For reading and writing a good first step is to just get a Hiragana and Katakana chart and memorize each symbol. Once you are able to write each one from memory you'll have taken a big step and will then be ready to tackle some Kanji.
There are a bunch of Hiragana and Katakana charts available on the app stores so you can practice while you're out and about. I like HiKaChan on the Apple app store.