Using orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge
Discover the logic behind English spelling. Learn how orthographic patterns support spelling, reading and vocabulary development, and equip students with the knowledge to recognise, understand and apply spelling patterns with confidence.
Course Length
3 hours
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Access
365 days from enrolment
|
Course Creator
Dr Katharyn Cullen
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About this course
This course explores how teaching spelling through orthographic patterns and authentic language contexts leads to deeper, more durable word knowledge. Far from being irregular, English spelling follows consistent patterns that students can learn to recognise, understand and apply.
Grounded in contemporary literacy research and framed through the lens of the four spelling knowledges — phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology — this course provides practical approaches for teaching spelling through explicit instruction, pattern recognition and contextualised learning.
Participants will develop a stronger understanding of how orthographic knowledge supports reading, writing and vocabulary development, while learning strategies that help students see spelling as a meaningful and logical system.
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 how students process words beyond rote visual memorisation.
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Explore the logic of orthography and understand why English spelling makes sense.
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Focus on predictable spelling patterns rather than exceptions-based rules.
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Strengthen understanding of the alphabetic principle and English as a morphophonemic language.
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Teach spelling in context as part of authentic communication.
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Confidently deliver explicit instruction in spelling patterns during reading and writing.
Who should participate?
This course is essential professional learning for teachers and leaders who want to teach spelling as a logical, meaningful and engaging part of literacy.
- Teachers Years F–6
- Literacy Leaders
- Heads of Curriculum
- Heads of Instruction
- Deputy and Assistant Principals with a passion for word knowledge
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 |
$105 |
| Non-Member |
$150 |
| 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