Here are some of the things you can do to help your child learn…
Make Letter Writing a Habit
Make letter writing a habit for your child. Encourage him/her to write thank you cards, fill out invitations, send get well cards or send postcards.
Conduct Reviews
Conduct regular reviews. After watching a movie, playing a new game (even a video game) or trying a new recipe, ask your child to write a review. In the review they should give specific things they liked or didn’t like. This can be done verbally to promote speaking and listening skills as well.
Journal
Keep an ongoing journal of family activities (especially when on vacation). Take turns with your child and write about what you did together that day.
Make a Menu
Make a menu with your child. Encourage him/her to plan out in writing dinner and dessert for the week. Have them Google a recipe for their favorite take out dish.
Follow Their Lead
Follow your child’s lead, if they want to discuss a topic in more depth, go with it. Go online to help your child find articles, magazines or books on topics that interest them. Order a subscription to your child’s favorite magazine.
Write Lyrics
Have your child copy the lyrics of their favorite songs. Ask them to write their own lyrics.
Be a Writing Role Model
Be a writing model. Leave notes for your child around the house. Encourage them to write back.
Write Stories Together
Write stories with your child. Take turns writing different parts or adding to each other’s stories.
Ask your child to see his/her writing from school. Ask them to read it to you. Ask them what they are most proud of and where they think they could do better. Give them areas where you were especially proud or impressed by what they wrote.
Focus on Content
Focus on the content (story or main point) instead of the mechanics (grammar, spelling, etc.).
Make literacy and creative thinking part of your family by engaging in regular game nights. Games like Sorry, Uno, Risk, Clue and Stratego (just to name a few) promote thinking and problem solving. Games like Scategories, Taboo, Scrabble, Boggle, Rory’s Story Cubes and Balderdash (just to name a few) are great ways to get your child thinking about words and expanding vocabulary. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time together.
For your reluctant readers graphic novels are powerful tools. Check out this video and this article about the benefits of reading a graphic novel. If you’re still not convinced...watch this !
Just for Teens - Teen Ink is an online resources for teens where they can read and comment on writing, art and videos posted by kids their own age. They can even post their own work. (Explore the site with your child to ensure the content is appropriate for them and comfortable for you.)