Here are ways you can help your teen build this skill:

Ask your teen to read her writing to you. Some experts say listening to their own words is the most effective way to help students revise and edit their work.

Give your teen a journal. Encourage her to write about what she does and how she feels. She can also include lists of goals, poetry, song lyrics, sketches and letters sent and unsent.

Start a family log. Buy a notebook and invite all family members to write in it regularly. Entries might include reflections on family outings and major events or visits from special people. Or, writers can make observations about their own or another’s growth or actions.

Encourage writing in real-life situations. Ask your teen to write a letter requesting information, or to settle a bill or problem with a book club or other merchant. Suggest she write a letter to the editor. Or, she can prepare a press release to publicize school, church, or club activities.

Publish your teen’s writing. Make copies of it and send it to friends and family. Also support or help sponsor school publications of student writing.

Be a model. Let your teen see you writing letters or prose. Share thought-provoking or funny articles or editorials you discover.

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