Shared reading : an English resource pack for Year 3

Abstract

There are various ways through which reading may be presented in the primary classroom. Based on the research initiated by Holdaway (1979), Shared Reading has developed over the years to be one of the most successful methods in teaching second language reading. In this study, we developed a resource pack for English Shared Reading sessions to be implemented with two Year Three Classes. This pack included five big books which were used for storytelling and follow-up activities dealing with different vocabulary and grammar concepts. We implemented this Shared Reading programme over a five-week period during which we presented the children with an enjoyable experience of reading. Based on the analysis of results which emerged from the feedback forms distributed and completed by the children after the completion of each book, we got a better understanding of the effectiveness of our programme. It was evident that the children enjoyed the sessions. This conclusion was based on the positive responses gained from the children and from our own observations during the implementation njoyment of ICT based activities. Moreover, children frequently commented on their preference of having animal characters as the main protagonists within the story being read. The importance of incorporating group work activities within our classroom also emerged from the results obtained in the study.