77. English Is Not Crazy: How Structured Word Inquiry Reveals the Logic of Spelling with Dr. Peter Bowers

If you’ve ever said that “English is crazy,” this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Peter Bowers, researcher, educator, and founder of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI). His work has shaped how educators understand the English writing system: not as chaotic or exception-ridden, but as a coherent, meaning-driven system.

Dr. Bowers shares the personal moment when English spelling first made sense to him and explains why misconceptions about spelling persist in classrooms today. This episode unpacks what Structured Word Inquiry truly is (and what it is not), why morphology is considered a binding agent, and how spelling, phonology, and meaning are fundamentally interconnected.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why morphology acts as a binding agent in the English writing system
2. What the research actually shows about morphology instruction
3. How the matrix and word sums help reveal spelling logic
4. Why inquiry and explicit instruction are not opposites
5. How recent conversations, including the importance of spelling-meaning correspondences and shifts in how orthographic mapping is understood, are making an impact in the field

If you’ve ever felt like English spelling “just doesn’t make sense,” this episode will change the way you see the written word – and the way you teach them.

Helpful Resources:

1. Book: Teaching How the Written Word Works by Dr. Peter Bowers
2. Real Spelling Toolbox
3. Document on “Guiding Principles, Concepts and Practices of SWI” (Feb 2025)
4. Video on Combinatorial structure of English orthography & link to matrix and word sum
5. TEDx Talk introducing a big picture of English orthography and how SWI explains many spellings currently treated as irregular
6. Spelling-Out-Orthography page with many videos and resources. This includes videos describing the process of spelling-out-orthography and videos of kids engaging in this key practice to support orthographic mapping.
7. About WordWorks page with many links to free resources, including videos and links to most of his published research.
8. For the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Dr. Linnea Ehri, Peter Bowers, and Kenn Apel
9. For the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Marie Foley
10. Book: Beneath the Surface of Words by Sue Hegland
11. Book: Backpocket Words by Gail Venable
12. Book: The High Frequency Word Project by Fiona Hamilton & Rebecca Loveless

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Connect with Dr. Pete Bowers:

1. Join Dr. Bowers for his FREE Monday Drop-Ins
2. Website: www.wordworkskingston.com
3. YouTube: @WordWorksKingston
4. WordWorks Kingston Facebook Page

Connect with Michelle:

1. Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
2. Join our Facebook Community
3. Sign up for my Newsletter
4. Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
5. Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
6. Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

1. Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

1. Logos Literacy Academy
2. Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
3. Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
4. Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

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