Shared Storybook Reading

Reading storybooks with young children is one of the most important things adults can do to support early language and literacy skills. Making the most of shared reading is the goal of this practical guide, ideal for early childhood educators in preschool, Head Start, and child care programs. Step-by-step strategies help educators engage, respond to, and teach young children during storybook reading— information they can share with parents to continue the learning at home.

All of the suggested strategies can be adapted for use with any storybook, and many are vividly illustrated with sample scripts that educators can use to guide their own interactions with children. The helpful appendices provide teachers with short summaries of strategies for easy reference, a “reading log” to give to parents, answers to parents’ frequently asked questions about reading at home, and a glossary of key terms. Loaded with ready-to-use ideas, this guidebook has everything early childhood educators need to turn shared reading into a powerful learning experience.