rules” that have dozens of exceptions just isn't working for your learner, it may be time for a different approach. Most spelling programs leave students with serious misunderstandings about how spelling really works. This course will reveal that English spelling is actually highly ordered and logical, once you have unlocked some of its secrets. Students will learn to break words apart into bases, prefixes, and suffixes, and use those parts to make informed decisions about how to spell and understand what words mean. Students will learn to think like “word scientists,” making a hypothesis about spelling patterns, testing their theories, and discovering rules of spelling that actually work. This class will boost not only their spelling skills, but expand their vocabulary as well. It’s an exploration of etymology and morphology that will transform the way they think about words and the way English spelling functions. Each class will begin with a lesson that will include information about the concept being presented and examples of what these ideas look like as applied to English spelling. Students will then have the chance to complete some practice words on their own with teacher guidance. Some homework may be assigned if we do not have time to complete practice work during class. If you are interested in reading more about the Structured Word Inquiry approach to teaching spelling, this article is a good start: https://psyarxiv.com/aktzw/ ***I also offer a Self-Paced class version of this class, with pre-recorded videos your learner can watch on their own time. The content of the Self-Paced classes is mostly the same as the lessons in this class but is just 8 lessons rather than 12. The Self-Paced class can be found here: https://outschool.com/classes/flex-introduction-to-structured-word-inquiry-xIijJB7W?usid=nD85Y1ms&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link ***I also offer a live, ongoing weekly class that be found here. The lesson content is different than this class and varies from week to week. This class is a great way to continue the learning of SWI, but you don't have to have taken the "Intro" class to take and get something out of the ongoing class: https://outschool.com/classes/unlocking-the-mysteries-of-english-spelling-an-ongoing-spelling-class-DnUQSr9s?usid=nD85Y1ms&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Learning Goals
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
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
A History of English
This introductory lesson will teach learners about the fascinating history of the English language and how we have gotten to where we are today. We'll also discuss why having a consistent spelling system across the English-speaking world is so important, and we'll examine the idea that English spelling is more interested in communicating meaning than sounds. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Phonemes, Graphemes and Morphemes
Students will learn the definitions of phonemes, graphemes, and morphemes and how they work together to spell words. We will work on doing some phoneme-grapheme mapping and also work on starting to break words apart to look for their parts. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Word Families
Students will learn about Word Families, and see that words that are connected in meaning will also share connections in how they are spelled. We will also learn how to use a matrix to build words from a common word family. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Suffixing Conventions Part 1: Silent e
We’ll begin to start thinking like “word scientists” and will start to look at some of the rules of adding suffixes to bases, including when to drop the single, silent e at the end of a base word. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is excellent for learning differences like dyslexia which may make traditional spelling methods difficult. Not much intensive reading or writing is required so it is very suitable for learners who may be working below grade level
Parental Guidance
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!
Pre-Requisites
Learners should have basic knowledge of vowels and suffixes and be aware of prefixes and suffixes. Learners should understand letter-sound correspondences and may have had teaching in phonics-based programs in the past.
Joined July, 2022
5.0
128reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from University of Missouri at Columbia
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Calvin College
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. Reviews
Live Group Course
$168
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
4-10 learners per class
