Shared reading is a powerful instructional approach where the teacher and students read a text together. It involves specific steps designed to build reading skills and foster a love for reading within a supportive group setting.
Understanding Shared Reading
Shared reading provides an opportunity for students to experience reading fluency and expression modeled by the teacher, while actively participating in the reading process. It's particularly effective for introducing new texts, concepts, and reading strategies to a whole class or small group.
Steps for Implementing Shared Reading
Based on established practices like those described by Fountas and Pinnell, shared reading in the classroom typically follows a clear sequence:
1. Introduce the Text
Begin by engaging students and activating their prior knowledge or sparking their interest in the text.
- Purpose: To capture student attention and set a purpose for reading.
- How-to:
- Show the book cover.
- Read the title and author.
- Share a few opening words about the topic, illustrations, or a compelling idea from the book.
- Ask a question to pique curiosity.
2. Model Reading of the Text
The teacher reads the text aloud to the students, demonstrating fluent and expressive reading.
- Purpose: To model good reading behaviors, promote comprehension, and allow students to enjoy the story or information.
- How-to:
- Read at a natural pace that allows for understanding.
- Use appropriate intonation, rhythm, and expression.
- Focus on conveying meaning and enjoyment.
- Keep student attention focused on the text.
3. Read the Text Together
Students join in and read the text along with the teacher. This can involve reading the entire text or focusing on specific parts.
- Purpose: To provide supported practice, build confidence, and allow students to actively engage with the language and structure of the text.
- How-to:
- Encourage students to read along with you.
- Point to the words as you read to reinforce one-to-one correspondence (especially with large-print text or projected versions).
- Choose sections for choral reading based on instructional goals (e.g., repetitive phrases, rhyming parts, key information).
- Adjust your pace to read with the students.
These steps form the core of a shared reading experience, providing a structured yet engaging way to develop literacy skills collaboratively. The repeated reading of the text over several sessions allows for deeper exploration of vocabulary, comprehension, and print concepts.
