BESTSELLER! Using morphology and etymology to teach spelling and word knowledge
Discover the hidden logic of English words through morphology and etymology. Learn how word structure, meaning and history can strengthen spelling, vocabulary and comprehension while helping students develop deep, transferable word knowledge.
Course Length
4 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
English spelling often appears irregular, yet it is grounded in a logical system shaped by meaning, structure and history. In this practical course, Dr Katharyn Cullen explores English through the interconnected lenses of morphology and etymology, helping teachers understand how words are constructed and why they are spelled the way they are.
Participants will move beyond memorisation and isolated spelling rules to explore meaningful approaches to teaching spelling and vocabulary. The course demonstrates how understanding word structure, origins and relationships can strengthen students' reading, writing, vocabulary and comprehension.
Grounded in current literacy research and framed through the four spelling knowledges — phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology — this course provides practical strategies for teaching spelling as a rich and meaningful component of literacy learning.
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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Understand the varied and complementary roles of phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology in building word knowledge.
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Explore how morphological and etymological instruction supports equity and access for diverse learners.
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Develop morphological awareness through the study of base words, prefixes and suffixes.
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Identify patterns and relationships between words that support spelling and vocabulary growth.
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Equip students with advanced spelling strategies based on morphemes rather than sounds alone.
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Support vocabulary and comprehension through morphological analysis of unfamiliar words.
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Investigate word origins and uncover the histories behind the words students encounter.
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Distinguish between etymological roots and morphological relatives and understand why the distinction matters.
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Explore eponyms and cognates as tools for strengthening recall and language connections.
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Understand the role of etymology as an essential component of multilinguistic word study.
Who should participate?
- Teachers Years F–8
- Literacy Leaders
- Heads of Curriculum
- Heads of Instruction
- Deputy and Assistant Principals
- 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.
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 |
$140 |
| Non-Member |
$200 |
| 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