4 Essential Habits to Help Your Teen Excel In (and LOVE) Reading and Writing

Every parent dreams of seeing their teen excel in school, but when it comes to reading and writing, the path isn’t always clear.

What if there were just four habits that could completely transform your teen’s literacy skills?

The truth is, success in reading and writing isn’t about drills or worksheets—it’s about fostering daily practices that build confidence and joy.

Let’s explore how volume, choice, modeling, and conferencing can help your teen grow as a stronger, more engaged reader and writer.

1. Volume: Make Reading and Writing Daily Practices

Just like a runner needs consistent practice to improve, students need frequent opportunities to read and write to develop their skills and build stamina.

Encourage your teen to read daily, starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the time to help them focus for longer periods. Providing access to books—whether through library visits or letting them choose their own to purchase—can make reading a natural part of their day.

For writing, set them up with simple tools like composition books. One could be used for responding to what they read—short entries that reflect their thoughts or reactions. Another could be for freewriting about anything they love, like poetry, music, or even current events. The more they practice, the more comfortable they’ll become with longer and more complex tasks.

2. Choice: Empower Them to Explore Their Interests

Volume and choice go hand-in-hand. Teens are more likely to stick with reading and writing when they have some say in what they do.

Allow your teen to explore their interests, even if they don’t always align with academic expectations. If they love mysteries, let them dive into whodunits. If they’re drawn to journaling or creative writing, encourage them to follow their instincts.

Choice keeps them invested and motivated while still building the skills they’ll need for high-stakes academic tasks.

3. Modeling: Show the Importance of Reading and Writing

Actions speak louder than words, and teens are always observing. Make time to model good reading and writing habits yourself.

Spend 10–20 minutes reading alongside your teen. When they see you valuing reading for enjoyment or self-growth, they’re more likely to mirror that behavior.

The same goes for writing. Whether you’re journaling, jotting down a to-do list, or drafting an email, talk about what you’re doing. Demonstrating the process shows your teen that writing is an essential life skill, not just an academic task.

4. Conferencing: Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Conferring is all about communication and feedback. While it looks different for parents than for tutors, the purpose is the same: to understand strengths and identify areas for growth.

Listen to your teen read their writing aloud. This gives them a chance to self-reflect and recognize what works well and what might need revision.

Ask open-ended questions about the books they’re reading. For example:

• Do any of the characters remind you of yourself or someone you know?

• What do you think will happen next?

• What clues in the book make you feel that way?
  

These conversations show your teen that you’re genuinely interested in their learning process, boosting their confidence.

Final Thoughts

Helping your teen grow as a reader and writer doesn’t require complicated strategies or expensive programs. It’s about creating a supportive environment where daily habits like reading, writing, choosing, modeling, and conferring can flourish.

With these four habits in place, your teen will be better prepared for the challenges ahead—whether it’s acing a state test, writing a scholarship essay, or simply finding joy in words.