The reading patterns you establish at home directly influences your child's ability to do well in school.  Here are a few suggestions and ideas:

Read to Your Child
The very best way to help your child become a good reader is to read to and with him or her at home.  The more children read, or are read to, the better.  Books are not the only things to read.  Encourage your child to read food container items, store ads, signs around town, recipes, newspapers and magazines.

The Reading Writing-Connection
Teaching a child to write helps them to read more fluently.  Keep all kinds of writing utensils and paper on hand.  Let your children see you engage in writing tasks and work on "real world" writing activities together (such as thank you notes, lists, letters, and greeting card sentiments). Write creative stories together (dictation is fine). Send the message that writing is fun and is something that we all do everyday!

Talk about school work on a daily basis
Go through any and all items sent home and provide positive reinforcement and feedback whenever possible. Make corrections on work products together and talk about what school is like that day. Make it a point to communicate with your child every day and model effective listening skills.

Reading can indeed be a celebration
Use books, magazines, and reading and phonics-based games as treats or give as holiday and birthday gifts. Make a "big deal" out of going to the bookstore to buy some books. Have a library celebration day where a weekly trip to the public library is followed by and ice cream outing or maybe even a trip to the candy store!

Learning doesn't start or end at school.  The more we can work together when it comes to reading, the more successful your child will be now, and in the future!