This method begins by teaching children the letters of the alphabet, until they know the name for each letter and what sounds that letter makes. Aim for one letter per day, but it may take a child a week to learn a letter. Once the alphabet is mastered, teach them how to join letters together with short two-letter words. For example "a" and "t" makes "at." As they advance, throw in three-letter words like "mat," "men" and "bug." Keep adding letters as they progress. Make sure they are trying to say the words, rather than you reading them aloud. Once they are at an advanced level, start teaching simple sentences.
Instead of learning how to say letters, children using this method begin with sentences. Make picture cards representing the words you want the child to say. For example, draw a dog in the garden and write the words: "The dog is in the garden." Say this sentence over and over until the child can repeat it, but make sure the child is looking at the picture and the sentence so he knows what the words mean.
Similar to the last approach but with one vital difference, the pictures your child will learn from will be his own. Whenever your child draws a picture, keep it until you have enough to make a book. Write a simple sentence for each picture. So, if the drawing is of a boy playing in the park, you could write: "The boy is in the park." Repeat these words until the child can say them back to you and relate them to the drawing. Using the child's own picture will help him to understand the words you are saying.
Try to read with your child around five or six times a week. Don't try to "squeeze in" a reading session; your child should never feel rushed, or this will damage his confidence. Give your child plenty of praise and reassurance; even if you are worried about his reading level, don't let him know it. Give him the time he needs to learn how to read; all children learn at different speeds, so don't have any expectations. If your child reads only to you, ask him to read to another family member to boost his confidence.