Parents should talk to their children as much as possible from infancy. Among other benefits, talking helps develop a child's phonemic awareness -- the ability to hear and identify sounds in spoken words -- a key skill in learning to read, points out the Department of Education. Parents can tell stories or simply relate what they're doing and thinking; the key is to be descriptive, animated and clear. As children get older, parents can engage them in conversation, including new and interesting words at every opportunity. Children learn words more easily when they hear them spoken often, which is one of the reasons conversation and reading skills go hand in hand.
The National Institute for Literacy urges parents to read with their children every day. Early reading pertains not just to books, but to anything that has printed letters, such as boxes and packaging. As children learn letter-sound relationships -- also known as phonics, another key reading skill -- parents can practice with them using labels, newspapers, magazines and street signs. When reading to their children, parents' expressiveness helps comprehension. Rereading familiar stories gives kids practice reading comfortably using books they already know. When children start to read on their own, parents should stay actively involved by talking about the stories' content and new words.
One of the most enjoyable and effective means for parents to teach their children reading skills involves games such as singing songs or reciting nursery rhymes while encouraging children to join in. Rhyming and riddle games help children to learn vocabulary, as does "pretend play" or acting out imaginary stories. Nonprofit educational organizations such as PBS.org offer free online reading games.
Learning to read is hard work that takes time and requires patience from parents. When practicing reading skills, parents need to give a child the opportunity to find the words she wants to use. Parents should also keep informed of their child's progress in school, and regular asking the teacher about ways to facilitate learning at home. Children develop habits from the people around them, and parents set an example by reading and writing in front of their children as much as possible.