This course introduces educators to the dynamic approach of word inquiry, revolutionizing how we teach literacy by focusing on the structure, meaning, and sound relationships in English words. Moving beyond traditional phonics, the course emphasizes understanding morphemes—the meaning-based building blocks of words—and their connections to spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Through engaging examples, activities, and practical tools, you'll explore:

Morphemes and Word Structure: Learn to identify bases, prefixes, and suffixes and how these elements shape meaning and spelling.

Orthographic Mapping: Discover how linking spelling, sounds, and meanings helps students read with automaticity and spell with confidence.

Critical Thinking and Inquiry: Involve students in word investigations to develop curiosity, agency, and deeper comprehension.

Homophones and Word Families: Explore the relationships between words to strengthen vocabulary and decoding skills.

Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondences: Build flexible understanding of letter-sound connections while avoiding cognitive overload.

Tiered Vocabulary Development: Dive into tier two academic vocabulary to bolster comprehension across subjects.

By the end of this course, you’ll have strategies to create a culture of “word noticing” and “word knowing” in your classroom, empowering students to engage with language in meaningful, transferable ways. This holistic approach integrates spelling, vocabulary, and reading lessons into all disciplines, equipping students with skills for lifelong learning.

Course Introduction

Overview of Word Inquiry

An Overview of Word Inquiry: A wordtorque Workshop

Course Overview

Meet the course producers