When one of my Grade 1 students asked, “What does this prefix mean?” I realized just how impactful teaching word structure could be. Spelling, once a struggle for many of my students, had transformed into an opportunity for discovery and curiosity. Instead of dreading spelling, my students began to ask insightful questions, demonstrating a deeper understanding of language.
This shift came when I moved away from traditional memorization techniques and embraced Structured Literacy. At its heart, this approach prioritizes understanding the “why” behind words over rote memorization – and it’s a game-changer.
A Personal Turning Point
At the beginning of my teaching career, I relied on the “old type” of spelling tests – the ones where students were handed a list of words on Monday, practiced them all week, and were tested on Friday. I soon realized that while some students did well on the tests, the learning didn’t stick. Many couldn’t apply the words in their writing, and struggling students were left frustrated, unable to keep up with the memorization.
Eventually, I stopped teaching spelling altogether. I knew the way I was doing it wasn’t working, but I didn’t have the understanding or tools to teach it any other way. “Just memorize” felt ineffective and disheartening for my students and me.
It wasn’t until I discovered Structured Literacy and began learning about orthography and morphology that I found a better way. Teaching spelling became about understanding patterns and structures, not rote memorization. It became something meaningful that gave my students the skills they needed to succeed.
The Problem with Traditional Spelling Instruction
For years, spelling instruction in many classrooms followed the same pattern: weekly word lists, practice assignments, and Friday tests. Students were expected to memorize words without necessarily understanding how they were built. This approach fails to create long-term retention or deep literacy skills.
This is especially problematic for students who struggle with reading and writing. Children with learning differences, such as dyslexia, often find memorization overwhelming and ineffective. They might forget the word list by the following week (or even day) or confuse similar-looking words. Without a systematic approach, these students are left behind.
Even for non-dyslexic readers, relying on memorization alone overlooks a key opportunity: teaching students how language works and how understanding the structure of words can expand their vocabulary.
Why Word Structure Matters
Structured Literacy offers a solution by focusing on the building blocks of words: phonics, orthography, and morphology. Instead of treating spelling as a task of memorizing random letters, it helps students break words down into their meaningful parts.
For example, consider the word happiness. Instead of asking students to memorize it, we can break it into:
- Base: happy
- Suffix: <-ness>
From there, students can explore questions like:
- Why does the <y> in happy change to <i> before attaching <-ness>?
- What is the function of suffix <-ness>?
- How does attaching <-ness> change the grammatical function of happy?
- Bound base: hap
- Suffix: <-y>
- Suffix: <-ness>
From there, students can explore questions like:
- Why does the <p> double from hap to happy
- What is a bound base?
- What does hap mean?
- When did we stop using the word hap?
- Why does the <y> in happy change to <i> before attaching <-ness>?
- What is the function of suffix <-y>?
- How does attaching <-y> change the grammatical function of hap?
- What is the function of suffix <-ness>?
- How does attaching <-ness> change the grammatical function of happy?
By understanding these patterns and conventions, students gain tools they can apply to new and unfamiliar words. Spelling becomes less about guesswork and more about problem-solving.
Real-Life Examples from the Classroom
In my classroom, teaching word structure has led to some incredible breakthrough moments. One day, during a math lesson, a Grade 2 student raised their hand to ask why the <ck> in nickel wasn’t in final position of a base. It wasn’t part of the lesson plan, but their curiosity opened the door for a meaningful conversation about orthographic patterns.
We explored how <ck> typically follows a short vowel in final position of a base, and how nickel breaks that expectation because of its unique origin. These discussions show students that even when words don’t follow expected patterns, there’s a logical explanation rooted in their history or etymology.
Another time, we were exploring the word playing. Students identified the base play and suffix <-ing>, but then we compared it to happier. Why did happy change to happier instead of happyer? These small discoveries make spelling lessons feel like detective work, keeping students engaged and invested.
How to Teach Word Structure
If you’re an educator or parent looking to incorporate these methods, which I learned from Peter Bowers’ work in Structured Word Inquiry (SWI), here are some practical steps to get started:
1. Use Word Sums
Word sums are a simple yet powerful way to help students see how words are built. For example:
play + ing → playing
happy/i + er → happier
Ask students to identify the base and affix, then discuss any spelling changes (e.g., <y> changing to <i>).
2. Teach Morphological Awareness
Introduce common prefixes and suffixes, exploring their possible meanings and uses. Start with high-frequency examples like <un-> (often meaning “not”), <re-> (commonly meaning “again”), and <-ing> (typically indicating an action or process).
3. Encourage Word Exploration
Invite students to bring in words they encounter in books or on signs. Use these words as opportunities to explore their structure and meaning together.
4. Provide Visual Supports
Charts, word maps, and graphic organizers can help students visualize how words are connected (e.g., a chart showing how the bound base tract connects to contract, tractor, and subtract, etc.).
5. Make It a Word Adventure
Transform word exploration into an exciting quest! Create scavenger hunts where students search for words with the same base or suffix in books, signs, or even conversations. Reward their discoveries with “Word Explorer” badges or points for their linguistic treasure chest.
The Benefits of Structured Literacy
Shifting to a structured approach to spelling offers benefits that go far beyond individual words. Here are some key ways it impacts students:
- Improved Reading Skills: Understanding word structure equips students to decode unfamiliar words more easily, enhancing their reading fluency.
- Confidence in Writing: Students feel more prepared to spell words correctly and independently, which boosts their overall writing ability.
- Expanded Vocabulary: By exploring prefixes, bases, and suffixes, students uncover the meanings of new words and develop a richer vocabulary.
- Curiosity About Language: Learning about word origins and structures fosters a love of learning, encouraging critical thinking and deeper engagement with language.
Structured Literacy not only strengthens foundational skills but also empowers students to approach language with curiosity and confidence.
Perhaps most importantly, this approach levels the playing field. Struggling readers and spellers gain the explicit instruction they need, while others deepen their understanding of language.
How Spelliosity Can Help
Getting started can feel overwhelming for educators and parents new to Structured Literacy. That’s why we created Spelliosity – to make these research-based methods accessible and practical.
Our resources guide you step by step through teaching phonics, orthography, and morphology in an engaging way. From word sums and spelling patterns to exploring Interesting Words (words with unexpected spellings), Spelliosity provides everything you need to help students succeed. Whether teaching in a classroom or supporting learning at home, these tools make it easier to implement effective spelling instruction.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the “why” behind words transforms spelling from a chore into an opportunity for discovery. Structured Literacy equips students with essential reading and writing skills and fosters curiosity and confidence.
If you’ve been relying on memorization or struggling to meet the needs of diverse learners, consider making the shift. With tools like Spelliosity, you can empower your students to explore language, ask questions, and build a foundation that will support them for years.