Label everything in the learner's residence, using strips of paper and bold, dark writing. This can be done by hand or with a computer. Place a label on all appliances, such as the refrigerator, oven and furniture like desks and couches. Also, label the walls, doors and windows of the residence. These labels will help build sight-reading skills. Label items in pictures for more sight-reading opportunities.
Create flashcards of the most frequently used words and the individual letters of the alphabet. The flashcards with words will be used to increase sight-reading skills, while the cards with letters will build phonics skills. Find a list of the hundred or more most frequently used words. The top ten are "the," "of," "and," "to," "a," "in," "that," "is," "was," and "he."
Create a banner with the alphabet on it in lowercase and capitalized letters. The letters must be in their proper order.
Make, buy or download a picture dictionary. Picture dictionaries are great for learners because they combine the picture and the written word in an organized reference guide.
Teach the learner the alphabet song. Show the learner the alphabet banner and teach the learner the full and short sounds of each letter. Teach the sounds for certain combinations, such as "oo," "ch," "th" and "sh."
Sing the alphabet song while studying the alphabet banner. Learn to associate the name of the letter with its shape.
Practice phonics with flashcards until you are comfortable with the sound that each letter makes. Phonics is essential for "sounding out" new words.
Find a magazine or book on a subject that interests you. Avoid complicated subjects that will use an extended vocabulary. Use a highlighter to mark words you recognize. Circle words that you don't. Try to "sound out" words you don't recognize. If you are still unsure, use a picture dictionary to understand the word.
Practice! Continue studying the flashcards and learning to sightread. Continue reading easy material and gradually work up to harder materials.