8.6 Deliberate Orthography

from Reading Teachers Lounge · host Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi

Shannon and Mary revisit the topic of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) and discuss the importance of understanding the deliberate reasons for English spellings with guests Jennifer Petrich and Bradley Johnson.The conversation follows the hosts' and guests' experiences with SWI, detailing how it helps students understand and apply the structure of English spelling with its focus on word structures, etymology, and morphology. Emphasizing a shift from a phonics-only approach to one that also prioritizes morphology & etymology, the episode highlights the importance of starting with word meaning and developing scientific inquiry skills in literacy teaching. The journey into SWI is one of discovery, collaboration, & continuous learning. With the tools and strategies shared, educators can confidently embark on this path, helping their students gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry that is the English language. Join the conversation and dive into the world of SWI. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a lifelong learner, there’s always more to uncover in the fascinating study of words.01:01 Welcome to the RTL01:44 Introduction to SWI03:11 Meet the Guests: Jennifer Petrich and Bradley Johnson04:25 Jennifer's Journey with Dyslexia and SWI07:10 Bradley's Path to SWI12:14 Explaining SWI to Teachers21:59 Importance of Meaning & Morphology34:25 Importance of Lifelong Learning35:01 Introducing SWI35:34 Overcoming the Fear of Not Knowing36:12 Utilizing Curricular Modules and Materials37:26 Inquiry-Based Learning in the Classroom38:26 Developing Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills40:33 The Role of Big Ideas in Teaching42:43 Practical Applications and Teacher Experiences43:18 Scientific Inquiry in Word Study44:09 Integrating Phonics & Morphology54:17 The Importance of Community & Collaboration59:02 Final Thoughts & ResourcesRECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE:The Literacy Doctor websiteOne Step Now EducationDyslexia Training InstitutePete Bowers's websiteOur Season 7 episode with Dr. Peter Bowers about SWIThe High Frequency Word Project book by Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton *Amazon affiliate linkThe Literacy Doctor weekly drop-ins (on Wed. )Investigating English Spelling by Bradley Johnson and Jennifer Petrich *Amazon affiliate linkStructured Word Inquiry in the Classroom (FB group)Marie Foley's courseSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our PatreonBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonBuy us a coffeeGet a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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This episode was published on January 9, 2026.

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