The purpose of word study is twofold. First, through active exploration, word study teaches students to examine words to rediscover the regularities, patterns, and convention of English orthography needed to read and spell. This knowledge is conceptual in nature and reflects what students understand about the general nature of our spelling system, Second, word study increases specific knowledge of words—the spelling and meaning of individual words. The purpose of word study is to examine words in order to reveal consistencies within our written language system and to help students master the recognition, and meaning of specific words.