The truth is, right now you really can't teach your toddler to read. Children usually don't start reading before the age of five or six. Some children are able to read earlier if pushed but this isn't advised.
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There's so much you can do to prepare your toddler for learning to read though. Read, read, read with your toddler. Find stories that he loves and wants to hear over and over. Try rhymes, pictures only, simple comics, a wide variety of books. As you read together, talk to him about the story. What might happen next? Tell him your favourite part of the book. Look at the pictures closely and discuss them together. Let him fill in the last word of a rhyme, even have him create a new ending!
As you read, point to some of the letters and words, especially letters and words he might be interested in like the first letter in his name or the word 'train'. Lightly tap out the rhythm of a nursery rhyme or the syllables in a longer word.
Find out which books other toddlers enjoy and ask librarians, friends, grandparents for suggestions. Be sure to hold the book so your toddler can see the pictures easily.
Let your child see you reading too. Have lots of reading materials around your home like magazines, newspapers, books. Tell him what you are reading and how you feel about it.
If your toddler's loves stories and looking at books and has some concept that printed words include letters, he's well on his way to learning how to read!
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