A baby starts on the road to becoming a reader on the day she is born and first hears the sounds of its mother's voice. Every time someone speaks, sings, and responds to the sounds she makes, they strengthen a child's understanding of language. With a parent as a guide, that child is on her way to becoming a reader.
To understand the connection between early
experiences with spoken language and learning to read, think of
language as a four-legged stool. The four legs are talking, listening, reading,
and writing. All four legs are important; each leg helps to support and balance
the others.
Available in in English and Spanish, the web site, created by the U.S. Department of Education, explains what it takes to get children in the habit of enjoying books and reading. The web site provides ideas, that you can start right from birth, for language-building activities that help your child build the skills needed to become a reader.
Helping Your Child Become a Reader.