Read out loud to your child while letting him see the words in print. Listening to the rhythm of words while also looking at the printed page helps build a connection between letters and sounds.
Teach alphabet sounds. It is important to learn the names of the letters, as well as the sounds they produce. Play a game with your child, thinking of words that begin with different letter sounds. Write these words down so she can see the connection between the printed letter and the sound it makes.
Play rhyming games. Pick a simple three-letter word such as "hat" to begin. Ask your child how many words she can rhyme with "hat." Make sure to write down the words she names, pointing out that changing the very first letter sound is what makes a rhyme.
Introduce easy reader books. Choose an easy reader book that your child will be able to read independently. There are many choices available that contain only three to four short rhyming words. Ask her to read the book aloud to you.