Start the process when the child is very young. Infants who are just a few months old can be read to. They are able to look at pictures and hear a parent's voice. Keep the child involved by pointing to pictures and pronouncing the names of various objects. Reading to children helps them enjoy the sound of words and expands their imagination.
Emphasize the joy of reading. Create a culture within the household that is supportive of reading. This starts with reading to children, but also involves having children see adults reading on a continual basis. Discuss the wonders of reading with children and instill in them an enthusiasm for reading.
Build the reading instruction around what children understand. Always keep in mind there are many things adults take for granted that children have yet to know. Thus, point out the difference between words and pictures. Explain that words have meanings and different words have different meanings. Explain that the English language is read from left to right. Words are made up of letters, words are separated by spaces and there are both capital and lowercase letters.
Teach children the alphabet, then show them how each letters form words. While reading to them, ask them to identify letters and words. Have them read short phrases or sentences aloud.
Let children choose their own books. In time, the quality of books they read will become important. But early on, developing an enjoyment for reading is the goal. Many children will read the same book over and over. Let them. This is clearly a book that has captured their imagination and is building an interest in reading.