What Is Shared Inquiry? And Why Does It Help Children Find Their Voice?

Reading is about so much more than recognising words on a page. It's about wondering, questioning, making connections and developing the confidence to share what we think.

Yet many children believe that reading comprehension is simply about finding the right answer.

What if we encouraged them to think differently?

That's where Shared Inquiry comes in.

What is Shared Inquiry?

Shared Inquiry is an approach to reading and discussion that encourages children to explore meaningful questions together.

Rather than the teacher providing answers, children are invited to think carefully about a text, share their interpretations and listen to different perspectives.

They learn that a thoughtful question can be just as valuable as an answer.

For example, after reading a story, instead of asking:

“What did the main character do?”

We might ask:

“Why do you think the character made that decision? Would you have done the same?”

Suddenly, reading becomes a conversation rather than a test.

Why does Shared Inquiry matter?

1. It builds confidence

Some children are reluctant to contribute because they're afraid of getting something wrong.

Shared Inquiry creates opportunities for children to explore their thinking without feeling that every response must be perfect.

Over time, they begin to trust their own ideas and develop the confidence to express them.

2. It strengthens reading comprehension

Children learn to look beyond the surface of a story.

They practise making inferences, identifying evidence, exploring characters' motivations and connecting ideas across a text.

Importantly, they learn to explain why they think something, rather than simply giving an answer.

3. It develops critical thinking

Shared Inquiry encourages children to consider different interpretations.

They begin to recognise that two people can read the same story and reach different, well-supported conclusions.

This helps them become more thoughtful, flexible and independent thinkers.

4. It develops speaking and listening skills

Being able to communicate an idea clearly is an important life skill.

Through discussion, children practise listening carefully, building on someone else's thinking, asking questions and respectfully disagreeing.

These skills extend far beyond reading lessons.

5. It helps children enjoy reading

When children realise that their opinions matter, stories become more meaningful.

They begin to see reading as an opportunity to explore ideas, discover different perspectives and connect with others.

And that can transform their relationship with books.

What does Shared Inquiry look like in practice?

Imagine a small group of children reading a story about a character who makes a difficult decision.

Rather than completing a worksheet, they explore questions such as:

• Was the character right to make that choice?

• What might have happened if they had acted differently?

• Which part of the story supports your opinion?

• Has anyone heard an idea that changed their thinking?

The teacher guides the discussion, encouraging children to return to the text, support their interpretations and respond thoughtfully to one another.

There isn't always one correct answer. But there are opportunities to develop deeper, better-supported thinking.

How can parents encourage this at home?

You don't need specialist teaching materials to begin encouraging thoughtful conversations about reading.

The next time you share a book with your child, try asking:

• What surprised you about this story?

• Why do you think that character behaved that way?

• Which part made you think that?

• Would you have made the same choice?

• Has your opinion changed as we've talked?

The most important thing is to show genuine curiosity about your child's ideas.

You don't need to have all the answers.

Sometimes the best response is simply:

“That's interesting. Tell me more.”

Helping children find their voice

At the heart of Shared Inquiry is a simple belief: children deserve opportunities to think deeply, express their ideas and feel that their voices matter.

Through my Read. Think. Speak. programme, children explore carefully selected stories, develop their comprehension and analytical thinking, and practise expressing their ideas in a supportive small-group environment.

The aim isn't simply to create stronger readers.

It's to nurture confident, curious and independent thinkers who are willing to question, reflect and speak up.

Because when children learn to trust their thinking, they begin to find their voice.

Would you like to help your child become a more confident, thoughtful reader?

Download my free reading guide for practical ideas you can try at home.