Reading begins with listening.
When an infant hears his parent's voice, he is learning words. A great way to teach him language is to read to him. Read anything: the newspaper, the Bible, letters from Grandma, your current novel, or of course, good children's books.
As a baby grows and focuses on colors and objects, choose books with bright pictures and simple illustrations. Choose books with a rhythm or repetitive phrases. Soon your child will learn that the words say the same thing every time. Don't get tired of reading it over and over and over again. He is learning to read by listening.
Soon (around age 3-4) your child will start noticing the words themselves. He may recognize the title or the main character's name. Teach him to recognize his own name. You may even want to label objects around the house: door, chair, stove, etc. Teach him the beginning sounds of words. Play a game of finding letters along the way as you drive to the store.
Most children learn to read during their fifth year. They may struggle with putting sounds together to make words. Then one day, it all make sense, and they take off! It's too bad that most parents miss this precious moment because they are working or it happens at school.
When a child discovers the joy of reading, fuel it with lots of books. Go to the library; look for good used books; reward them with a trip to the bookstore; give them time to read.
So, when your toddler asks, "Will you read a book to me?", don't hinder their development of reading.
