Shared book reading is a simple, yet powerful practice of an adult and child reading together. Research shows that shared reading is one of the most effective ways to support children's spoken language and early literacy development.In the video, you'll see an educator modelling strategies that families/ carers can also use at home when reading with their child or children. Rather than focusing on children “reading the words" themselves, shared book reading is about listening, talking, and noticing the features of a book together. This includes things like identifying the title, author, and illustrator, pointing to words as they are read, and drawing attention to letters and sounds.
The video also demonstrates how reading can be expanded into fun activities that build important skills such as phonological awareness (hearing and playing with sounds in words), alphabet knowledge, and an understanding that print carries meaning. These skills form the foundation of learning to read and write.
Families play a vital role in building these skills at home. Reading with your child (even just a few minutes a day) creates opportunities to talk about the story, connect new words to what your child already knows, and enjoy books together. Most importantly, it makes reading a positive and shared experience.
I encourage you to watch the video and try out some of these simple strategies during your next shared reading time with your child. Visiting the local library over the school holidays or exploring the books your child brings home from school can turn everyday moments into rich opportunities for language and literacy growth. These small, enjoyable routines help nurture your child's skills while making reading a special time together.