Strengthening Reading, Spelling, and Vocabulary through an Inquiry- based Approach to Word Study

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 (Saturday, Sunday Nov14-15, 2025)
Day 1 Saturday
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 Sunday
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
Group Deal: RMB 3285 per participant for 5 or more participants
Early Bird： RMB 3285 before 31/08/2025

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