As a speech-language pathologist dedicated to creating great outcomes for children, you understand the importance of evidence-based practices. One such practice, highlighted in the research article "Shared Book Reading Intervention for Children with Language Impairment: Using Parents-as-aides in Language Intervention," emphasizes the role of parents in language development through shared book reading. This blog aims to distill the key findings from this research and provide actionable insights for practitioners.
The Research: An Overview
The study investigated the efficacy of a shared book reading intervention administered by parents of preschool children with language impairment. Thirty-six preschool children were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received direct group intervention sessions and parent training on shared book reading at home. The intervention focused on two primary objectives:
- Promoting children's print concepts
- Enhancing their oral language development
Results indicated that parents in the experimental group used significantly more print concepts than those in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in children's mean length of utterance, vocabulary diversity, or responses between the two groups.
Implementing the Findings: Practical Tips for Practitioners
Based on the research, here are some actionable steps you can take to improve your practice:
1. Train Parents on Print Concepts
One of the key findings was that parents who received training used more print concepts during shared reading sessions. As a practitioner, you can:
- Provide workshops or one-on-one training sessions for parents.
- Demonstrate how to make explicit references to print, such as pointing out the title, author, and text directionality.
- Offer handouts or guides that parents can refer to during their reading sessions at home.
2. Encourage Balanced Turn-Taking
The study found that balanced turn-taking between parents and children was more likely to occur in the experimental group. To foster this:
- Teach parents to ask open-ended questions and wait for their child's response.
- Model conversational turn-taking during therapy sessions and encourage parents to practice this at home.
3. Focus on Consistency and Dosage
While the intervention did not show significant effects on children's language outcomes, the variability in homework completion suggests that consistency and dosage are crucial. Encourage parents to:
- Engage in shared book reading daily.
- Maintain a routine to ensure regular practice.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Encourage your colleagues and peers to explore:
- The impact of more intensive and longer-duration interventions.
- The role of additional support tools, such as video feedback and coaching.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Shared Book Reading Intervention for Children with Language Impairment: Using Parents-as-aides in Language Intervention.
