In this episode of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom, hosts Emily Smith, Amanda Hartman, and Kim Brooks — staff developers at Advancing Literacy at Teachers College, Columbia University — explore the many ways families and caregivers can support children’s grammar and spelling development through practical, science based strategies. Drawing on research from scholars, they discuss how literacy is a lifelong journey where errors are seen as vital approximations in the learning process rather than simple mistakes. The episode offers practical, creative recommendations for fostering a love of language, including using inventive spelling to build confidence, engaging in oral language rehearsal, and shifting the focus from rigid rules to the power of clear communication.

Episode Resources and Book Recommendations:

• Tips for Supporting Your Child with Spelling and Grammar - color | black/white
• All Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson
• The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
• Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
• Legendary Frybread Drive In by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
• Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa by Sara Andrea Fajardo
• Fireworks by Matthew Burgess
• Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lopez

Learn more about Teachers College Advancing Literacy.

If you’d like more tips on supporting at-home literacy, be sure to join and share our FREE Online Family and Caregiver Workshop Series and stay tuned for more podcasts episodes.

The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker to whom they are attributed. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, administration, staff or Trustees either of Teachers College or of Columbia University.

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