The Nueva School's Innovative Learning Conference

Throw out your spelling lists and instead understand how to teach
spelling to all of your students with scientific inquiry. Using Structured
Word Inquiry, students will analyze a bank of words to determine their
potential connections by considering the words’ etymology (history)
and morphology (meaningful structure). They will demonstrate the
process using two of SWI's most common tools: the word sum and the
lexical matrix. This process allows students to see the deeper
structure of words and their meaningful elements, such as prefixes,
suffixes, and bases. Students approach new words with confidence,
applying their knowledge to seemingly unconnected words. Finding
these surprising connections inspires a joyful attitude towards
language learning and builds classroom community. By studying
content words across the curriculum, student vocabulary levels
increase and complex subjects are demystified as the meaning of
these words becomes clear.

Instead of giving a spelling list centered on a given sound, capitalize
on the brain’s ability to organize information based on meaning.
Starting from meaning promotes deeper understanding and retention.
Come see how you can bring curiosity and engagement to your
spelling lessons and transform your students’ learning experience.