Teachers want audiobooks
There are several research studies that show reader comprehension of written material goes up substantially when accompanied by the audiobook. I gave a talk this morning to middle school teachers as part of a media literacy program, and when I mentioned this, suddenly there was a lot of interest in audiobooks.
When parents think of audiobooks, they’re usually thinking of something to keep the kids occupied. That means Harry Potter books on CD. But if you’re trying to teach them something AND keep them occupied, well, they’re not going to learn much from Harry (magic isn’t real, sorry to say.) BUT… if you have a print version, and have them listen to the audio version at the same time – they’ll be entertained, AND edumacated. As I discovered by listening to the audiobook – Hermione is pronounced “Her-mine-eee”. Why you’d name your daughter that, I have no idea.
The learning acceleration effect is most pronounced when a child has learning disabilities; however, even gifted children see an increase in reading volume as well as comphrehension.
Not only teachers, those of us who are parents owe it to our kids to introduce them to audiobooks. Libraries will loan them out for free. When you want a larger selection, you can go to a commercial audiobook source. Tell them Her-me-own sent you, see if they laugh like my daughter did when I tried to talk about my favourite character.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
I teach elementary Special Education, grades K through 5th at a rural (small) school. One of my fourth-grade students is a “third-generation” dyslexic, identified by a prominent specialist/speaker/trainer as the most severe case of dyslexia symptoms she’s “seen” in her career. I’ve been trained in several No Child Left Behind-approved literacy programs for children identified as exhibiting dyslexia-related symptoms, and during the last two years this very bright child has mastered the skills, routines, and methods of the programs—–in isolation. He still struggles to read whole words and phrases, much less sentences in a story. I downloaded a favorite children’s book to my ipod, let him listen to it during his time in my class, and he loved it! I cannot imagine not having books and their contents in my life. I googled audiobooks, read the reviews, and have decided to team up with you to bring good literature to this precious child. In spite of his difficulty with reading written words, he is one of the most personable, positive children I have the privilege to work with. Kudos to you for the wonderful selection you have in children’s literature, and making access to it so simple. I am now one of those women who advertise your site by word of (big) mouth!
March 8th, 2007 at 2:28 am
It’s great to hear your story, and I’ve made sure all our staff have read your comments. Sometimes we think audiobooks are just entertainment, when they can so often be used to enhance quality of life in a meaningful way. Thanks.