Vocabulary Study Using Structured Word Inquiry

What is Structured Word Inquiry?

Developed by Peter Bowers and John Kirby, Structured Word Inquiry is the systematic, scientific investigation into the morphology, etymology, and phonology of words.

Use our Vocabulary Journal to guide your studies

• Get the free PDF of our Vocabulary Journal here.
• Or buy a paperback copy on Amazon!

How to Use the Vocabulary Journal

With our Vocabulary Journal, you can complete scientific investigations to build vocabulary, get better at spelling, and understand the English language more fully. Start by looking up the definition of the word, determining which parts of speech it can be, identifying synonyms and antonyms, and completing copywork containing the word. Then use your own words to share an example and write a sentence using the vocabulary word. Finally, do an in-depth word study. Discover the etymology of the word, identify the base and any affixes, create a matrix and make word sums.

Below you will find resources to use in your word investigations and further education if you want to learn more about Structured Word Inquiry.

Disclaimer: I can earn a small commission on the affiliate links below.

Follow these steps in Word Study

1. What does the word mean? 

• Use a dictionary and thesaurus

2. How is it constructed? 

• Identify bases and affixes with a word sum.

3. What related words can you find? 

• Find morphological relatives and etymological relatives.
• Use etymonline.com to learn about the history of the word.
• Mini Matrix Maker
• Word Searcher

4. How do the graphemes function in the word?

Example Investigative Word Study

Learn More about Structured Word Inquiry

Websites:

• Word Works Kingston
• Linguist Educator Exchange
• Beyond the Word
• Real Spelling Toolbox

Books:

• Beneath the Surface of Words by Sue Scibetta Hegland
• Backpocket Words: Sharing the Essence of English Spelling by Gail Portnuff Venable
• Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers by Jennifer A Constantine and Kara B Lee
• Vocabulary & Morphology using Structured Word Inquiry by Lisa Yambrick Barnett and Katie E. Squires Ph.D.
• Teaching How the Written Word Works by Peter Bowers

Facebook Group: Learning How Words Work with Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)

Workshops and Classes

• Word Works Kingston
• Illuminate Words
• Rebecca Loveless
• Mrs. Steven’s Classroom