What is the purpose of shared reading in the classroom?

The purpose of shared reading in the classroom is primarily to model reading strategies and foster a love for literature among students. During shared reading, the teacher reads aloud to the class while encouraging participation, which allows students to experience the joy and rhythm of reading in a collaborative environment. This practice helps to demonstrate various reading strategies, such as predicting, questioning, and making connections, which students can later apply to their independent reading.

Through engaging with texts as a group, students not only improve their comprehension skills but also develop an appreciation for different genres and narratives. This social aspect of reading promotes active listening and discussion, which can deepen understanding and critical thinking about texts, thus enhancing the overall reading experience.