Uncovering the logic of English : a common-sense approach to reading, spelling, and literacy

It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance? Denise Eide Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house? and Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion? With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words. how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development. how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess. The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education system as 1 + 1 = 2. Cover Praise for ‹Uncovering the Logic of English Title Page Copyright c Page Dedication Acknowledgments Contents Tables Introduction 1 The Problem of English 2 The Literacy Crisis 3 Phonograms: The Building Blocks of Words Single-Letter Phonograms Multi-Letter Phonograms Phonogram Aids for Spelling Advanced Phonograms 4 Consonants, Vowels, and Syllables: What They Are and Why They Matter Consonants and Vowels Syllables 5 Foundational Consonant Rules Rule 1 True Exceptions Rule 2 Rule 3 6 Foundational Vowel Rules English words do not end in I English words do not end in U True Exceptions Vowels at the End of Syllables Spellings for Long I and Long O Spellings for /ā/ and /ä/ The Phonogram QU 7 The Mystery of Silent Final E’s Solved! Type 1: Long Vowels Type 2: V and U Type 3: C and G Type 4: Syllables Type 5: Distinguish Singular from Plural Type 6: To Make the Word Look Bigger Type 7: Voiced and Unvoiced th Type 8: Clarify Meaning Type 9: Unseen Reason Adding Suffixes to Silent Final E Words True Exceptions Not So Silent Final E’s 8 Words Ending in One Vowel and One Consonant Accent Within Words Rule 14 Questions True Exceptions One Vowel + One Consonant or Silent E? 9 Adding Suffixes to Single Vowel Y Words 10 Adding Suffixes to Any Word Adding a Suffix to Any Word 11 The Power of the Latin Spellings of /sh/ CH says /sh/ True Exceptions 12 Decoding Past Tense Verbs Exceptions 13 Forming Plural Nouns and Singular Verbs Forming Plural Nouns Forming Singular Verbs Just add -S 14 Clearing Confusion about AL- and -FUL 15 The Final Spelling Rules 16 Overcoming Challenges: Creating an Auditory Picture Dialects The Schwa Distortion Conclusion 17 Efficient Spelling and Vocabulary Development High Frequency Words Definitions Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary Compound Words Prefixes Suffixes Multiple Affixes Roots Conclusion 18 Putting it all Together Sample Words to Tie It All Together Appendix A: Spelling Rules Appendix B: Basic Phonograms Appendix C: More about the Basic Phonograms Appendix D: Sound to Spelling Reference Appendix E: Advanced Phonograms Appendix F: Adding a Suffix to Any Word Appendix G: Irregular Verbs Appendix H: Irregular Plurals Appendix I: Common Prefixes and Suffixes 20 Common Prefixes 20 Common Suffixes Appendix J: American, British, Canadian, and Australian Spellings DG & DGE S & Z C & S G & GU OR & OUR CK & QUE ER & RE Double Consonants Roots Added Syllables T & ED AE & E OE & E Other Resources Resources for Teaching Questions and Professional Development Websites Related to The Logic of English Other Websites Glossary Bibliography Notes Subject Index About the Author "Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like "Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house?" and "Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?" With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words; how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development; how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess. The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education system as 1 + 1 = 2"--Publisher's description