Dyslexia

​Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that affects a person's ability to read, spell, write, and sometimes speak. It's not related to intelligence or effort; rather, it's about how the brain processes language

Children with dyslexia may:

  • Struggle to recognize letters and match them to sounds

  • Have difficulty learning and remembering simple rhymes

  • Read slowly or make frequent errors when reading aloud

  • Avoid reading or writing tasks

  • Have trouble spelling common words

  • Find it hard to follow multi-step directions

  • Experience challenges with sequencing, such as telling stories in order

How Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) Supports Students with Dyslexia

Structured Word Inquiry is an instructional approach that helps students understand how English spelling works by exploring the relationships between a word's meaning, structure, and pronunciation.​

SWI benefits students with dyslexia by:

  • Emphasizing the meaningful structure of words (morphology), which aids in vocabulary development and comprehension.

  • Integrating the study of word origins (etymology), providing context that makes spelling patterns more predictable.

  • Connecting word structure to pronunciation (phonology), reinforcing decoding and spelling skills.

This comprehensive approach aligns with the components of effective reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.​

Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)

  • Structured Word Inquiry

    SWI offers a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction that aligns with the five key areas identified by the National Reading Panel (NRP): phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.​

  • Phonemic Awareness and Phonics

    SWI integrates the study of phonemes (the smallest units of sound) with morphemes (the smallest units of meaning), helping students understand the relationship between sounds and graphemes. This dual focus enhances decoding skills and supports the development of phonemic awareness and phonics. ​

  • Vocabulary and Comprehension

    By exploring the morphology (word structure) and etymology (word origins) of language, SWI deepens vocabulary knowledge and comprehension. Understanding the roots and affixes of words allows students to infer meanings and relationships between words, facilitating better understanding of texts. ​

  • Fluency

    SWI promotes fluency by enabling students to recognize patterns in word structures, which aids in quicker and more accurate word recognition. This familiarity with word patterns reduces cognitive load during reading, allowing for smoother and more fluent reading experiences.​

  • Professional Development for Teachers

    SWI encourages a culture of inquiry among educators, fostering continuous professional growth. Teachers engaged in SWI practices often collaborate to explore word structures and share insights, leading to a deeper understanding of language and more effective instructional strategies.

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