Shared Reading

Shared reading is a bridge between reading aloud to children and/or working with readers in guided reading groups. Shared Reading is typically done in grades TK-2. During this practice, readers work to fluently read, reread, and understand benchmark (grade-level) texts during whole-class shared reading cycles. This is different from guided reading small-group sessions, where readers navigate texts at their instructional level (just above what they can read by themselves), highlighting the structures and qualities of texts they will soon be ready to read independently.

Shared Reading Demos for Kinder and Grade 1

1. Copy this template and then make a shared reading book with your students in small groups.

2. Make books that imitate the features of books of the instructional or benchmark level of your students.

3. Use the book for shared reading by covering up some words to promote word solving.

4. Make copies of the book for your children to read independently.