Ways to help your child with their reading and writing

Let your child see you write — and correct your own mistakes.

• Give gifts associated with writing, such as special pencils and pens, a desk lamp, a hard-bound diary, a children's dictionary, or personalized stationery.

• Show pride in what your child writes by displaying their books and stories for visitors.

• Encourage your child to have a pen pal.

• Invite your child to do crossword puzzles, word jumbles, and other word games that build vocabulary and fluency.

• Read together, and talk about the books and authors you both love.