How to Encourage Good Writing Skills in Your Child

   Teaching writing can be intimidating, especially if you don't feel like you are a good writer yourself. Here are some tips you can use to encourage your kids in grade school or high school - age doesn't matter; it's never too late to develop good writing habits.

1. Read to your kids. Make family reading time a priority, if only once a week. It's a great way to share quality time together, and the benefits of exposure to literature are endless. It provides opportunities for discussion; it broadens perspectives and lends to a sense of adventure. We read the Little House series, biographies, carefully chosen classics, and more. I looked for books that were interesting and had relevance to my kids' lives and studies.

   I've observed kids for years and can usually tell which ones have been read to and/or are readers. Among other things, they often have imaginations that are more vivid. They have a good sense of what sounds right when writing, because they have been exposed to good literature. Reading, and being read to, opens up a world for kids that they might not experience otherwise.

2. Let your kids see you writing. Set a good example. Even if the only things you write are letters, lesson plans, and grocery lists, you are still writing! It's important to remember that no matter what we do in life, it is necessary to write and communicate. The better we write, the better we will communicate, and vice versa.

   Keep writing! The more you do it, the more you improve. My husband is a prime example (and a good sport). When we started in business 20-some years ago, writing a business letter was not his thing. With practice and a little advice, he now writes a professional letter with very little assistance from the editing department (me!).

3. Find writing projects to do together. Writing activities in a curriculum are great, but sometimes they don't spark a student's creativity. How many of us plodded through the required "What I did on my summer vacation" composition? A group project can be more fun - and when it comes to writing, especially for reluctant writers, fun is key. Engage kids by finding short, interesting activities to start. Projects can be expanded as skills develop. Try writing a continuing story, silly poetry, or a family newspaper together. For ideas, I recommend If You're Trying to Teach Kids to Write, You've Gotta Have This Book! by Marjorie Frank.