PLZ PRACTICE UR WRTIN

Millions of children and adults use language like this to make weekend plans nad chat with friends via email, Twitter, and Instant Messaging (IM). It is important that this informal writing style of shortened words, improper grammar, lack of punctuation, and use of emoticons, such as smiley faces and other keyboard-created graphics, does not follow them into the classroom.

To help children boost their effective writing skills, we offer the following tips to avoid email-style language making its way into schoolwork:

1. Talk to children about using different writing styles to communicate with different audiences. Describe the importance of personalizing messages and why it's important that students know their audience. While it's okay to close a letter with "C ya" to a friend in an IM, it is not okay to include this slang in homework assignments. Remind them that formality is required in school.

2. Have fun with writing. Provide children with enjoyable ways to practice their writing. Involve your child in writing grocery lists, thank you notes, dates on calendars, and messages. Or, play games like Blurt!, TriBond, and MadGab that help build language and vocabulary skills.

3. Review schoolwork for IM and email-style language. Encourage your children to write properly and take the time to carefully review assignments several times before submitted them to the teacher. Review your child's homework to ensure he or she is not using shortcuts or slang.

4. Talk with teens to establish ground rules for using texting, Twitter, and email. Work with your child to develop a plan for using IM and email to make sure other responsibilities, such as completing homework and chores, are met before going online to chat with friends. Discuss time limits with your children and ensure they are kept.

5. Create a writing zone. Whether writing on a computer or with a notebook and pencil, it is important that your child has a well-organized place to write. Set up an area in your home for writing - a desk to table with a flat surface and good lighting. Ensure the area is free from potential distractions and that writing tools, including a dictionary, paper and pens, are at your child's fingertips.

Sylvan offers parents a variety of tools and activities to help students practice and have fun with writing, including tips for boosting effective writing skills and free online writing journal. Parents can download the free writing journal, complete with suggested writing topics and decorative pages, from the "Family Learning Activities" section in the "Parent Resources" area of www.SylvanLearning.com.