Reading a book with your child is an easy and enjoyable way to support your child’s communication development. All you need is you, your child and a book they love. Shared book reading is about talking together, not just reading the words on the page.
What Is Shared Book Reading?
Shared book reading means reading with your child rather than reading the book to them. It’s interactive and playful. You might talk about the pictures, ask questions to encourage your child to share their thoughts, make comments, or follow what your child is interested in.
It’s okay if you don’t finish the book. It’s okay if you read the same page five times or to read the same book over and over again - this helps children remember words, understand the story, and feel confident joining in. What matters most is that you’re enjoying it together.
Why Reading Together Helps Your Child
When you talk about books with your child, you’re helping them:
- Learn new words
- Put words together into sentences
- Understand stories and events
- Practice listening and talking
- Build early reading skills
- Feel confident communicating
How to Read With Your Child
BEFORE you read the book
- Follow your child’s interest and let them child choose the book.
- Together, look at the cover page and talk about it.
- Talk about the pictures and what the book might be about.
READING the book
You don’t have to just read the words. You don’t even need a book with words. You can:
- Make comments about the pictures and what you are reading: ”That’s a big truck!”, “She looks happy.”, “Uh oh, it’s raining!”.
- Relate what you are reading to your life: “Do you remember when it was raining and we forgot our umbrella?”.
- Ask simple open questions: “What’s happening here?” “Where is he going?” “What do you think will happen next?”. If they don’t answer, that’s okay. You can answer for them and keep reading.
- Build on what your child is saying: if your child says “dog” you can say “A big fluffy dog” or “The dog is jumping”. You’re showing them how words fit together—no need to ask them to repeat after you.
- Talk about the words in the book and what they mean.
- Talk about letters, sounds and rhymes in the book.
AFTER you read the book
- Talk about what you read.
- Retell the story together.
- Share your opinions about the story and pictures.
A simple way to remember how you can encourage your child to interact and engage with the book is as easy as ABC:
- Ask questions.
- Build vocabulary.
- Connect to the child’s world.
How Inner West Paediatrics Can Help
At Inner West Paediatrics, our experienced speech pathologists work closely with families to assess and support your child’s communication skills. If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, we’re here to help.
We provide:
✔️ Comprehensive speech and language assessments
✔️ Individualised therapy plans
✔️ Fun, engaging sessions that build skills and confidence
✔️ Support for parents and carers
✔️ Collaborative, holistic care with other professionals
Our goal is to help your child feel confident and understood when communicating. If you’re unsure whether your child needs support or just want guidance, we’d love to chat.
📞 Reach out to the team at Inner West Paediatrics to book a consultation or learn more on (02) 9560 8905, info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au or through our website.
