Thinking with Reading

A great way to share positive time together is through reading, especially shared reading. Shared reading is a fun and powerful way to enhance children's vocabulary and comprehension skills. It is also a great occasion for us as parents to join in the enjoyment. Read what the experts say!

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Shared reading strategies​​

Reading strategies start with maximising the actual books! You could read hard-copy books or digital books. These are some ideas on how to make the most of books by not just reading them.

 

Read the title of a book, look at the cover art, and let your child predict what this book is about.

• “When your eyes look at this picture, what does your brain think this story will be about?”

• “When your ears hear the title of this story, what does that make your brain think about?”

• "When you look at this cover, what do you think this story is about?"

• "How could we use toys and puppets to read along with this story? Can we try?"

 

View details of the art and link to the art supplies the child has experienced.

• “These pictures are drawn by an artist who makes a living by drawing pictures that go along with the story.”

• “What art supplies did the artist use (coloured pencils, pastels, watercolour)?”

• “WOW, have you ever used coloured pencils?”

• “The next time you use coloured pencils, maybe you can think about these pictures.”

• "How would you draw this cover differently?"

 

Look at the title page, find the publishing city and relate that city to the child’s life.

• “Aunt Mary lives in Melbourne…”

• “Disneyland is in California….”

• “There is a Taco Bell in Philadelphia in the USA where your cousin lives…”

• “My nonna lives in Italy…”

• “Remember when we went to…? This book was made there…”.

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Once you get to read the story, make it a fun experience. 

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Use Expression and Voice Play.

• Use different voices for different characters.

• Add emotion and drama—whisper, shout, or gasp to match the story.

• Emphasise sound words (like “BOOM!”, “splat!”) with extra energy.

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Make it Visual and Active.

• Point to pictures and words as you read.

• Encourage your child to find things on the page (“I wonder where’s the cat?”).

• Let them turn the pages and “help” read repeating lines.

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Ask Questions and Predict.

• Pause and ask, “What do you think will happen next?”

• Relate the story to their life: “Have you ever felt like that?”

• Keep it light—don’t quiz, just chat!

 

 

Add Songs and Movement.

• Sing lines if the text has rhythm.

• Clap, stomp, or dance during silly or exciting parts.

• Make up your own tune if the story doesn’t have one.

 

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