Being interested in and enjoying books. The more fun a child has reading books, the more likely he will become an independent reader. Read all types of books that a child might enjoy, including pop-ups, wordless books, fiction, and non-fiction.
Noticing print, knowing how to handle a book and knowing how to follow the words on a page.
Knowing letters are different from each other, knowing their names and sounds and recognizing letters everywhere.
Knowing the names of things. Picture book texts have a higher incidence of rare and less common words than typical conversations. Multiple readings of picture books provide children with repeated exposure to new words. Providing short definitions can help children expand their vocabulary.
Being able to describe things and events and tell stories.
Being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.