What advantage does shared reading provide to students?

Shared reading offers a significant advantage in teaching basic reading strategies to students. In this instructional approach, teachers read aloud while students follow along, typically using a text that is at or slightly above the student’s independent reading level. This method allows students to engage with quality literature and observe fluent reading and expression, which helps them develop vital skills such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary acquisition, and comprehension strategies.

Additionally, during shared reading sessions, teachers can model various reading strategies—such as predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing—demonstrating how to approach texts effectively. This interactive learning experience fosters a collaborative environment where students can also practice their literacy skills in a supportive setting, ultimately enhancing their confidence and motivation to read.

The other options do not appropriately represent the benefits of shared reading. For example, the emphasis on individual work contradicts the nature of shared reading, which is inherently interactive and communal. Focusing exclusively on silent reading overlooks the interactive components that promote comprehension and skill development. Ignoring narrative structure fails to acknowledge that shared reading often encompasses discussions about story elements, enhancing students' understanding of text organization and storytelling.