Read aloud to your child on a regular basis. Reading helps children develop an ear for language and a love of reading.

Make a writing center with Post-it notes, paper, stickers, staplers, pencils, and a pencil sharpener. Try to include inviting paper and bright pens or colorful markers.

Make or buy an alphabet strip with upper and lower case letters to put in a writing area or on a desk.

Display your child's artwork and writing.

Leave simple notes in your child's lunchbox, under the pillow, on the mirror, or on the refrigerator.

Make lists of jobs, friends, birthdays, favorite restaurants, etc.

Encourage your child to write notes and reminders ("Why don't you add that to the message board, refrigerator, or calendar?").

Involve your child in writing -- this can include party invitations, name tags, thank you notes, valentines, holiday cards, etc. Be sure to plan ahead enough so your child will have lots of time.

Make a list of things to do during a vacation, on a trip, or weekend. 

Make simple books together after a trip, about your family, or about a subject your child finds interesting.  Print the photos from the trip, and have your child write a caption for each photo.

Show your child how you use writing in your job and in daily life.

Encourage risk-taking and the use of invented spelling as your child first writes. This helps your child express ideas and feelings independently without becoming discouraged by the mechanics of writing.

Save your child's work and compare with earlier writing to point out and celebrate growth.