Development of a shared book reading intervention module for children with language disorder through the Delphi consensus method

Shared book reading (SBR) is an evidence-based approach that promotes language and emergent literacy development. Though widely studied globally, research from India remains limited and has largely concentrated on typically developing children. This study aimed to develop a structured SBR intervention module for Malayalam-speaking children (3–5 years) with language disorders using a three-round Delphi survey with 20 experienced speech-language pathologists. Experts provided input on training mode, frequency, book selection, emergent literacy domains, and fidelity measures. Consensus supported in-person training with 12 sessions delivered twice weekly, and the combined use of logbooks and video recordings to ensure the fidelity of implementation. Culturally relevant storybooks with rich illustrations and minimal text were preferred. Target areas included print conventions, word and letter discrimination, rhyme, and word awareness. The finalized SBR module integrates dialogic reading, print referencing, and phonological awareness strategies, offering a culturally adapted early intervention model for children with language disorders in India.