The SERTAC Buzz- Teacher Edition

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“The focus is on interaction and meaning making. Teachers read with students not to students.
The goal is for the student to lead the interactions during shared reading.”
– Karen Erickson & David Koppenhaver

SHARED READING - What is it?

Shared reading is an evidence-based instructional approach. The focus during shared reading is on the interaction and meaning making that occurs when a child and adult look at or read a book together. Shared reading would benefit any emergent reader, regardless of their age, and can be done individually or in small groups.

Don’t expect every student to attend or be interested in every book right from the beginning – the more you do shared reading, the more students discover about the sorts of books they like and the more they learn about how exciting books can be, the more engaged they will be during this reading time together.

During shared reading the adult reader:

• encourages communication

• follows students’ interests

• attributes meaning to all attempts: purposeful or random

• encourages the student to touch and interact with the book

• makes connections between book and students experiences

• thinks aloud to model thought processes

• models using student’s communication system

• uses objects to sustain attention, interest and help students make connections.

Which students would benefit from shared reading?

Students who:

• are interested in books but can’t yet read them independently

• are not yet interested in reading books

• have not yet developed intentional or symbolic means of communication

• can read but require continued support to make meaning from text

• are emergent readers learning what reading is and how books work

• are early conventional readers can continue to benefit from opportunities to engage in shared reading.

How can students benefit from shared reading?

Shared reading:

• builds emergent literacy understandings

• builds expressive and receptive communication skills and understandings

• builds critical background knowledge

• develops concepts about print

• demonstrates how meaning is made from print

• demonstrates reading as a fun and enjoyable activity

How can we teach shared reading?

During shared reading:

• the focus is on interaction and making meaning

• the adult reads with, not to students

• the goal is for the students to lead interactions

• teachers begin by guiding students, encouraging engagement and interaction, and supporting communication

Role of the adult in shared reading is to:

• encourage communication at ALL times

• respond to any form of communication and attribute meaning

• connect content of the book to the personal knowledge and experience of the student

• model use of student AAC systems

• select books carefully

Where can I learn more?
Developed by a team at the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this variation of the popular Tar Heel Reader website emphasizes shared reading and provides PCS symbol support for core words that can be used in discussing each book. A comprehensive set of free professional development modules provide training and examples of Tar Heel Shared Reader teaching practices. Each module requires between 45-60 minutes to complete. Various formats allow for flexibility in order to best meet scheduling needs.
Quick Start Guide: https://www.sharedreader.org
Find a book: https://janefarrall.com/goodbye-tar-heel-reader-and-hello-monarch-reader/

Do any of these situations apply to you?

1. My students are struggling with the math content and I need a way to intervene!

2. I really want my students to use manipulatives, but I don't have enough!

3. I need an effective way to model the math standards that are built on conceptual understanding!

If you said yes to any of these, virtual manipulatives may provide some help. Watch the short 2 minute video tutorial to see the possibilities with Base-10 Blocks.

Brainingcamp Base 10 Blocks

Brainingcamp is a paid subscription, but the National Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has shared an access code to provide 3 months of access free! Click on REDEEM CODE in the top right corner of the page and type NCTM24.

With this code, you will also have access to share pre-made activities with your students and monitor their use. Visit the RESOURCES tab and choose TASKS or IDEAS for activities.

Link to Brainingcamp: https://www.brainingcamp.com/

Post-secondary readiness is especially critical for students with disabilities, as it provides the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of adult life, whether in higher education, vocational training, or the workforce. Being prepared for post-secondary opportunities means equipping students not only academically but also with self-advocacy skills, independence, and social and emotional resilience. These students often face unique challenges, including accessing accommodations, managing new environments, and adjusting to the expectations of college or workplace settings.

Supporting post-secondary readiness involves comprehensive planning, individualized learning strategies, and resources that address both practical and personal aspects of the transition. By prioritizing this readiness, educators can ensure that students with disabilities are empowered to pursue their goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Check out these tools to support post-secondary readiness for your students!

Save the Date and Plan to Attend!

Register NOW for the 2024 Exceptional Children’s Conference, November 24 – 26, at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. This year’s keynote is Sasha Long, the Autism Helper. Join us as we delve into the nature of defiance—its causes and effective prevention strategies. You’ll leave equipped with actionable plans for addressing defiant behavior and practical techniques for de-escalation. Explore the underlying reasons behind explosive behaviors and discover your role in managing these situations.

Check it out! Here’s a Schedule at a Glance:

Sunday - The New Teacher Academy is from 1:00 to 7:15 PM.

Sunday conference sessions from 1:00 PM to 7:15 PM

Monday’s sessions from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Tuesday’s sessions from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM

SESC Consultants will be presenting a variety of sessions across the conference schedule. Stop by the SERTAC table in the exhibit hall to pick up some SESC swag!