76. K–2 Morphology Made Meaningful: Teaching Word Structure Through Bases with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan of Logos Literacy Academy

Michelle Sullivan is joined by her co-founder of Logos Literacy Academy, Sarah Paul, for a deep dive into K–2 morphology through a base-centered lens.

Together, they unpack a question teachers hear all the time:

“Morphology is important… but isn’t that for later?”

Michelle and Sarah explain why morphology does not start with Greek and Latin – and why young learners are more than ready to explore word structure when instruction begins with oral language, meaning, and the base.

You’ll hear why they intentionally designed a K–2 morphology curriculum that:

  1. includes instruction around bases in addition to more traditional affix instruction
  2. aligns directly with a phonics scope and sequence
  3. builds generative vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension over time
  4. helps students see words as organized systems, not random strings of letters

They also introduce their signature BASE Lesson Framework:

  1. Build Awareness (oral language first)
  2. Analyze the Base (connecting sound, spelling, and meaning)
  3. See Word Relatives (exploring families of related words)
  4. Express Understanding (using the right word in context)

Throughout the conversation, they share concrete classroom examples—from simple CVC bases to bound bases like <rupt>—and explain how studying one base deeply prepares students to approach unfamiliar words with confidence later on.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  1. Why morphology in K–2 is about language development
  2. How base instruction can strengthen phonics rather than compete with it
  3. What it really means for words to be “related” (shared spelling and meaning)
  4. How morphology supports orthographic mapping, vocabulary growth, and grammar
  5. Where base lessons fit naturally into a K–2 literacy block

Free Resource:

Download a FREE base lesson to see the BASE framework in action. This bonus lesson is not part of the curriculum; it’s an additional bonus lesson to give you a true feel for the approach.

Resources Mentioned:

  1. K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy Academy
  2. Save with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together!
  3. Logos Literacy Academy