RE: Teaching a young toddler to read
I learned to read watching "The Electric Company" on PBS. They've just released four "best of" DVD's and they're a great, phonics-based approach. I don't like media with toy tie-ins, including the modern Sesame Street, because I think they work too much on getting kids to beg for the toys. But since there isn't any "Electric Company" merchandise, all you'll be risking is your kid wanting to watch a bunch of Morgan Freeman movies (this show was his big break in the 70's.) Anyway, I do recommend them! You can get them on Netflix if you want to check them out in advance.
Katie, Mom to two boys
Retraining my dopamine circuits thanks to David Kessler, MD.
Jonathan: Halloween 2004
Alex: A smidge past Groundhog Day 2007