Invest in educational toys, such as alphabet refrigerator magnets, foam bathtub letters and electronic reading trainers. You may need to try out different items until you find what's right for your child. To keep costs down, borrow toys from friends and relatives before buying your own.
Place books for your child throughout your home to reinforce the importance of reading. Keep a small basket of books or a bookshelf in the rooms you use most often -- family room, playroom, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Make sure the books are easily accessible by your preschooler.
Pop an educational program in the DVD player when you're making dinner or just need a few quiet minutes. Try out different movies and shows to see what appeals to your child. Friends, neighbors and your local library are great resources.
Integrate the child's name throughout your home. Preschoolers love to recognize their names in print. Check craft and department stores for creative options, such as initials for the bedroom door or block letters to mount over the child's dresser. Try magnets and removable vinyl letters if you need a non-permanent display. Label your child's art projects, clothing items and other objects to reinforce name recognition.
Develop informal, fun-filled games to integrate letters and reading into your daily routine. For example, point out store and restaurant signs while doing errands, or make a few funny mistakes when you read a favorite book -- your child will love to correct you.
Read to your child daily. This is the most important way to integrate reading into your daily routine. By age two or so, most children will not only be able to pay attention for an entire book, but will start pointing out letters and words that they recognize. Let your child choose the book, and don't worry if he selects the same one over and over and over.