I already knew a bit about how spelling really works before I went to his workshop (which, by the way, was great!). But I learned some other stuff too.
Here's what I learned:
Treating spelling inquiry like scientific inquiry works! Come up with an hypothesis, and then look at the evidence for it. Focus, like a scientist, on trying to disprove your hypothesis and finding evidence against it. If the evidence shows your hypothesis was wrong, then change it!
Even very young children can use the resources available, and their own background knowledge, to be word detectives.
When someone's eyes are opened to the fact that spelling does make sense, it is a beautiful 'a-ha' moment to see. And you can never unlearn that understanding about how spelling works.
Thanks Pete - you were great! To anyone looking for an amazing PD that will transform how you think about spelling, get along to one of Pete's workshops, or invite him to your school! He's a great presenter, and he's got the research to back up what he's saying as well. And even better...he's a teacher, so he knows how this works with kids.