Choose storybooks that interest your child. If your child thinks trains are boring, for example, choose books that feature animals or astronauts. A child who is uninterested in a story will have a harder time learning to read than a child who finds the tale fascinating. Take your child to your local library and let her pick out a few books she likes. Encourage your child to look at books that are repetitive, but don't force her to select books she won't enjoy.
Read different things to your child. While you should certainly read children's storybooks, also read poems, short stories, signs and labels to your child. Point out each word as you say it and slowly pronounce the word clearly. For example, if you take your child to a restaurant, show him the printed name of his favorite meal. Read the name to him and ask him to repeat it back to you.
Practice the alphabet with your child. Most 3-year-olds are able to sing "The Alphabet Song," so sing with your child each day. If your child prefers a more hands-on approach to learning, practice writing the letters of the alphabet so your child learns how to recognize and create each letter. Point out letters to your child that you see and ask your child if she remembers the name of that letter. For example, if you and your child see a sign at the doctor's office, ask her if she can find a letter 'c.'