Teaching your child to read can start at a very early age. In fact, the first time you share a book in the bath, or look at a cloth book with a baby in a pushchair you are beginning this vital process.

However, learning to read involves much more than just being able to recognise a word. Books contain all sorts of information and in order for children to discover and subsequently be able extract the messages a book has to offer, they need to begin by developing a range of pre reading skills or 'Book Language'.

Book language in itself encompasses many skills, for example holding a book the right way up, knowing that the print in an English text runs across the page from left to right, that each cluster of letters forms a word and being aware that the pictures help tell the story and are useful if one of the words is proving difficult to read. As adults we take this knowledge for granted, but children need to be taught these skills.

To help your child develop Book Language and an enthusiasm about books from an early age, incorporate the following into your daily routine:

• Read stories regularly, both during the day and at bedtime.
• Encourage your child to look at books on their own as well as with you.
• Ask your child to make predictions about what may happen next in the story.
• Encourage your child to retell the events of the story using both their own words and any repetitive phrases there may be in the book.
• Discuss what is happening in the pictures, what part of the story does it illustrate?
• Talk about the characters and plot.
• Encourage your child to develop opinions about the book - did they enjoy it, what was their favourite part? Similarly, if they did not enjoy it, what was it about the book that they did not like?
• Visit the library regularly and look for books by favourite authors.
• Listen to stories on tape.

Once your child has begun to recognise some sight vocabulary, introduce the following into your shared reading time:

• Point to the words as you read stories.
• Ask your child to find a familiar word, for example a character's name and count how many times it appears on the page.
• Write the word on a piece of paper and ask your child to try and match it to the corresponding printed word.
• Cut up the words and use them as flashcards or play snap and lotto games with them.

Try to make reading a cosy, warm and enjoyable time!