STRUCTURED WORD INQUIRY (SWI)

The Investigation Of Words

When students are taught morphemes or meaningful parts, they are provided with a powerful tool. This tool of meaningful parts will provide clues on how to spell the word and what it means. (Moats & Tolman, 2019).

What Is Structured Word Inquiry?

Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) is a pedagogical technique involving the scientific investigation of the spelling of words. SWI considers morphology, etymology, relatives, and phonology. The guiding principles of SWI are (1) "the primary function of English spelling is to represent meaning" and (2) "conventions by which English spelling represents meaning are so well-ordered and reliable that spelling can be investigated and understood through scientific inquiry." (Structured Word Inquiry Wikipedia)

Morphological Awareness in the Classroom

"A suggested framework for implementing morphological awareness instruction in the classroom, activity examples and key principles for successful implementation." Meaghan Lewcock

Making Spelling Joyful Through Scientific Inquiry

Pete Bowers, Ph.D., is a teacher, researcher, author, and founder of WordWorks Literacy Centre. Dr. Bowers coined the term Structured Word Inquiry and is a master at helping individuals understand the "why" behind a spelling.

Word Matrix

This video shows how to use a matrix and words sums (from Pete Bower's work) to help students understand base words, prefixes, and suffixes.

MAKING SENSE OF SPELLING

Gina Cooke

WHY IS THERE A "B" IN DOUBT?

Gina Cooke