Strategies for Shared Reading

From a Speech-Langauge Pathologist

Shared book reading is a convenient and developmentally appropriate activity that can be used to prompt a child’s language development (Grolig et. al, 2020, NELP, 2008). Empirical research has demonstrated that reading aloud is an activity that provides opportunity for both passive and explicit vocabulary instruction. During a read aloud, the reader provides children with the opportunity to both see and hear the word, make connections between words and known vocabulary, and respond to questions that might use this new vocabulary word.

In speech therapy, shared reading techniques can play a crucial role in enhancing language development, pragmatic development, speech, and communication skills among individuals, especially children. Below are some strategies to consider next time you pick up a book for reading with your child.

1. Interactive Storytelling

You may hear your SLP being dynamic voices and asking questions and expanding topics while reading. Another word for this is interactive storytelling. The goal is to encourage active participation by asking questions and prompting for discussions and predictions. SLPs will stimulate language comprehension and expressive skills by modeling active participation with the story and by encouraging the child to as well.

2. Visual Supports

The use of visual cues in treatment is thought to aid in the generation of inferences and common themes. With this in mind, visual aids such as picture cards, illustrations, gifs, video, puppets, toy pieces and storyboards can enhance comprehension and engagement during shared reading. Visual supports not only assist individuals in understanding the narrative but also facilitate vocabulary expansion and concept development.

3. Modeling Language

SLPs model effective language use and this can include emphasis on articulation, grammatical forms (syntax) and intonation, to demonstrate linguistic concepts in context. By providing a model and some explicit explanation, SLPs help individuals grasp nuances in language.

4. Promoting Interaction

Act as bridge for peer interaction and communication exchanges during shared reading! If you're reading to more than one child, this can foster social communication skills and encourage collaborative learning. By creating opportunities to turn-take, share ideas, and express one's thoughts, SLPs nurture interactive language development.

5. Embedded Target Skill Practice

SLPs will skillfully embed target goals within their shared book of choice. Working on labeling? Pick up Let’s Go, Puppy! by Holly Rosensweig. Working on story sequence and retell? Pick up Bam the Tiny Brave Elephant *wink.*

Tailoring reading activities to address specific language goals, such as vocabulary enrichment, grammar structure practice, or narrative comprehension, allows SLPs to individualize interventions based on each individual's needs. By targeting areas of difficulty, SLPs promote skill enhancement and language proficiency.

In conclusion, the strategies used by SLP's during shared reading not only promote language skills development but also nurture a love for reading and learning. Give a few of these strategies a try!

Michelyve Petit-Allen, M.A. CCC-SLP