The Science of Reading: Encoding

Strengthen literacy with encoding routines that build spelling, writing, and automatic word recognition.

This workshop explores the critical role of encoding—applying knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences to spell words—in developing strong reading and writing skills. Participants will examine the foundations of spelling, including phonology, orthography, morphology, and etymology, and how each supports accurate and automatic word recognition. The session includes a variety of hands-on encoding activities, such as sentence dictation, spelling single-syllable and multisyllabic words, and word chains, all scaffolded through gradual release. Educators will also study the developmental stages of spelling, from precommunicative to conventional, and learn targeted instructional strategies for each stage.

Core Needs Addressed

  • Limited understanding of how spelling instruction supports reading development.

  • Lack of explicit, systematic approaches to teaching spelling and encoding at various developmental stages.

  • Difficulty in differentiating spelling instruction to meet the needs of students across a wide range of abilities.

Key Learnings

  1. Application of Foundational Spelling Knowledge: Participants will learn how to integrate phonological, orthographic, morphological, and etymological knowledge to enhance students’ spelling and reading proficiency.

  2. Instructional Strategies by Developmental Stage: Educators will gain strategies to identify students’ spelling stages and apply targeted, research-based instructional techniques to move them toward conventional spelling.

  3. Engaging Encoding Activities for the Classroom: Attendees will leave with a repertoire of practical, scaffolded activities—such as stretch-and-spell, vowel team practice, and word chains—that support both encoding skills and reading fluency

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The Science of Reading: Encoding

Strengthen literacy with encoding routines that build spelling, writing, and automatic word recognition.

Led by our team of Instructional Strategists

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Last Updated

Apr 15, 2026 2:50 PM

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Designed for School Leaders asking...

How can we strengthen encoding instruction to produce measurable gains in students’ spelling, writing, and reading fluency?

What instructional practices will ensure students effectively apply phonology, orthography, and morphology to support accurate word recognition and writing?

How do we build teacher capacity to deliver developmentally appropriate, scaffolded encoding instruction that improves overall literacy outcomes?

This workshop helped me better understand the challenges families face and gave me practical strategies to strengthen communication and engagement. I now feel more confident in building supportive partnerships with families to improve student success.

Jen Soloman

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Delivering Powerful Learning Experiences

As a result of this work

As a result of this work, educators will strengthen their ability to teach encoding as a critical component of literacy development, ensuring students improve both spelling and reading proficiency. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, including sentence dictation, word chains, and scaffolded encoding routines, along with a deeper understanding of spelling development stages and how to provide targeted, developmentally appropriate instruction.

Workshop Description

This workshop explores the critical role of encoding—applying knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences to spell words—in developing strong reading and writing skills. Participants will examine the foundations of spelling, including phonology, orthography, morphology, and etymology, and how each supports accurate and automatic word recognition. The session includes a variety of hands-on encoding activities, such as sentence dictation, spelling single-syllable and multisyllabic words, and word chains, all scaffolded through gradual release. Educators will also study the developmental stages of spelling, from precommunicative to conventional, and learn targeted instructional strategies for each stage.

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Designed for Today's Schools

Customized
Expert-led
In-person, virtual, or asynchronous
Standards Aligned
Research-Based
Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will confidently teach encoding by connecting phoneme-grapheme relationships, spelling patterns, and developmental stages to reading and writing instruction. This work supports district priorities by strengthening literacy instruction and helping students engage more deeply with complex texts and tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your workshops different from traditional professional development or other providers?

Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all professional development. We hold ourselves to rigorous standards of quality and delivery in every client interaction, ensuring that each experience is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. We don’t just deliver workshops—we build long-term partnerships with schools and districts, working alongside educators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes over time.

We actively listen to educators’ unique contexts and experiences, using that insight to collaboratively design tailored solutions rather than pre-packaged sessions. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and continuously learns so we can help redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.

Above all, we communicate authentically, foster positive and productive relationships, and bring a deep passion and commitment to education. The result is professional learning that feels purposeful, personalized, and truly transformative.

Who are your workshops designed for?

Our workshops are designed for educators and school leaders, including teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district teams. Each session is tailored to the specific audience to ensure content is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

What does a typical workshop look like?

Our workshops are interactive, engaging, and grounded in real classroom practice. Each experience is intentionally designed using the principles of andragogy, sound instructional design, and the core constructs of effective professional development to ensure relevance, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in discussion, reflection, planning, and application activities — not just passive listening. Educators leave with concrete strategies and next steps they can implement right away.

How long are your workshops?

We offer flexible formats, including half-day, full-day, and multi-session series. We can also design ongoing professional learning experiences to support sustained implementation over time.

What delivery methods are available for your workshops?

We offer flexible delivery options to meet the needs of schools and districts, including in-person sessions, live virtual workshops, and asynchronous learning through our applied learning platform. Regardless of format, all experiences are designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative, with structures that promote meaningful participation and application of learning.

What kind of follow-up support is available?

We believe professional learning is most effective when it’s sustained. In addition to workshops, we offer instructional coaching, implementation planning, and follow-up sessions to help teams translate learning into practice and drive meaningful results.

Who facilitates the workshops?

Inspired Instruction’s workshops are facilitated by a nationwide team of expert Instructional Strategists.  Our facilitators bring diverse experience as classroom educators, instructional coaches, principals, directors, and superintendents, spanning all content areas. We thoughtfully match your specific needs with a facilitator whose expertise aligns to ensure the learning experience is relevant, practical, and impactful for your staff.

How much does it cost to bring a workshop to my school or district?

We offer a range of pricing options designed to meet the needs of different schools and districts. Our Client Directors work closely with you to understand your goals, scope, and budget, and will partner with you to design a high-quality professional learning experience that fits within your financial framework.

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