Using etymology to teach spelling and word knowledge
Explore the stories behind words and transform spelling instruction through etymology. Learn how word origins, history and meaning can deepen vocabulary, strengthen literacy outcomes and help students see English as a logical, connected and fascinating language system.
Course Length
2.5 hours
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Access
365 days from enrolment
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Course Creator
Dr Katharyn Cullen
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About this course
Unlock the history of English words through etymology and transform how you teach spelling and vocabulary. English words carry stories of culture, history and meaning. In this engaging course, Dr Katharyn Cullen demonstrates how teachers can harness those stories to enrich spelling instruction, expand vocabulary knowledge and deepen student engagement with language.
Participants will explore practical ways to connect word origins to classroom teaching, helping students see words not as isolated spellings to be memorised but as meaningful building blocks of communication.
Grounded in contemporary literacy research and framed through the lens of the four spelling knowledges — phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology — this course provides practical strategies for teaching spelling as a meaning-driven, equitable and engaging part of literacy instruction.
Looking for the complete learning experience?
This course forms part of Dr Katharyn Cullen's Four Spelling Knowledges Professional Learning Program. Enrol in the full program to explore phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology as an integrated approach to spelling and vocabulary instruction.
View the full program →
Learning outcomes
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Use etymonline.com and other resources to trace word origins and uncover the histories behind the words you teach.
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Distinguish between etymological roots and morphological relatives and understand why these distinctions matter for learning.
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Explore eponyms and cognates as powerful tools for strengthening vocabulary and spelling knowledge.
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Understand why etymology is an important component of multilingual word study and vocabulary development.
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Appreciate the complementary roles of phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology in word learning.
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Explore how explicit word study can support equity and improve outcomes for diverse learners.
Who should participate?
- Teachers Years 2–8
- Literacy Leaders
- Heads of Curriculum
- Heads of Instruction
- Deputy and Assistant Principals with a passion for word knowledge
- EAL/D Coordinators
What else do I need to know?
- This PL course is self-paced and unmoderated.
- Participants have access for 365 days from registration.
- This course addresses AITSL standards 1.3.2, 2.1.2, 2.2.2, 2.5.2, 3.1.2, 3.2.2, 3.3.2 and 3.4.2.
- Group booking discounts apply for 6+ participants.
About your course creator
Dr Katharyn Cullen is an accomplished educational leader, innovator and curriculum specialist who holds a PhD in Using Linguistic Lenses to Improve Classroom Instruction. Her work focuses on helping educators understand the systems that underpin language, literacy and word knowledge.
She is the author of Using Linguistic Lenses to Journey into Words: A Teacher's Guide to Phonology, Orthography, Morphology and Etymology, a highly regarded resource for teachers and school leaders seeking to transform spelling and vocabulary instruction.
As a former Head of Junior School and Head of Campus (ELC–Year 6), Katharyn combines deep theoretical expertise with extensive leadership experience. Her practical, energetic and evidence-informed approach has helped schools strengthen teacher practice and improve student outcomes.
Cost of participation
| Registration Type |
Price |
| Member |
$90 |
| Non-Member |
$125 |
| PL Subscription School Member |
Included |
| Automatic group booking discount (6+) |
25% off each extra enrolment |
*all tickets must be booked at the same time for the discount to apply