Focus on pre-reading skills in young learners. Young children will have a hard time learning how to read if they haven't developed their pre-reading skills. A to Z Phonics (see References) says your child needs to know more than just his alphabet before reading. Ask your child to listen to you when you talk and search for words and sounds that sound alike. Children should also be aware that words have syllables and that some words rhyme. Rhyme and alliteration are the first ways a child learns how sounds work together.
Choose a curriculum. You can find a phonics curriculum to match your child's age, ability level and your personal preferences. If you're religious, you can search for curriculums that focus on and use words that correspond with your faith. Parents searching for a secular curriculum have options too. In addition, if you'd prefer a program that has technological aspects, you'll find curriculums that contain DVDs, CDs and even computer games. Some programs are also geared toward children with special needs. Search for a program that works best for your family's preferences and needs. Set a specific time each day to work through the curriculum.
Take time to familiarize yourself with the different concepts of phonetics such as phonemic awareness, initial alphabet sounds, short vowels and blends. For instance, blends are two or three consonants that combine in a word. These consonants retain their initial sounds, even after they're blended.
Plan activities that focus on phonics concepts. In addition to your curriculum, add phonics enrichment activities into your day. Some parents choose not to buy a curriculum, so these activities can also be used in place of a structured learning time. If you're teaching your child about blends, you can print out flashcards of popular blends (br, cr, pr, sc, sm) and have your child think of words that contain that blend.