Shared Book Reading- Caregiver Impact

Have you ever had trouble incorporating parents or caregivers into early intervention language therapy?

Shared book reading may be an intervention to introduce! Shared book reading is a language-based intervention that supports a wide range of early language skills, showing that children who are read to regularly in early years learn language faster, demonstrate an understanding of a larger vocabulary, and exhibit successful reading patterns when entering school (ASHA, 2020).

Shared book reading is a way to include your client's parent or caregiver in their therapy journey. It provides an activity to support child-caregiver relationships while also promoting language growth. When educating parents or caregivers on shared book reading and how they can incorporate this intervention into their everyday lives, there are a few strategies you could provide to encourage success:

1. Introduce the story
2. Read the story out loud with emphasis and excitement
3. Ask questions and show connections to your child's experiences
4. Pause and wait to give your child opportunities to contribute their thoughts
5. Label actions and objects throughout the story
6. Make it a fun part of their routine
7. Choose a quiet spot to limit distractions

Shared book reading is an interactive intervention that promotes many expressive and receptive aspects of early language development. Consider utilizing this intervention within early language therapy sessions and educating parents and caregivers on the benefits of incorporating this activity into their everyday lives to support their child's language growth!

Katherine Burton M.S., CF-SLP

References:

Noble, Claire, et al. “The impact of interactive shared book reading on children’s language skills: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, vol. 63, no. 6, 22 June 2020, pp. 1878–1897, https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00288.

Rosenlund, Jane. “Developing Language through Shared Reading .” Active Speech Pathology, https://www.activespeechpathology.com.au/blog/2021/6/9/developing-language-through-shared-reading/. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.