Shared reading can give a young person supported practice without returning to books or routines that feel childish. Choose a short text with a real purpose or shared interest.

Agree what you will read

Suitable material might include:

• an article about music, sport or current events;

• instructions for a game, recipe or practical task;

• travel information;

• a review;

• a short section from a school text.

Agree a manageable stopping point before beginning. Alternate paragraphs or sections rather than switching after every sentence.

Supply an occasional difficult word so the young person can keep the meaning. Let them complete a meaningful section independently and avoid correcting every hesitation.

If the text is dense, you might read the first paragraph aloud while they follow, then hand over the next section. You can also both follow the text while listening to an audio version.

Stop at the agreed point, even if the article isn’t finished.