Read to the student at least 20 minutes per day, every day. Read books or magazines that are at or above the appropriate grade level for the student. Encourage the student to choose books or magazines he finds interesting.
Encourage the student to read aloud 20 minutes a day. Choose a book or magazine at or below the student's current level of reading. Encourage the student to read to a younger child. Reading aloud at or below the current reading level will give the student confidence and help her stay motivated to improve.
Provide books on tape, computer or an electronic device that the student can listen to regularly. The student can follow along in the book and hear the words as he sees them. This is particularly effective for children who learn best by hearing instructions.
Play games that require reading. A variety of phonics games are available commercially, as well as such standards as charades that require reading. Utilize flash cards for learning phonics or learning whole words.
Investigate professional tutoring. Organizations exist that specialize in helping students improve their reading. School resources may also be available to help the student at school.