Sobre a Deficiência Visual

Shared Storybook Reading

Elizabeth Dennison
 

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.

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