Language and communication
How can shared reading help children's communication?
Direct answer
Shared reading creates opportunities to hear language, discuss ideas and exchange responses. Adults can follow the child's interest in pictures or events and connect the story with familiar experiences. It need not involve finishing every page or asking a question after every sentence.
What this means in practice
The conversation around a book can be as valuable as reading the printed words. Use age-appropriate prompts and give time to respond. Let the child revisit a favourite page and offer their own interpretation instead of testing recall continuously.
Practical next steps
- Choose an engaging accessible book.
- Comment on a picture or event.
- Invite and wait for a response.
Illustrative example
A child might point to a character's expression; the adult can ask what happened and explore the child's explanation.
What to keep in mind
Adapt books and communication methods for visual, hearing, language or other access needs.
Sources and further reading
The sources inform the explanation. Practical examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.
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