Read around your child. If you are encouraging your child to become a reader, he needs to see you reading. Your child emulates what he sees in his parents and others. If he sees you enjoying a book or newspaper, he will want to understand why you enjoy reading. Try reading in front of your child for at least 30 minutes a day.
Read to your young child every day. Even if you only have time for a story at bedtime, don't skip it. Reading to your child gives you and your child a special time together while giving her an interest in reading.
Let your child read to you. If your child is in school or is able to read before he enters school, let the child read stories to you. You child enjoys showing off his skills and giving him a chance to show you how his reading skills are growing will do wonders for his self-esteem.
Engage your child in the story. When you are reading with your child, try not to read the story straight through, cover to cover. Encourage your child to ask questions about what is happening in the story to give her a further understanding of the story. Asking questions helps your child to "build" the story within her mind.
Try adding a "what if" moment to your stories. Sometimes your child might not like what is happening in a particular book or he may simply think he has a better idea. Allow your child to change the story. Try asking the child question like: "What if the princesses didn't go to the ball?" or "What if the knight decided not to slay the dragon?" Work your child's ideas and questions into the story.