Shared Reading

Hello to everyone again!
As readers are getting ready to read for the first time, or improve their reading skills at any level, sharing reading time with other people is very important to reading success. Shared reading time provides practice for listening to language patterns and developing a fluency for language as well. Very early readers will appreciate the flow of language and expression that is being heard, and more advanced readers will appreciate the differences and similarities in reading styles.

There are so many skills that can be practiced while sharing reading time. Vocabulary development is always part of the mix whenever folks are learning to read anything. The more vocabulary that is heard and/or discussed, the more comfortable the reader will become with the new words. So, as anyone is reading outloud with others, it is extremely important for pauses in the text, in order to discuss words that may be new or unknown to the learner. At the same time, stopping to discuss the story or text information will improve comprehension for the learner as well. (In my next post tomorrow, I will give some specific examples of using text for comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.) The most instructive times for readers are during shared reading times.

By taking time to discuss vocabulary and lead the learner to further comprehension, development of thinking and communicating skills is also achieved. Everyone enjoys reading something that is understood easily and can be discussed knowingly. And laughing together about characters or plot will certainly provide enjoyment for all the participants. Leading the learner through new material as a partner gives invaluable support to a self-concept that could use some bolstering. Until tomorrow...