What is the goal of shared reading as a teaching strategy?

The goal of shared reading as a teaching strategy is to model reading fluency and help students make connections between print and speech. This approach involves a teacher or a skilled reader reading aloud to students, often using a large text or shared book that all students can see. During this process, the teacher demonstrates how to read with expression, pacing, and clarity, which helps students understand the natural rhythms of spoken language.

Additionally, shared reading allows students to see the text as it is being read, making it easier for them to learn how written words correspond to spoken language. This connection is crucial for developing literacy skills, as it aids in vocabulary acquisition, comprehension, and overall reading confidence. The interactive nature of shared reading also fosters engagement, as students can participate by predicting story outcomes, discussing themes, and answering questions, further enhancing their language and literacy development.