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One of the most important things you can do with your child is reading. Reading helps develop language skills and prepares children for school.
Finding time to read can be tricky, especially if you have rowdy toddlers that don't care to sit on your lap for story time at the end of the day. Try to find a time your child is already sitting still, and start reading to them then. For example, I often read to my 11 month old son while he's eating his breakfast. While he's busy slurping down rice milk and enjoying Apple Jacks, I am able to point out pictures, read stories, and have an extra bonding moment with him--every morning.
Another thing to try is to find books that your child finds interesting. It doesn't matter if you're able to read every word on the page; if they flip the page before you're done, simply move to the page they've gone to. If you have a young toddler, you may find yourself pointing out pictures in the book and asking your child questions about the pictures instead of reading the actual words.
Reading things besides books is also important. As you're preparing a recipe, read it out loud to your child. Read your mail out loud to them, the newspaper, the cereal box. Help them to make the connection between those scribbly lines on everything and what they mean.
Once your child is able to speak, ask them to read a story to you. Encourage them to make up their own story that goes along with the pictures. As your child is older and is beginning to sound out words, encourage them to do this every chance they get. If there is a word you know they are able to read, point it out when you see it in other contexts. For example, if you see a Stop sign, you can say "You know that word! That's one of the words that is in your favorite book!"
The National Reading Foundation suggests reading at least 20 minutes a day with your child. Their website allows you to select Utah specifically, and also provides tips and advice on age appropriate books.
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