Shared Reading - Chapter 9

“In shared reading, a learner – or group of learner – sees the text, observes an expert (usually the teacher) reading it with fluency and expression, and is invited to read along.  In the optimal learning model, shared reading is an ideal way to demonstrate and support what good readers do.  The teacher not only makes reading visible and explicit for students but provides scaffolding so that students will be successful.” (pg. 130)

Shared reading is an activity that I have implemented in my classroom quite regularly in the last couple of years.  Partly because I love reading and it helps me when I get frustrated.  But despite my selfish reasons, it is a great instructional opportunity.  Routman believes that through the support and modeling that takes place during shared reading, improves reading achievement.  During a shared reading activity in kindergarten through the first part of second grade students build confidences, word familiarity and fluency.  As students reading skills get better and they move into 3^rd grade and beyond it creates an opportunity for students to not only demonstrate, but practice the different elements that go into the reading process.

During shared reading activities a fun and social exchange creates the possibility of students enjoying themselves which has a direct impact on their learning.  The teacher should combine reading aloud with interactive reading and shared reading.  Once an activity is completed, students should have some independent time to work by themselves.  This type of instruction falls into the Shared Demonstration part of the Optimal Learning Model.  It is a great opportunity for both demonstration and practicing different aspects of the reading process across any genre.

The next part of the chapter is helpful because it provides a framework for shared read aloud.  It helps guide you through what the role and activites of the participants (teacher and students) are during shared reading, gives guidelines for choosing text, what the purpose of this exercise it,  the advantages to of the shared reading activity, procedures and evaluating the possibilities. 

As if the framework were not enough she includes two vignettes of a shared reading in a fourth grade classroom where she reads them a picture book titled Keepers, by Jeri Hanel Watts and Felicia Marshall and in a second grade classroom where they read America’s Champion Swimmer, by David Adler.  In each instance she give background to what the book is about, previews the book using pictures, reads aloud, invites the students to participate and she asks them questions.  These questions are her demonstration her way of thinking.  She says over and over that she is going to be telling the students what she is thinking as she reads, because that is what good readers do, they think as they read.

Shared reading is another opportunity to show students the love I have for reading while combining instruction and enjoying a good book!