What is it?
Shared reading is an interactive reading experience where the teacher and students read a book together, with the teacher guiding and modeling reading strategies while encouraging student participation. In the context of comprehensive literacy for all and inclusive practices, shared reading plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and developing literacy skills across diverse learners.
How to use it?
To conduct shared reading effectively, begin by selecting a text that is engaging and appropriate for the students' developmental levels. Gather the students in a comfortable space where everyone can see the text, whether it's a big book, a digital display, or a projected image. Start by introducing the book, discussing the cover, title, and illustrations to activate prior knowledge and build anticipation. Read the text aloud with expression, pausing to ask predictive and inferential questions, encouraging students to chime in with their thoughts and answers. Use strategies such as pointing to the words, emphasizing repetitive phrases, and inviting students to join in on familiar parts. After reading, engage the students in a discussion about the story, its characters, and any new vocabulary. Reinforce comprehension through activities like drawing, acting out scenes, or retelling the story.
Why use it?
Shared reading is essential in inclusive classrooms as it provides a structured and supportive environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can engage with texts meaningfully. This interactive reading experience helps to bridge the gap between different literacy levels by allowing students to participate actively through listening, repeating, and discussing the content. For students with disabilities or those learning English, shared reading offers visual cues, repetitive language patterns, and teacher modeling, which enhance comprehension and language development. By fostering a sense of community and shared learning, shared reading not only promotes literacy skills but also supports social-emotional development, ensuring that every student feels valued and included in the learning process.
