About this resource
Shared reading builds vocabulary, understanding and connection. This guide shows how to make reading interactive: talking about the cover, pausing to comment, asking a mix of questions, linking to the child's life and re-reading favourites, with a simple reading log.
Purpose
To help adults make shared reading a rich language-learning experience.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Speech pathologists. Also relevant for educators and school support staff.
Client or participant group: Families and educators of young children and children with language difficulties.
Practice setting: Home, early childhood education and speech pathology.
Suggested uses
- Home programs
- Early childhood settings
- Parent education
- Speech pathology sessions
Instructions for practitioners
- Model the strategies with a book the child enjoys.
- Encourage families to read in their home language.
- Keep it fun and follow the child's interest.
- Use the log to track progress.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Choose a book together.
- Try one strategy.
- Write in the reading log.
Accessibility considerations
Use picture books, home-language books and books with textures or sounds.
Scope and limitations
General guidance. It does not replace speech pathology assessment.
Research basis
Parent-implemented language strategies and interactive shared reading support children's language development. Training communication partners improves communication for people who use AAC and people with aphasia.
- Kent-Walsh, J., Murza, K. A., Malani, M. D., & Binger, C. (2015). Effects of Communication Partner Instruction on the Communication of Individuals using AAC: A Meta-Analysis. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(4), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2015.1052153
- Mol, S. E., Bus, A. G., de Jong, M. T., & Smeets, D. J. H. (2008). Added Value of Dialogic Parent–Child Book Readings: A Meta-Analysis. Early Education and Development, 19(1), 7–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409280701838603
- Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The Effectiveness of Parent-Implemented Language Interventions: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199. https://doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2011/10-0055)
- Simmons-Mackie, N., Raymer, A., & Cherney, L. R. (2016). Communication Partner Training in Aphasia: An Updated Systematic Review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(12), 2202–2221.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.03.023
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
