Young children start developing literacy skills long before they can actually read. A toddler who says "ba-ba" to prompt his mother to bring him a bottle shows he understands that words hold meaning. A three-year-old who pretends a block is a "choo-choo train" reveals her understanding that one thing can stand for another—a foundation for learning that letters and words symbolize sounds, objects, thought, and action. Here are some concrete ways you can support your child's emerging reading skills.

• Make written language an everyday, organic, and meaningful experience.
  Most children learn to read by being read to and exposed to the printed word in their daily lives. Together, generate a grocery list and write the words in big block letters. Draw the picture of the item next to the word so your child can "read" the list herself.