About this workshop:
Overview
We need to develop our students’ fundamental literacy skills and we also want to teach
them to think critically. The current research around best practice in the teaching of
reading and spelling points to the need for explicit teaching of both phonics and
morphology, across all grades. And when we teach students about morphology it
enables us to highlight the connections which exist between words which directly
strengthens their vocabulary. Can we teach explicitly in an environment that values an inquiry-based approach?
Absolutely! Explicit teaching is a fundamental component of inquiry. Having students
map a comprehensive bank of letter-sound correspondences as well as prefixes, bases
and suffixes is vital, as is teaching them how to use these elements to build words. It’s
knowing when to be explicit and what to be explicit about, and when to step back that is
the key. This workshop is tailored to meet the needs of those new to Word Inquiry and those with experience but wanting to dig deeper. Participants can choose the 2 day course that
best suits their needs.
Workshop Leader Biography: Fiona Hamilton
Fiona Hamilton runs wordtorque, guiding teachers to develop the knowledge and skills needed to build their students’ spelling, reading and vocabulary across all subject areas, within a framework that supports agency in critical thinking. She works closely with schools to embed Word Inquiry into their curriculum and their way of thinking. Fiona has worked in Asia since the early ‘90s after beginning her teaching career in Australia. In addition to 12 years of administrative experience, she has also had the opportunity to teach Grade 1 through Grade 5 (classroom and Learning Support), write some children’s books, and coach teachers in literacy strategies. Fiona has recently published The High Frequency Word Project 2nd Edition with Rebecca Loveless. She holds an MEd (administration) and an MEd (literacy) as well as Literacy Coaching certification.
| Agenda (Friday, Saturday Nov14-15, 2025) | |
| Day 1 Friday |
|
| 07:40-08:00 |
Registration |
| 08:00 - 9:30 (1.5hs) | Session 1 |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Refreshment Break |
| 10:00 - 11:30(1.5hs) | Session 2 |
| 11:30 - 12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 14:00 (1.5hs) |
Session 3 |
| 14:00 - 14:30 | Refreshment Break |
| 14:30 - 16:00 (1.5hs) | Session 4 |
| Day 2 Saturday |
|
| 08:00 - 9:30 (1.5hs) | Session 1 |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Refreshment Break |
| 10:00 - 11:30(1.5hs) | Session 2 |
| 11:30 - 12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 14:00 (1.5hs) |
Session 3 |
| 14:00 - 14:30 | Refreshment Break |
| 14:30 - 16:00 (1.5hs) | Session 4 |
Refreshment Break: coffee, tea, bottle waters, snack and fruits
Lunch: school lunch on Nov 14-15, 2025
Registration Fee: RMB3650 per participant
Refund Policy:
• If the workshop is canceled for reasons beyond our control and we are unable to find a suitable alternative time for most participants, IES will inform participants of the cancellation before 14/10/2025 and refund the actual paid registration fee only, additional expenses (such as hotel accommodations, transportation, etc.) are not eligible for refunds.
• If a registered participant notifies IES of their disability to attend before 30/09/2025, IES will issue a refund of the actual paid registration fee. However, if this notification occurs after 30/09/2025, IES will not be able to provide a refund.
Certificate:E-certificate signed by Fiona Hamilton will be issued after the workshop
Venue：
School: Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy
Address: No.30 Xiangtang Rd, Bantian Street, Longgang, Shenzhen
学校：深圳外国语湾区学校
地址：深圳市龙岗区坂田街道象塘路30号
Accommodation:
The following hotel offer IES Participants a partnership price.
Hotel: ECheng Hotel Shenzhen
Distance: 15mins walking to the school
Adress: South of Baoneng Science Parl, Longgang District, Shenzhen
Price: RMB 399-429/night (breakfast included)
Contact: Ms. Li: (+86)18025392679 (mention "IES Workshop in November")
酒店： 怡程酒店· 深圳天安云谷华为基地店
距离：15分钟步行至学校
地址：深圳市龙岗区宝能科技园南区
价格：399-429元/晚（含早餐）
联系：李经理：(+86)18025392679 并告知“11月 IES工作坊”
