Using phonology and orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge
Unpack the sounds and logic of English with the Phonology and Orthography Lenses — a practical course linking phonology, spelling patterns, and meaning to support reading and writing across the primary years.
Course Length
6 hours
|
Access
365 days from enrolment
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Course Creator
Dr Katharyn Cullen
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About this course
This course explores the powerful connections between phonology and orthography to reveal the logic and structure underpinning English spelling. Moving beyond word lists and memorisation, participants will discover how spelling patterns are grounded in sound, structure and meaning, providing students with deeper and more transferable word knowledge.
Through the lens of the four spelling knowledges — phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology — participants will develop a richer understanding of how words work and how spelling instruction can support reading, writing, vocabulary and comprehension development.
Grounded in current literacy research and classroom practice, this course equips teachers and leaders with practical approaches for teaching spelling as a meaningful, 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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Master the 44 phonemes that form the foundation of spoken English and understand how they are represented within a 26-letter alphabet.
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Refine approaches to teaching phonological sensitivity, phoneme awareness and phonetics in classroom contexts.
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Connect phonology to broader systems of spelling, vocabulary and meaning-making.
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Understand how students recognise and process words beyond simple visual memorisation.
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Explore the logic of English orthography and uncover the patterns that underpin spelling.
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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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Confidently deliver explicit instruction in spelling patterns within reading and writing contexts.
Who should participate?
- Teachers Years F–6
- Literacy Leaders
- Heads of Curriculum
- Heads of Instruction
- Deputy and Assistant Principals
- EAL/D Coordinators
Please note: this is not an early reading phonics course. It is a spelling and word knowledge course taught through the lens of phonology and orthography and includes many upper primary case studies.
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 |
$210 |
| Non-Member |
$300 |
| 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