Think of conversation as being like a tennis game with talk, instead of a ball, bouncing back and forth. Visit the library. If they are old enough, make sure they have their own card. Keep books, magazines, and newspapers around the house. Keep pencils and paper, crayons, and washable markers handy for notes, grocery lists, and schoolwork.
Writing takes practice, and it starts at home.
Teach children to do things for themselves rather than do the work for them. Patience when children are young pays off later. List them on a calendar, day by day. Every home needs consistent rules children can depend on. Put a plan into action, and follow through.