I have worked with young adults trying to enter the Marines since 2013. To do that, they must pass the ASVAB exam. The four main components are reading comprehension, word knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, and math knowledge. The biggest roadblock for the recruits I have worked with is their ability to understand the pronunciation and meaning of words and word problems. When I ask if they like to read, they all say no.
Exposure to written and oral language is vital to developing a solid vocabulary and success in school. Language development begins at birth with each interaction that a child has. The more a child is exposed to words in print and new, more powerful words, the broader their understanding of the world will be. Some ways that vocabulary can be expanded is to have conversations with your child, using new words in familiar contexts so that they can understand the meaning, as well as reading together.
As children enter school, it is essential that reading be encouraged as not just a school activity but as a recreational activity. One way this can be done is to continue sharing reading time, either by reading a book together or by setting aside a family reading time. Children learn from what we do. If they see that we find reading valuable through our behavior, they are more likely to form this same habit. Another way to share reading is to discuss something you enjoyed in a book.
Creating lifelong readers is the key to success in all areas of life!