Word processing software eliminates the physical barrier that young children experience as they struggle to make letters, by hand as well as the psychological barriers some children perceive when they equate their poor handwriting with a lack of writing ability. (MT)

Children can be taught to write clearly and thoughtfully. Ways in which parents can encourage writing at home are suggested. (MT)

Parents can help their children become better writers by reinforcing the importance of writing and by giving children plenty of opportunities to write. Twenty-three specific suggestions for improving children's writing at home are listed. (PP)