Word recognition is an important facet of reading. Prepare your child for reading by labeling items that she regularly comes in contact with. Using index cards or other papers, use a thick Sharpie to clearly and legibly write the names of daily objects. The cards can also be created on a computer for added convenience, but a plain font should be used.
It may help to sit on the floor so that you are approximately eye level with the child. Look around the room and evaluate what you see. If you are in the kitchen, you likely see counters, a refrigerator, a table, an oven, a microwave, a toaster, a chair and similar items. Label as many things as you can before moving into the next room.
Be sure to put each label at or near eye-level with your child so that it is in frequent view. Do not forget basic room fixtures like doors, windows, light switches and walls. Those should be labeled also.
To further engage the child, randomly ask what certain labels say. It should be fairly obvious to the child, but asking will draw his attention to the label and the word.
When learning how letters look and sound, it is helpful to focus on one letter at a time. Show it to your child in capital and lowercase form. Sound it out. For a more enjoyable approach, throw a letter party.
For example, it is easy to organize a "B" day. Throughout the day, serve the child foods that start with "b," such as bananas, blueberries, bagels, bread with butter, broccoli, burgers, burritos and brownies. If possible, color these foods blue or brown, or serve other foods that have been colored. Play with toys that start with "b," such as books, blocks, balls and/or Barbie dolls. Blow bubbles, ride bikes, play basketball and emphasize other "b" activities throughout the day, such as bath time, bed time, and brushing the child's teeth and hair. Make the day a festive event with blue and brown balloons. Take a walk and identify other "b" items, such as a bird or bicycle.
Reading to a child is important in establishing a love of learning. A child who is interested in books has an added motivation to learn to read.
When teaching a child to read, consider handing an age-appropriate book to the child before you read it to her. Ask her to look at the pictures and the words and tell you the story. This engages her mind, promoting creativity and analytical thinking. When she has finished, read the book to her as it is written. Point to each word as you say it. Compare and contrast her version to the real story.