Introduce the letters of the alphabet to the student. When teaching the letters, teach both the letter and sound of the letters. Do not move past the alphabet until the student knows the letter by sight and sound.
Have the student sound out simple consonant-vowel-consonant, or cvc, words such as cat, dog and bed. Once the student has mastered cvc words begin adding more complex words such as long vowel sound words.
Provide extra cvc reading practice to the student. Give students primary readers to use for reading practice.
Explain blending sounds to the student. Some of the beginning sounds include bl-, tr-, ph- and th-. Continue introducing new blends until the student can successfully decipher new blends on his own.