LEX, the Linguist-Educator Exchange, offers resources, trainings, and materials for teaching spelling and vocabulary through Structured Word Inquiry (SWI). Instead of memorizing “rules” and exceptions, students analyze word structure, meaning, and history to understand why words are spelled the way they are. Teachers and parents drawn to SWI appreciate LEX’s focus on evidence-based orthography and inquiry-driven lessons that treat words as puzzles to be explored. Resources are best for educators and older elementary through high school students, especially those struggling with traditional spelling programs. The learning curve for adults can be steep, but once you grasp the approach, it can transform how kids see language. Starting with a few high-interest word investigations is a good entry point.
