Shared Reading

Purpose: Shared reading is a very powerful tool for teaching children about books and reading. Basically you are demonstrating how readers approach books and how we can begin to discuss them.  This activity should be done frequently, using a variety of books of appropriate length and depth. The richer the literature, the better.  Rich literature includes stories with some emotional depth, things to puzzle over, and the potential for different points of view.  Positive story sharing supports a future love of literature.

 

Materials/Advance Preparation:

 

Directions:  This activity is best with a very small group of children -- 1-2 children per adult, especially for younger children.

  1. Choose a storybook. Sit so that each child can see the print and pictures as you read.  A comfortable couch with a child on each side of the reading adult is best.
  2. Read 2-3 pages of the story to start, then stop and ask a question. Ask "open" questions that invite children to express in their own words what they are thinking and/or feeling.  For example, "How do you think the little train felt in this story?" "Why was the elephant sad?" "What do you think the silly monkey will do next?" Continue this procedure every 2-3 pages.
  3. Encourage the children to talk and relate what you've read to their own lives. "How are you like the little train?" "Have you ever done anything like what the silly monkey did?"  Keep this casual and inviting -- not quiz-like or demanding.  Echo the children's responses back to them.
  4. Reread the book at another time and save the questions for the end.

Note: Avoid large group story sharing and the expectation that children will all listen and participate.  Above all, keep story sharing postive, without reprimand, and fun.   For a detailed description of the use of shared reading, see Perspectives on Shared Reading: Planning and Practice, Bobbi Fisher and Emily Fisher, Heinemann Press.

 

Eric Gidseg

 

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