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Using the "Shared Reading" Format
Last updated Tuesday, March 19, 2002
The following outline highlights key ingredients for a successful
"shared reading" experience. In the context of our group read-aloud
sessions, "sharing" does not mean having each
student "take turns" in reading the book aloud (see Step 6 below).
Rather, the adult reader shares the enjoyment of reading by facing
the picture book towards the children and allowing them to follow along
as the adult reads the text in a smooth, expressive, and enthusiastic manner.
Step 1: Introduce the Story
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Discuss the book cover's title and illustration. |
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Invite predictions about the story. |
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Point out and explain the author and illustrator. |
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Step 2: Read the Story
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Be dramatic, showing obvious delight in both the storyline and the
language. |
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If appropriate and convenient, pause and invite predictions. |
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Ask brief questions to
measure comprehension and spur curiosity. |
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Step 3: Conclude the Reading Period
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Allow time and space for spontaneous reaction and comments. |
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Ask about parts the children enjoyed most or least. |
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Ask questions about the story line, e.g. why certain events took
place. |
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Ask questions relating the story to the children, e.g. have
they experienced something similar, or how would they have
handles things differently than the story's characters. |
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Step 4: Conduct Additional After-Reading Activities
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Ask the children to retell the story in their own words. |
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If appropriate, focus on repetitive elements, such as a phrase,
chant or chorus, and ask children to chime in as you re-read that
element in the story. |
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Point to the words in the text to demonstrate the conventions of
print. |
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Step 5: Re-read the Story
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If time permits, re-read the book. |
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Usually, the first reading emphasizes meaning and enjoyment. |
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Subsequent readings aim to (1) increase participation, (2) teach
about book characteristics and print conventions, (3) teach reading
strategies, (4) help develop a sight vocabulary of high frequency
words, and (5) teach phonics. |
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Due to the limited time, you may want to cover one of these
areas during the first reading of the book. |
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Step 6: Allow Independent Reading
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If time permits, allow children to browse or read book
themselves. |
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Holding a book and reading it themselves often gives children
a feeling of being "members of the club of readers." |
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Step 7: Conduct Follow-Up Activities
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Craft-making, play-acting,
and letter writing are some useful activities for reinforcing
the "learning" aspect of reading. |
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