Children learn to read in a variety of ways and interactive approaches can be especially helpful. Shared reading is a highly effective interactive approach to reading where students and a teacher read a text collaboratively. Here’s how and why it works, plus tips and ideas for trying it with your child. 

What is Shared Reading? 

In a shared reading session, a teacher reads a text together with students, guiding the process while actively engaging them throughout. Teachers will use tools such as oversized books, document cameras, or eBooks on a projector so students can see the words and/or pages at all times.   

The teacher begins the read aloud, modeling fluent behavior like pacing and expression. They stop and demonstrate concepts like decoding a word, using context to determine meaning, or to ask students a comprehension question. Students are also asked to read aloud, often in unison (choral reading). The entire experience is collaborative, with teachers and students both active participants in the reading and discussion. 

While shared reading often takes place in group settings such as classrooms, it can also be a one-on-one activity, used by reading tutors or parents as they help their child develop literacy skills.

How to Use Shared Reading with Your Child  

If you’re ready to turn story time into shared reading time, try these helpful strategies and tips. 

1. Choose the Right Text 

The best texts for shared reading fall into what’s known as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This term describes the gap between what kids can do on their own and what they’re capable of doing with some guidance. The best shared reading books are a little more challenging than your child’s current reading level, offering you the chance to guide them as they tackle unfamiliar words or concepts. Some publishers offer books specifically for shared reading. Your child’s teacher may be able to make recommendations of good texts too. 

2. Examine the Book Together 

Before you begin, look over the book together to note the title, author, illustrator, subject, and other print awareness features. (Find out more about print awareness here.) Ask your child to predict what will happen in the text based on things like the title or illustrations. If it’s a nonfiction text, ask what they already know about the topic and hope to learn. 

3. Read the Text Together 

In a group setting, teachers often do most of the reading, asking students to join in by reading in unison. In smaller groups, they may give individual readers a chance to read aloud as well. 

When you’re working at home with your child, shared reading can become a cooperative process, since you’re in a more personal setting. Take turns reading aloud with your child, modeling fluency and helping them with challenging passages. You can also read together in unison, or you can read a sentence or passage and have your child repeat it.

Here’s what it looks like when each participant reads aloud: 

4. Discuss the Text Throughout Shared Reading  

During and after reading the text, ask reading comprehension questions and have a discussion about what you’ve read. Use a graphic organizer to create a story map. Ask your child to retell all or parts of the story in their own words. Talk about the character’s traits, actions, and choices. Take time to consider what you might have done if you were one of the characters in the story. Answer any questions or concerns your child has about what you’ve read. 

Shared Reading FAQ: 

What is the Theory of Shared Reading? 

The concept of shared reading is rooted in the idea that children learn best in social groups, guided by more experienced people (usually adults). It’s a type of educational scaffolding, where teachers provide a great deal of support in the beginning of a learning process, then slowly decrease that support over time until the student can complete the activity on their own. Shared reading is sometimes called dialogic reading, reflecting the dialogue between teacher and learners throughout the process.  

Is shared reading backed by research? 

Shared reading supports many aspects of the science of reading, the most commonly used method of literacy instruction. The effectiveness of shared reading is backed by a large volume of research, revealing benefits like these:  

Can shared reading help struggling readers? 

Definitely! In fact, it’s one of the most effective methods for helping a child improve their skills. Research shows shared reading supports fluency, comprehension, print awareness, and vocabulary development. This method also builds confidence by scaffolding the learning process, helping kids build their skills in a safe and supportive setting. Find more ways to help struggling readers here. 

Do students real aloud during shared reading? 

This depends on the circumstances. In a group shared reading setting, teachers usually do the majority of the reading, asking students to join in choral reading or repeat a sentence or word. They may also ask individual students to read a sentence or two. 

In one-on-one settings, children can take over more of the reading. However, the parent should read aloud as well as the child to model the desired behaviors. A parent and child can take turns, playing more equal roles as they read the text. 

How is shared reading different than other reading strategies?

Shared reading uses aspects of several other literacy instruction methods but isn’t quite the same. 

Note that shared reading is really a combination of modeled reading and guided reading. The teacher models good reading behavior, then invites students to participate while guiding the discussion. All of these instruction methods contribute to building literacy in children, and each has their own time and place.

Are there any disadvantages to shared reading?

In a large group setting, shared reading does have several drawbacks. Since all students are unlikely to be at the exact same reading level, any text chosen will necessarily be a little too easy for some and a little too hard for others. Struggling readers may be hesitant about reading aloud in front of their peers, while proficient readers may feel bored. Teachers may not be able to give individual students the structured support they need during shared reading. Shared reading also has the potential to create student readers who are too reliant on help and guidance, rather than gaining individual skills. 

That being said, nearly all of these disadvantages are eliminated when parents participate in shared reading sessions one-on-one with their child. The biggest potential drawback is the possibility that parents will over-support their new reader, helping them over rough spots without giving them a chance to use their own skills first. Remember that shared reading requires patience on the part of the parent or teacher to be most effective. 

Legal Disclaimer: Any information, materials, or links to third-party resources are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with and do not sponsor/endorse these third parties and bear no responsibility for the accuracy of content on any external site.

Looking for More Printable Activities?

See All ABCmouse Printables