Begin by teaching the basic letter sounds of the alphabet. Before moving on to the more complex tasks of reading, such as blending and segmenting, students need to have a strong grasp of initial letter sounds.
Use picture flash cards to practice initial letter sounds and begin equating objects with words. Show a picture of an object before saying the name of the object. When saying the object's name, emphasize the beginning letter. For example, for the word ball, say, "buh, buh, ball," so your student hears the "buh" sound the b makes. Play a game where students have to try to match pictures that have the same initial letter sound.
Move on to sight word flash cards. Depending on the age and ability of your students, you may wish to simplify the words you use for this activity. Show the word on the card, say the word on the card, then, say each individual letter sound in the word. For example, using the word pan, show the picture, say, "Pan," then say, "Pa, aah, nn." After saying each individual letter sound, slide your finger below the word as you blend the letters to make "pan." This is blending, a key concept for decoding words.
Use easy readers, like "Dick and Jane" books, to practice reading sight words in context. If necessary, sound out individual letter sounds before attempting to blend them together. Go as fast or as slow as necessary.
Progress to more difficult books as your student becomes ready.