Alice Nine Professional Development Center

With spell checker at our fingertips,
some think spelling instruction is a waste of time.
However, brain research disagrees.

RESEARCH

"If a child can spell a word correctly, they likely can read it with comprehension and retrieve it for writing fluently." 

Johnny Can Spell students learn to spell
high frequency words and read simple sentences
they've written before being required to read from a book.

RESEARCH

"English spelling is a visual code needed for mapping to one’s already existing spoken language to create meaning as a reader or writer."

During the Johnny Can Spell learning routine
"Think to Spell" students begin with a spoken word, then write the word, and finally read the word.

RESEARCH

"Without being taught spelling explicitly and systematically ...  many children struggle to learn to read due to a lack of nourishment for the reading/writing brain with spelling images that include sound awareness and phonics knowledge as part of the instruction."

Students who are taught the Johnny Can Spell
learning routine called "Think to Spell"
become natural readers and writers. 

RESEARCH

"The brain needs this code—spelling—because without it you can neither read nor write. Spelling knowledge literally ignites the reading circuitry and drives the reading process." 

Does Johnny Can Spell Word Study overwhelm you?

Then Alice Nine's virtual courses, Word Study 1-5, are just what you need!  Courses are available at Alice Nine Academy. 

Each course has 120 lessons with student-facing, picture-in-picture videos that you can stream on-demand into your classroom or home 24/7. 

Subscribe now and Alice will co-teach with you. She plans, teaches, and models the lessons. You as co-teacher manage schedule, pace, learning space, supplies and monitor engagement. As one teacher said, "It's like having Alice Nine in your pocket."

Click link to read full article in Psychology Today.

Teachers, this post is as meaningful in the classroom
as it is for the homeschool setting.

"One of the most frustrating feelings as a homeschool parent is pouring your heart into creating lessons and experiences for your children, only to have them roll their eyes, complain, or insist they’re bored. If you’re dealing with bored homeschool kids who seem uninterested or dissatisfied with everything you do, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing."
. . .

"So, what can you do when your kids don’t seem to enjoy anything you try in your homeschool? Here are some steps to help you navigate this challenging season."

Thank you, Amber O’Neal Johnston (HeritageMom, Mar 19, 2025) for your words of wisdom and encouragement!  - Alice Nine

Would you like help teaching cursive handwriting? 

Using plain paper and pencils, Alice Nine teaches the cursive formation of individual letters, connections between cursive letters, and seamless writing of words in cursive. Alice Nine's method of teaching cursive is unique and easy. You will not find it any where else.

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