A spelling reference to keep by your side, so you can dip in whenever a question comes up.
Programs can be helpful, but they don’t teach kids. Teachers do. When we truly understand how words work, we become the most powerful tool in the classroom.
The CDK System is a 250+ page reference, organised by topic. It’s full of clear explanations, examples and ideas, so you can dip into a particular part of spelling whenever you need it. It’s been a labour of passion and dedication, and the result of years of learning.
Is this for you?
- You want to understand English spelling more deeply, but you’re not sure where to look for answers.
- You’d like information and ideas to share with colleagues, parents or students.
- You want ready-made materials to lighten your load.
- You’d like a handy reference to print, bind and keep at your desk.
Whether you’re just starting to dabble or you’re already exploring orthography, it’s all here. No linguistics background needed.
What’s inside
- Word study terminology: definitions, explanations and examples (orthography, morphology, etymology and phonology)
- The English alphabet: voiced and unvoiced consonants, syllables and schwa
- Word sums and matrices: how to build them, plus tips for using Etymonline, Word Searcher and Mini-Matrix Maker
- Suffix conventions and the jobs of silent final <e>
- Numerous word studies, including <sign>, <quest>, <heal>, <please>, <grow>, <thank>, <migr>, <scribe>/<script>, <flex>/<flect>, homophones and comparatives
- Mentor texts with detailed lessons, linking word study to great picture books, including books by Jory John and Pete Oswald, and Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty
- CDK Non-Negotiables, so you’re teaching the most important things, every time
- Additional learner resources: word sum templates, a compound chain, a homophone hunt, bookmarks and a poster
- Bonus: 25 extra word matrices for further word study
- Recommended reading and sources, so you can keep learning
How it fits with my other resources
If you’re brand new to how English spelling works, I’d suggest starting with Making Sense of English Spelling. Its 23 mini-lessons build knowledge step by step. The CDK System is the reference you’ll keep coming back to. FOR THE LOVE of WORDS adds 346 ready-made matrices for practice and revision. None of these is a complete spelling curriculum. They sit alongside the spelling teaching you’re already doing.
Ways to use it
- Upskilling yourself, colleagues and parents
- Professional development days
- Lesson planning and programming
- Tutoring and intervention
- Printed handouts and worksheets
Try before you buy
Not sure if it’s right for you? Download a free 44-page sample with selected pages from the full resource, including topic pages, word study activities and matrices.
A note from me
I’m not a linguist, just a teacher fuelled by her love for words. If you come across anything you disagree with, I invite you to question, discuss and investigate it with your learners. My materials are ever-evolving, and they show my own growth. May yours, too.
Licences
This purchase is for one teacher. Your download includes four PDF files (CDK System I to IV), yours to keep.
Buying for your school? Choose a School Licence (up to 10 teachers, $250) or a Whole School Licence (unlimited teachers, $425).
For the love of words,
