A parent asks what he might do to help his third grader use more interesting words when he is speaking and writing. Writing expert William Van Cleave explains that children may choose easy words that they know how to spell. He recommends that this parent encourage his son to use the words he is thinking about even if he isn’t sure how to spell them. He also encourages parents to talk about words with children so that they can choose the best word to express their idea.
This video is part of our special series, Writing SOS, where parents ask the experts their questions about writing and how to support their kids at home.