Reading is always at the heart of a homeschool day, and today I want to share why incorporating a shared reader into your routine can make such a meaningful difference. A shared reader is a book we read together, taking turns reading each page. It’s a chance to tackle books that are above your child’s reading level, delve into challenging topics, or simply enjoy a story together.

        Many parents and teachers use shared reading time with early or reluctant readers but often phase it out once their child becomes a confident, independent reader. But here’s the thing: shared reading doesn’t have to end once your child gains independence. In fact, keeping it as a regular part of your homeschool day has incredible benefits.

        By the end of this post, I hope you’ll see how continuing shared reading can strengthen reading skills, foster deeper comprehension, build connections, support reluctant readers, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading!

What is a Shared Reader?

     A shared reader is a book you and your child read together, with both of you taking turns reading pages or passages. Unlike a read-aloud, where one person reads while the other listens, a shared reader actively engages your child in the reading process. In our home, we take turns reading one page at a time until we complete a chapter. This approach allows us to pause and discuss characters, the plot, or the meanings of unfamiliar words as they come up, making the experience collaborative rather than passive.
        What I especially love about sharing a reader is the connection it encourages. By experiencing the story together, we create our own inside jokes and shared references, almost like building a unique language of our own. These moments deepen not just our relationship with the book but also with each other. It’s become one of our favorite parts of the day, a time we all look forward to. 

Strengthen Reading Skills    

The reason I chose to continue shared reading even after my son developed reading fluency was to help him grow confident in reading aloud publicly. I wanted him to master skills like knowing when to pause for breath—or dramatic effect 😉, using different tones of voice, and narrating a story in a way that would make the author proud.

When we share a book, I can gently correct how he reads a passage or pronounces a word in real-time. This immediate feedback helps prevent him from forming bad habits and strengthens his ability to engage listeners with his reading.

  Deeper Comprehension       

 Reading comprehension is a topic many homeschoolers wrestle with: Are my children truly understanding the book? Did they catch that connection? Should I be testing their reading comprehension?

        When you choose to continue sharing a book with your child, you naturally create opportunities to discuss characters, plot, and themes as you read together. You can ask questions like, “Why do you think the character did that?” or “What do you think will happen next?” These kinds of discussions are a simple, natural way to check in on their understanding without turning it into a test. Plus, you’re right there to help them make connections or work through anything they might not fully understand on their own.

        Another thing I love about sharing a book is that it gives me the chance to pick something a little above my child’s usual reading level. It’s a great way to stretch their vocabulary, boost their confidence, and help them tackle books they might not try on their own just yet.

Build Connection and Engagement

        Homeschooling is such a unique opportunity to bond with your kids in a way you just can’t when they’re away for eight hours a day. But let’s be honest—sometimes it feels like it’s all about curriculum, chores, and sneaking in a little peace and quiet. I’ve had my fair share of guilt over skipping a game, saying no to something that could’ve been a great bonding moment, or just feeling like I’m not doing enough to connect with my kids.

        That’s why I love incorporating a shared reader into our homeschool day. It’s such a simple way to create special bonding moments with your child—or even between siblings if they’re sharing a book together. Reading together turns the experience into something we share instead of something they do on their own. I treasure the chance to explore new worlds alongside my kids, laugh at the same funny moments, and even feel all the emotions of a great story together.

Support Reluctant Readers

        When my daughter first started learning her letters, she was so proud of herself. By the time she could read her early readers, she wouldn’t put them down! But when it came time to start exploring age-appropriate chapter books, she completely froze. For some reason, she was terrified to move on, and I wasn’t sure why.

        Instead of pushing her to gain reading confidence on her own, we discovered it together. 🥲 Sharing the chapter book took away the pressure of reading alone. It boosted her confidence, avoided unnecessary frustration, and naturally showed her just how amazing she was. I was able to continue building her reading skills without the tears—and now she proudly calls herself “a reading professional”! 🤣

Develop a Love for Literature

        If your kids are anything like mine, they tend to gravitate toward one author, one genre, or even one aisle of the library every time. As a book-loving momma, it warms my heart to see them excited about their next read, and I love that they have a favorite genre or a comfort author. But I also want to encourage a diverse reading palate—I want them to walk in as many shoes as possible.

        Sharing a book together is the perfect way to introduce a new book, author, or topic without facing too much pushback. It’s also a great opportunity to share some of my favorite classics or a thought-provoking story that we can enjoy together. When we branch out with a shared book that might not have been their first choice, it helps develop their love for literature and shows them that stories from all genres, across different eras, can be equally enjoyable.

How to Incorporate a Shared Reader

        Homeschooling is all about freedom and flexibility, so you can incorporate a shared reader in a way that works best for your family. I suggest making shared reading a daily or weekly habit to create consistency. If you’re just starting with a shared reader, choose a book that matches your child’s reading level and aligns with their interests to help spark their enthusiasm.

        To make the experience even more enjoyable, I like to set up a cozy space with a hot drink, relaxing music, and comfy blankets. It’s also helpful to involve your child in the decision-making process. Ask how they’d like to share the book—whether it’s taking turns by page, paragraph, or chapter. Including them in these small decisions makes them feel more connected and invested in their educational journey.

        When you’re just starting out, I recommend keeping your shared reading sessions short to keep the focus (and sanity!) intact. It’s like dipping your toes into the pool instead of jumping straight into the deep end—keep it light and enjoyable. I love using shared readers to explore new topics or tie into what we’re learning in history or science. It’s so fun to see those lightbulb moments when everything connects!

        Most importantly, give yourself (and your child) some grace. Every day won’t be perfect, but the beauty of homeschooling is that it’s a journey, not a race. Focus on creating memories and growing together—you’ll never regret the time spent sharing stories and laughter over a good book.