Although many may think that a child learns to read in kindergarten or first grade, research indicates that learning to read and write can start at home, long before children go to school. Children can start down the road to becoming readers from the day they are born. Very early, children begin to learn about spoken language when they hear family members talking, laughing, and singing, and when they respond to the sounds that fill their world. They begin to understand written language when they hear adults read stories to them and see adults reading newspapers, magazines, and books for themselves. These early experiences with spoken and written language set the stage for children to become successful readers and writers. This booklet is targeted to parents, grandparents and caregivers, supplying ideas for playing, talking, and reading with young children that will help them become good readers and writers later in life. No special training or expensive materials are required. For babies and toddlers, simple language games and activities can be incorporated into the everyday routine. For preschoolers, parents are urged to keep in touch with teachers so that they know what children are learning in school and can support that learning at home. This booklet contains: (1) Summary of what scientific research says about how children learn to read and write; (2) Things to do with children from birth through age 2 to help them become readers; and (3) Things to do with children between the ages 3-4 and what to look for in quality day care centers and preschools to help children become readers. Parents are urged to keep it simple and have fun, incorporating activities into a caring parent-child relationship. A glossary, bibliography and a list of suggested additional resources are included. [For previous edition of this document, see ED481898.]