Shared Reading

In Holy Cross we run a Shared Reading Programme for all children from Senior Infants to Second Class inclusive.  The programme lasts about six to eight weeks and it has proven to be very successful, both in improving the children’s reading and increasing their enjoyment of books.

Here is a summary of how the programme operates:

Selecting a book:

·         Your child selects a book from a collection in class.  This is brought home every day in a plastic folder, along with a Home Reading Record Card.

Discussing the book before you start:

·         What is the title of the book?

·         What does the cover picture tell you (characters, themes etc)?

·         Why did you pick this book?

·         What do you think will happen in the story?

Stage 1 – Beginning Reading

§  Parent starts to read and invites the child to read along.

§  You both read together.  Pace your reading to the speed of the child.

§  Help with difficult words.  If your child is struggling, pronounce the word clearly and continue reading.  Do not insist that the child repeats, or tries to figure out the word.  This is reading for pleasure.

§  Ask questions.  This will help to keep the child focused and encourage comprehension. e.g.

o   at the end of a page – What do you think will happen next? 

o   Compare the story to the pictures – Can you see the dog?  What is he doing?

§  Talk about the story.  “That’s terrible!  He must feel very sad.”

§  Praise the child frequently for his/her effort.

§  Keep it short.  7 to 8 minutes is plenty for one session, at this stage.

Stage 2

§  Parent and child start reading together.

§  Child gives an agreed signal when the child wishes to read alone.

§  Parent stops reading and the child continues alone.

§  With a problem word the parent reads it, the child repeats it and then both continue.

Things to avoid:

Ø  Television and radio

Ø  Interruptions from other family members while Shared Reading is taking place.

Ø  Avoid negative comments.  Do not make comments like, “Look at what you are doing.”  “Concentrate, you knew that word last week.”  “Repeat that until you get it.”  “Sound it out.”

Home Reading Record Card:

It is helpful, for both you and your child, to keep a note of the books that have been read and how your child is getting on.

On the Record Card you should fill in the title of the book and write some words about how you got on. e.g. Was the book too easy/difficult?  Did your child enjoy the book?  Did he/she predict what might happen next?

Do this each time you read to, or listen to, your child.

Click here to watch a demonstration of Shared Reading(Stage 2).

Thank you for helping your child to enjoy reading.