The advantages of shared silent reading in the home and in the school for the promotion of literacy are numerous. At home the child may read silently in the presence of a parent who is engaged in a household task, or who is reading silently. In schools, shared silent reading may be used at all grade levels with groups of students in structured or unstructured settings. In elementary school classes, shared silent reading is effective in regular reading classes and as a follow up activity instead of seatwork. In junior and senior high school classes, it may be used during content area reading assignments, especially in literature, history, and science classes. Of course, during initial shared silent reading lessons, the teacher will need to evaluate and monitor the reading, listening, and sharing activities. However, as students become adept and familiar with the process, the teacher's role will lessen and students will become self-motivated and self-directed. The shared silent reading method is one in which students discover that reading is a pleasant, meaningful process and that sharing one's thoughts and ideas with others is an enjoyable experience. Students discover that reading involves listening, discussion, argument, and decision making. They also discover that reading is not a lonely activity. (The paper includes three examples of structured silent reading lessons.) (HOD)