Children must learn to read before they can read to learn.  How can parents help?  The Learning First Alliance suggests the following ideas:

Read at bedtime.  If you haven't started this tradition it's not too late to begin.

Enjoy the library together.

Encouage your child to write.  Leave a note on the refrigerator and ask your child to write back.

Play rhyming games.  Choose a word, cat for example.  Have a contest to see who can think of the most rhyming words.

Remember, practice makes perfect.  Keep reading materials around the house and have a regular reading time each day.