Below are some links that help in understanding the reading process.
This link is for parents and describes the phonological awareness process which is the foundation for beginning readers. http://www.efdlrs.com/~sunrise/parentsreading1/
This link describes phonics instruction which comes after a child has achieved phonological awareness. http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/reading_first1phonics.html
Reading 101 http://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading101
Put Reading First - Parent Guide http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/reading_first2.html
Beginning Reading Instruction - Practical Ideas for Parents http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/praidepar.pdf