Videos

Grade Level

Series

Writing SOS: Is there value to having my child learn prefixes and suffixes?

Writing expert William Van Cleave explains that prefixes and suffixes are useful to learn because they help children understand meaning, build vocabulary, and learn how to spell and decode.

Spelling Patterns

The Johnson School in Charlottesville, Virginia, has its own homegrown reading program called RISE (Reading Initiative for Student Excellence).

Writing SOS: How can learning to spell help my child?

A parent wonders why children need to learn to spell if we have spell checkers.

Introduction: Writing & Spelling

Hosted by Vivica A. Fox and author William Joyce, this show examines the connections between reading and writing and between spelling and composition.

Writing SOS: My kindergartner still says "mouses." Should I correct her?

A parent wonders whether to correct her kindergartner when she says “mouses.”

Word Families

Tina Scholtes teaches first graders a handy spelling pattern that helps them recognize word clusters.

Reading SOS: How do I explain "ea"?

A parent asks about the best way to the “ea” vowel combination, or vowel team.

Writing SOS: With today's technology is handwriting instruction important?

Writing expert William Van Cleave explains that children need direct and explicit handwriting instruction in order to link letter names, the way letters look, and their sounds.