Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What is a key feature of Shared Reading?

1. Students read independently at their own pace

2. Students use digital resources to learn

3. Big books or chart paper are used to teach reading strategies

4. Only fluent readers participate

The correct answer is: Big books or chart paper are used to teach reading strategies

A key feature of Shared Reading is the use of big books or chart paper to facilitate learning experiences. This approach allows the teacher and students to engage with text together, making it accessible and visible for all participants. The large format enables students to follow along as the teacher models important reading strategies, such as making predictions, inferring meaning, and recognizing vocabulary. This interactive setting fosters a supportive environment where students can learn from one another, develop comprehension skills, and enhance their engagement with reading as a social and collaborative activity. In contrast, reading independently at one’s own pace is characteristic of individual reading practices rather than shared reading. Using digital resources may play a role in modern approaches to learning, but it is not a defining characteristic of Shared Reading itself. Lastly, the notion that only fluent readers participate is a misunderstanding of Shared Reading, which is designed to include learners at various stages through guided support and encouragement from the teacher. This inclusivity promotes a love of reading and confidence among less fluent readers.