英語のスペルの謎を解く：構造化された単語探究アプローチ

This class teaches students that English spelling is logical and structured, moving beyond traditional methods like "sounding out" and rote memorization. Instead, students will learn to approach spelling through an exploration of etymology (word history) and morphology (word parts) as well as phonology (sounds) - the way English actually functions!

Each lesson will focus on understanding a different element of English, which will enhance both spelling and vocabulary skills. While each lesson stands alone and students can join at any time, those who stay long-term tend to get the most out of the class and a deeper understanding of the concepts. 

Join us and I can help your learner see that English spelling really does make sense!  

**2025!!**

Week of Jan. 6: 5 questions to understand a word
Week of Jan. 13:  Etymological markers
Week of Jan. 20: A close look at homophones
Week of Jan. 27: The <y> and <i> relationship
Week of Feb 3: Using apostrophes
Week of Feb 10: The months of the year
Week of Feb 17: NO CLASS
Week of Feb 24: What is a grapheme? 
Week of March 3: (Monday section will not meet) Word building
Week of March 10: The alphabet
Week of March 17: the <igh> grapheme
Week of March 24: Strategies for spelling the "schwa"
Week of March 31: Another look at etymological markers
Week of April 7: Positional rules for spelling with graphemes
Week of April 14: NO CLASS
Week of April 21: The spelling of numbers
Week of April 28: < ge > or < dge >>
Week of May 5: A close look at plurals
Week of May 12: Words of Greek Origin
Week of May 19: "Skunked" words
Week of May 26: NO CLASS
Week of June 2: A close look at the letter <h>
Week of June 9: Choosing between <er> and <or>
Week of June 16: Graphemes to spell the long /u/ sound
Week of June 23: <le> <el> and <al> endings
Week of June 30: Eponyms and toponyms
Week of July 7: Connecting vowels 
Week of July 14: Assimilated prefixes

This class will run through the week of July 14, 2025. One section may continue through July and August depending on demand. 

Throughout the class, learners are welcomed and encouraged to submit words they find difficult to spell or otherwise mysterious, and I'm happy to build these words into our investigations. Students will come away from the class with a clear understanding that every word is spelled the way it is for a reason, and that it's possible to research, learn and understand the reasons for every spelling!


If you are interested in reading more about the  Structured Word Inquiry approach to teaching spelling, these are good places to start:
https://psyarxiv.com/aktzw/
https://learningaboutspelling.com/about-2/