My son has grown up in a house of readers and loves to read. He consistently tests above grade level, doesn't have his own computer (allowed to use my wife's occasionally) or TV (only one working TV in the house). Meanwhile, his friend down the street who is a year older and has his own laptop computer, TV, XBox, Nintendo DS, etc. spends his summers in remedial reading classes.

Actually evidence suggests that this is not true. Energy spent reading to kids helps a bit, but what makes a long-term difference is to be seen frequently reading for yourself. Otherwise you wind up in the trap that the kid learns that reading is for babies.

Encourage a love of books, even if its just the picture books to begin with. Story before bedtime. Feel sad? Lets go read a book? Waiting for mom or dad to come home? Lets read a fun book.

Aside from that I do those large jig-saw puzzles with my daughter and those match the wooden shape to its equivalent spot on the board.

It should all be fun, playful and something you you're happy to do. No one wants to read with a grumpy dad.

Anyway, I'm doing it with my two years and half son. He loves it and helps him to relax and rest(he's very active).