7.11 Structured Word Inquiry

7.11 Structured Word Inquiry

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi May 23, 2025 Duration: 1:53:51

Dr. Pete Bowers shared how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) transforms spelling and vocabulary into tools for deep thinking - perfect for engaging advanced and struggling readers in the elementary reading classroom. 
We encourage the listeners to also check out this episode on YouTube to learn from the visuals Dr. Bowers shared during the discussion (link is at the top of the show notes).


RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

  1. Our Youtube link to the episode
  2. Pete Bower's Word Works Kingston website:  See MANY helpful links at the bottom of the page.   We use this homepage as a hub for SWI information.
  3. Dr. Bowers' Monday 5 pm EST office hours link
  4. Real Spelling Toolbox
  5. Active View of Reading Duke, Cartwright, 2021
  6. Homophone Principle - described in this lesson
  7. David Share:  Self teaching 
  8. "Decoding the brain's dictionary: Scientists map how neurons encode word meanings" from Bigthink.com
  9. Spelling Out Orthography demonstration video from Dr. Bowers
  10. Document describing a SWI hunt for all the jobs of the final, non-syllabic <e>
  11. Video from Dr. Bowers with Marie Foley about The Nested Combinatorial Nature of English Spelling
  12. 2025 Reading League  presentation from Dr. Bowers about Morphological Instruction and Language Comprehension
  13. Upcoming SWI Training in June 2025 with Pete Bowers and Rebecca Loveless
  14. Upcoming 4 day in-person training with Dr. Bowers in July 2025 on Wolfe Island
  15. Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers by Jennifer A Constantine and Kara B Lee *Amazon affiliate link
  16. Teaching How the Written Word Works by Peter Bowers (via www.wvced.com Store)
  17. de Jong et al. “Let’s Talk Evidence – The Case for Combining Inquiry-Based and Direct Instruction.” Educational Research Review, vol. 39, 2023

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In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

Reading Teachers Lounge
Podcast Episodes
7.6 The Reading Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Shannon and Mary welcome @MindfulTeacherRachel back to the podcast to discuss strategies for helping their students strengthen spelling skills. They talk about the stability of English spelling and the meaning-based reas…
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Shannon and Mary have an informative and inspiring chat with Karen Gross. They learn details about how the Covid-19 pandemic affected teachers and students. Karen shares why the role of teachers is more difficult today,…
7.1 New Opportunities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:16
Mary and Shannon catch up with each other after the summer & podcast break. They chat about their own children, their personal lives, and their plans for this upcoming school year. They discuss the implementation of Geor…
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Shannon and Mary chat with Jennifer Serravallo, whose literacy work they have long admired. Jennifer shares how her view about reading instruction have evolved over time. Jennifer's written a new book showing teachers di…
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We have a summer bonus episode for you!Shannon and Mary have Anna Geiger, the Measured Mom, join them in the lounge again to discuss the best evidence based practices that teachers can use to reach all readers. Anna's ne…
Season 6 Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Shannon and Mary gather together to review the school year and close out the podcast season. They give updates on their personal and teaching lives and share their summer plans. Later they're joined by Kelsey (wifeteache…
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