Word Scientists – Sat-Sun

The English language is the medium for instruction for all ages, in all subject areas, but the study of its writing system often remains driven by lists and quizzes rather than by critical inquiry. The Common Core State Standards emphasize the need to foster “students’ understanding and working knowledge of . . . basic conventions of the English writing system,” but provide no tools to unlock this understanding (Bowers & Cooke 2012). Although the English writing system is often presented as defective, opaque, or tricky, it is actually a highly ordered, rule-based system that can be studied in a structured, logical way. This “structured word inquiry” approach eliminates rote memorization for spelling and vocabulary study, and reveals aspects of meaning and linguistic structure that teachers often wish they had learned in college. Peter Bowers and Gina Cooke share this engaging understanding of language study and effortlessly explain how English makes sense.

Appropriate for teachers of all grades and all subjects, and an ideal complement for any reading, spelling, or language arts program.