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Best homeschool language arts with video lessons

If you're rusty on grammar or would rather not teach writing directly, a program with video lessons lets someone else do the teaching. These are the programs where the video does the explaining.

Updated September 2026 · 35 programs compared · rankings from our published scoring rules

What matters for video lessons

The video teaches, you coach. With a strong video component, your job shifts from explaining grammar rules to checking that work gets done and helping when your child gets stuck.

Watch a sample first. Most video programs offer a preview lesson; a child who likes the instructor's style is far more likely to stick with it.

Video doesn't replace reading your child's writing. Even the best video writing instruction still benefits from a parent reading the result and talking about it.

Our top 6 for video lessons

1. IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

   Video-based Structure and Style writing method used across any subject

   • Watch for: same nine models revisited can feel repetitive
   Grades 3rd–12thVideo-based, structured writing methodCost: Basic package (with videos) $169; Premier (+parent training) $289; Student Packet ~$50

2. All About Spelling

   Multisensory Orton-Gillingham spelling, level by level

   • Watch for: daily scripted tile routine feels slow to some
   Grades 1st–12thOrton-Gillingham, multisensory spellingCost: $69.95 per level (Levels 1-6); Level 7 $49.95

3. Brave Writer

   Relaxed, conversation-first writing built around your child's interests

   • Watch for: price adds up across stages and online classes
   Grades K–12thRelaxed, conversation-first writingCost: Partnership Writing Collection One $97; Jot It Down $50 (PDF)

4. Easy Grammar

   Unique prepositional-phrase method makes grammar concrete and fast

   • Watch for: plain text-based workbook, harder for visual learners
   Grades 2nd–12thTraditional, prepositional-phrase-first grammarCost: Grade 4 set (teacher's edition + workbook) ~$42; Grade 5 ~$47, plus ~$5.50 for the test book

5. Rod & Staff English

   Rigorous, traditional grammar and composition with sentence diagramming

   • Watch for: dated, plain black-and-white presentation
   Grades 2nd–10thTraditional, rigorous Christian grammarCost: About $34.50 for a grade set (student text, worksheets, tests, teacher's manual)

6. Essentials in Writing

   Video-based grammar and writing combined in one course

   • Watch for: fewer independent reviews than other programs here
   Grades 1st–12thVideo-based grammar and writing combinedCost: About $67-89 per course depending on video+digital vs. video+print format

Questions parents ask

Can I teach language arts if grammar isn't my strength?

Yes. Video-based programs are built for exactly that; you'll still want to check work and read your child's writing, but you don't have to explain every rule yourself.

Do video language arts programs teach writing well?

It varies. Some cover grammar and mechanics thoroughly by video but still rely on a parent to give feedback on original composition.

Do these programs need a reliable internet connection?

Most stream online, though some offer downloadable video files; check each program's specific format if connectivity is a concern.

How this list is made: each program is scored against the needs above using features documented in parent reviews and publisher materials (sources are listed in each program's profile). It's a starting point, not medical or educational advice.