Shared reading

rdf:langString Shared reading

rdf:langString Shared reading is an instructional approach in which the teacher explicitly models the strategies and skills of proficient readers. In the first chapter of the shared reading guide for classroom teachers Brenda Parks asks, "What is Shared Reading?" She then answers the question by writing, "Shared reading is a collaborative learning activity, based on research by Don Holdaway (1979), that emulates and builds from the child's experience with bedtime stories." In early childhood classrooms, shared reading typically involves a teacher and a large group of children sitting closely together to read and reread carefully selected enlarged texts. Shared reading can also be done effectively with smaller groups. With this instructional technique, students have an opportunity to gradually assume more responsibility for the reading as their skill level and confidence increase. Shared reading also provides a safe learning environment for students to practice the reading behaviours of proficient readers with the support of teacher and peers. Shared reading may focus on needs indicated in assessment data and required by grade level curriculum expectations. The text is always chosen by the teacher and must be visible to the students.