✏️ Say It, Spell It, Map It: Pete Bowers’ Word Sum Routine Unpacked
How “Spelling-Out and Writing-Out-Loud” Builds Better Readers
If you've ever wondered why your child writes "redemshun" instead of "redemption", you're not alone. English spelling can seem chaotic, but Dr. Pete Bowers offers a solution that's both logical and engaging: the "Spelling-Out and Writing-Out-Loud with Word Sums" routine. This method transforms spelling from a memorization chore into a meaningful exploration of word structure.
🧠 The Power of Word Sums
A word sum breaks down words into their meaningful parts—prefixes, bases, and suffixes. For example:
re + act → react
in + struct + ion → instruction
By analyzing these components, students develop morphological awareness, understanding how word parts convey meaning. This awareness is crucial for decoding unfamiliar words and enhancing vocabulary.
🗣️ Spelling-Out and Writing-Out-Loud: The Routine
Here's how the routine works:
State the Word Sum Aloud:
“in plus struct plus ion is instruction.”Spell and Write Each Morpheme Aloud:
“I-N” (writing I-N)
“S-T-R-U-C-T” (writing S-T-R-U-C-T)
“I-O-N” (writing I-O-N)
Announce the Final Word:
“Instruction!”
This process isn't just about spelling; it's about orthographic mapping—the mental connection between sounds, letters, and meanings. By articulating and writing each part, students reinforce these connections, making it easier to recall and recognize words in the future.
🔍 Emphasizing Structural Changes
An essential aspect of this routine is noting changes that occur when forming words:
Dropping Silent Letters:
For example, in "please + ure → pleasure", the silent 'e' is dropped. Students would say:
“P-L-E-A-S-E plus U-R-E is rewritten as P-L-E-A-S-U-R-E.”Doubling Letters:
In "com + mit + ee → committee", the 't' is doubled. Students would note:
“C-O-M plus M-I-T plus E-E is rewritten as C-O-M-M-I-T-T-E-E.”
By explicitly stating these changes, students become more aware of spelling conventions and patterns.
🧒 Why Students Benefit
Enhanced Spelling Skills: Understanding word structure reduces reliance on rote memorization.
Improved Reading Comprehension: Recognizing morphemes aids in deciphering unfamiliar words.
Increased Confidence: Students feel empowered when they can deconstruct and reconstruct words logically.
🧰 Try It Out: A Classroom or Home Activity
Word: unhelpful
Word Sum: un + help + ful
Announce: “U-N plus H-E-L-P plus F-U-L is rewritten as U-N-H-E-L-P-F-U-L.”
Write and Spell Aloud: As you write each morpheme, spell it out loud.
Discuss: Talk about the meaning of each part and how they combine to form the word.
This simple activity can be adapted for various words and is suitable for both classroom and home settings.
💬 Final Thoughts
Dr. Pete Bowers' routine isn't just a spelling exercise; it's a strategy that integrates morphology, phonology, and orthography. By engaging students in this structured approach, we equip them with tools to navigate the complexities of English spelling with confidence and curiosity.
For more resources and detailed guidelines, visit WordWorks Kingston.
