Start with the basics. Teach your child the shapes and sounds of the alphabet. Any effective reading progress that your child makes has to rest on a firm foundation of understanding and recognizing the letters of the alphabet. Teaching the alphabet should include both the visual, shape of each letter, and the phonics, sound that each letter makes. A set of flash cards with individual letters make an effective teaching tool. Have the child identify each letter by name and then make the sound that each letter represents.
Use easy reader books to introduce reading to your child. Start slowly to avoid frustration. Read each word to your child and then have them attempt to break the words apart and make the sound of each letter. Once the child has learned the sounds of each letter, they can begin to string the sounds together to form words. Simple three of four letter words should start to come easy after a few attempts.
Take the opportunity to point out letters and words that your child sees everyday. When you're grocery shopping, take the time to stop and help your child identify the letters on a box of cereal or cookies. Or, set down with a magazine or newspaper and have your child help you sound out the headlines of an article. Be supportive and patient during this process.
Add positive reinforcement to your child's reading experience. Establishing a reward, such as a "star" chart, special treat, or just positive verbal praise, when your child masters a new book. Many children love this kind of reinforcement and will make more of an effort to learn to read.
Remember, that every child learns at a different pace and learning to read is no exception. Don't rush to compare the progress of your child to others, and don't make reading a task or chore that your child wants to avoid.