Shared Storybook Reading

Shared storybook reading with caregivers is one of the first and most important book experiences of children with visual impairments.

It can be a wonderful way for parents or caregivers to enjoy an activity together, while also helping the child to develop important skills.

Shared storybook reading helps children acquire:

• oral language
• phonological awareness
• concept development
• knowledge of the conventions of print/Braille and of print/braille intentionality, and alphabetic knowledge

Caregivers’ Roll in Fostering a Love of Reading

• Read to the child everyday and start as early as possible.
• Sing nursery rhymes and children’s songs.
• Treat books as though they are special.
• Let the child make their own book with real objects and add braille.
• Read with expression.
• Let the child see you reading.
• Keep books out and available on a low shelf where the young child can find them.
• Practice turning pages together and placing the book right side up. Find page numbers. Talk about reading left to right.
• Explore tactile books.

Shared Storybook Tips

• Select a time when the child is happy and read in a comfortable location.
• Read in a dramatic voice that makes the book exciting and add noises related to the story.
• Read only for as long as the child is interested—a few minutes is OK.
• Let children help turn the pages, even if a few pages are skipped.
• Point to the print or run fingers over the braille as the book is read.
• Discuss pictures, illustrations, and story objects.
• As you read, pause to recall what happened before or to talk about what might happen next.
• Stop to ask questions then think through answers together.
• Relate the book to children’s and family’s experiences.
• Talk about unfamiliar words.
• If the child can see them, talk about what is happening in the  pictures. Share your opinions of the story.

See related video and materials at Washington Sensory Disability Services.