What is shared reading?

Shared reading is an interactive reading experience where an adult, such as a teacher or caregiver, reads a text together with a child or a group of children. This approach allows the adult to model fluent reading, demonstrate expression, and engage with the text, while the children participate by following along, helping to read, and discussing the content. The shared experience enhances comprehension and encourages a love of reading, as children can see the reading process in action and have the opportunity to ask questions and make connections.

While solo reading can foster independence and competition could drive motivation, neither captures the collaborative and interactive essence of shared reading. A discussion about a book, while valuable for deepening understanding, typically occurs after reading rather than during the reading activity itself. Therefore, the essence of shared reading lies in the joint activity of reading led by an adult, facilitating engagement and literacy development.