Many of us forget to talk about writing with children. In fact, with so much online writing, many kids don't see much actual text being produced. It's important to model writing in front of children  so that they can see how writing is used and how it's produced. Since we often already do a lot of writing, showing this to kids can be pretty easy. We just need to make children aware of the writing. 

We also need to give kids materials, time and encouragement to do  their own writing. Here are some ways to do that:

Write with your children. When you have to write something, a message to a friend, a list for a birthday party, a note to the babysitter, show it to your child and ask for ideas on what to say.  

Create a "writing center" in your home. Have a space with paper and interesting writing materials like markers or colored pencils so your child can write anytime.  

Write stories together. Have your child create a picture. On the back or another piece of paper, write down what your child tells you about that picture.