What is a shared reading experience?

A shared reading experience is characterized by a session where the teacher reads aloud while encouraging interaction with the text. This approach is designed to foster engagement and comprehension among young learners. During shared reading, the teacher not only reads the text aloud but also prompts discussions, asks questions, and invites children to participate by predicting what will happen next or identifying letters and words. This interaction helps children connect with the text, enhances their vocabulary, and builds their enthusiasm for reading.

By contrast, individual reading sessions focus on solitary reading, which may not provide the same level of interaction or comprehension support. Silent reading time does not allow for guided discussion or encouragement, and assigning a reading task for homework removes the immediate interactive and supportive environment that shared reading provides.