Master the English alphabet. Review the alphabet each day and learn each letter's sound. Post an alphabet chart in your home, review flash cards or sing "The Alphabet Song." Write each letter several times each day, so you recognize the letter and form it from memory.
Read along with an audio book. Borrow an audio book from your local library or listen to one online for free. Listen to the audio book while you look at the hard copy of your book. An audio book helps you to hear what each word sounds like and is especially helpful with figuring out new words you do not recognize. Choose audio books that are designed for children to start with, as these books often contain short, simple sentences. Once you are comfortable, select more adult books in genres you find interesting, such as fantasy or nonfiction.
Play online reading games at educational websites, such as PBS.org or Starfall.com. Educational websites often feature learning games that, while designed for young readers, can help even the most experienced adult learn new vocabulary and recognize new words. Learning games help make reading fun by providing you with the sounds each letter makes and helping you learn letter blends and combination sounds, which can be tricky to tackle on your own.