Talk with your child

I know this sounds silly to tell you to talk with your child, but many parents talk at their children instead of talking with their children.  If you are watching a video, stop the show and ask your child who his favorite character is; when at the park, ask your child her favorite part of the play structure; when reading a book, ask your child what happened at the end of the story.  The list of "talking opportunities" is endless.  Language acquisition (or learning to speak) is very important in learning to read.  A child has a difficult time learning to read words that are not in her vocabulary.  Build vocabulary everyday by talking with your child.  The more you talk (and listen) the more vocabulary your child will know and use.