* Share stories with engaging illustrations with your child.
* Let your child practise trying to write, for example, by labelling their drawings and writing cards and notices.
* Have pens and paper readily available for your child to use.
* Help your child to understand the purpose of writing by pointing out words, names and familiar signs in your area.
* Talk about books with your child using appropriate vocabulary, for example, page, back, front, cover and word.
* Compare the appearance and direction of English print with those of other languages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* 'How do children learn to read?' on www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/work/primary/literacy/reading_learn.shtml
Text: Lucy Draper, head of training at the Thomas Coram Centre for Children and Families, and Laura Gould, senior childcare worker at the Coram Parents Centre, London. Illustrations: Alex Ayliffe
