Early expressive language development is facilitated by joint reading strategies that engage, support, and promote children’s active participation in the book reading opportunities. This was shown in a systematic review of 21 studies on shared reading involving 1,275 children aged from 12 to 42 months.

Relating the story to children’s experiences, providing positive feedback to them during book reading, expanding on their comments, asking them open-ended questions and following their interests while interacting with books all encouraged their participation in shared reading activities. The longer children stay engaged in the book reading episode and the more an adult encouraged their active participation by expanding on what they say or by asking open-ended questions, the greater the effect the reading experience.

When using shared book reading strategies with young children, the effects are enhanced when the episodes last more than 5 minutes and there are several books to read. However, it is important to remember that when children’s interest in the book starts to fade, it is best to try another book or terminate the episode.

Studies have also shown that caregivers’ use of labelling, expansions and questions was related to 24-month-old children’s attention during reading.