Empowering Literate Teens: Milestones in Reading and Writing for Highschool Students

As parents of little children, we are accustomed to celebrating milestones such as first steps, first words, and reading levels. However, as our children grow into teenagers, we find ourselves wondering about the milestones of reading and writing during these transformative years. Between the ages of 14 to 18, young people experience remarkable growth in their language abilities, and it is crucial for us to equip them with the necessary literacy skills to navigate the complexities of academic and social life. So, let's explore the expected milestones for literate teens and discover how we can support their independence in learning.

Expanding Vocabulary Horizons:

Between the ages of 14 to 18, our teenagers experience a rapid expansion of their vocabulary, acquiring approximately 7-10 new words each day. We can foster their word mastery by introducing them to challenging texts and encouraging thought-provoking discussions. Maybe it is time to start sharing your favourite literature that showcases double meanings and subject words, allowing their minds to unravel the layers of meaning.

Narrative Marvels:

Expect the narratives of your teenage children to show complexity, featuring long and intricate ideas. Take the time to read over their short stories they create for English class. Dive into their narratives with enthusiasm, offering praise for their imaginative tales.

Understanding Complex Instructions:

Teenagers should have the ability to understand long and intricate instructions with multiple directions. As parents, we can foster their independence by providing opportunities for them to tackle complex tasks. Encourage them to follow elaborate recipes in the kitchen or engage in challenging DIY projects at home. Offer guidance when needed.

Communication Superpowers:

As our children grow into teenagers, their language skills become essential tools for solving complex problems during conversations. To support their development, we can encourage them to engage in thoughtful discussions that involve analysing different viewpoints, understanding figurative language, and making predictions based on implicit information. Let us be their sounding board, engaging in playful banter to help them grasp the nuances of language.

Social Communication Agility:

Beyond academic pursuits, literacy skills extend to social interactions. Teenagers should employ language to persuade, negotiate, and adapt to rapidly changing conversations. Encourage their involvement in organising events for their sporting team or volunteering for a local charity where they can practice their communication skills in a more adult space. They will learn to adapt their language style to suit different environments and people.

By understanding these expected milestones for literate teens, we can actively support their literacy development both at school and in the wider community.