Lokahi Connect
Structured Inquiry. Empowered Literacy. Lifelong Learning
Morpho-Phonemic Foundations
Validated Orthographic Inquiry
Investigating the Writing System
Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) provides a scientific framework for understanding English spelling. By following the lineage of Michel Riegelman (Real Spelling) and Dr. Pete Bowers (WordWorks), we move away from "memorizing exceptions" and toward "investigating evidence."
The 4 Questions of Inquiry
The Hierarchy of Orthography
Michel Riegelman
The linguistic architect of Real Spelling. Riegelman's research proved that the English writing system is a rigorous, ordered structure. He developed the "Word Sum" and the "Matrix" to expose the morphological consistency that underlies pronunciation.
Dr. Pete Bowers
The pedagogical pioneer of WordWorks. Bowers adapted Riegelman's linguistics into a classroom-ready framework (SWI). His "4 Questions" method empowers students to be scientists of their own language.
Program Scope
A cumulative sequence that prioritizes meaning-units (morphemes) while maintaining structured literacy standards.
The Word Sum Laboratory
Proof is found in the Word Sum. This laboratory applies the strict orthographic conventions of English suffixing.
Prefixes
Bases
Suffixes
Data & Impact
Visualizing how a morpho-phonemic approach creates a more predictable learning experience than phonics alone.
Predictability Ratio
Phonics explains ~50% of English. SWI explains 99% by including historical and structural data.
Vocabulary Growth
The generative power of a single base increases vocabulary exponentially over rote lists.
🧠 Lokahi Connect: Matrix Builder
Investigating Word Families through Meaning & Structure
📜 Scientific Word Inquiry Reminders
- Stable Bases: The spelling of the base word reflects its meaning family.
- Check the Join: We only change the base when a suffix forces a convention (Replace, Double, or Change).
- Etymology Lens: If a spelling seems "odd," look to its history (e.g., Greek <ph> or Latin roots).