Exploring Strategies Homeschooling Parents Use to Engage Children with Text During Shared Reading
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Authors
den Hartog, Anya
Date
2025-08-27
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
reading , homeschooling , literacy
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this study, I explored the shared reading strategies used by homeschooling parents with their children ages five- to seven-years old. I particularly focused on how they approached shared reading as a homeschooling parent, and how these strategies related to their child’s eye movements during reading and other literacy measures. To investigate my research aims, I used a multiple methods case study approach that included semi-structured interviews, think aloud protocols, eye movement tracking, and literacy measures including a brief phonics screener, a receptive vocabulary test, and a language comprehension task. Four homeschooling parent-child dyads participated in the study. After presenting pertinent qualitative data from all four cases, I discussed six themes that emerged from the interview data: broad range of literature, strategies during shared reading, daily phonics program, sense of full responsibility, ‘big reading families’, and reading as a tool for connection. These themes were the foundation for analysing findings from the other methods of data collection and connecting them to previous shared reading literature. Findings included that among this sample: 1) learning the skill of narration was common and may contribute to vocabulary and language comprehension development, 2) the children are engaging in a daily phonics program, but largely separate from shared reading time with their parents, 3) parents ask their children thoughtful, and often personalized, questions during shared reading that promote making connections and vocabulary development, and 4) homeschooling families use reading a tool for connection and closeness among each other. Implications of this research include the importance of homeschooling communities and cultivating positive relationships through shared reading in a home environment.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International