Re: Audio Books

[Kathy Simonsen <ksimonsen@CHEROKEE.K12.IA.US>]

and enjoyed the story.  These students can also take part in the AR program
with the books the teachers have on their lists without having to stay with
only easy readers.
        We have many audio books.  They are checked out to the classroom for 
teachers
to have students read along with the books.  We have purchased most of them
from Recorded Books.  This seems to be working quite well and the students are
enjoying "reading" the same book as the class.  I have a few that students
check-out but only use in the library.  They are held for them until they have
finished.  They read in the morning or anyother time they can get to the
library.  I plan to purchase some Cliffhanger tapes and books.  These are
usually the first 3 chapters and get the kids interested in the book and want
to check it out to finish it.  I had them in another school and they were very
much used.  We keep one paperback copy with the tape and have others in the
main collection for checkout.  One caution, if the kids get to the teaser
and there is no book to checkout they can get turned off.
        I review a lot of audio books and work with school and public libraries.
While reading is certainly a major concern, some students learn better by
hearing.  If it's the unabridged recording does it really make a difference
whether they read or listen?  Actually I often listen to a book I've already
read and I'm amazed at the details I pick up while listening that I missed
when reading.  Listening usually takes as long or longer than reading so there
is no time saving.  Unless you are teaching reading, versus encouraging
appreciation of literature or teaching the
story, I'd let the kids use whichever way works for them.
        I have taught reading and language arts for many years and have a Masters in
reading.  Having people read ALONG with a tape is a very good way to improve
reading skills.  It keeps many interested in a text far longer than their own
(internal) "voice."  It helps them develop their "voice" improving fluency.
It also improves comprehension and vocabulary.  If they don't read along, just
listen, they still get some benefits but not as many.  Either way they are far
better off than just passively watching the Simpsons which is probably the
alternative they will come up with if they don't "read."  Reading is
understanding text and any way we can accomplish that is OK with me.  I have
used audio tapes and read aloud to people for years.  Try it.
        I have purchased audio books for high school students for students who have
an IEP and those are the only students who are permitted to use them for book
reports.  Our English teacher has categories and I purchased in each category.
 Some teachers who drive any distance like them too.  I agree that they should
not be for general students - the whole point of book reports is to
get them to read anyway.
        We just recently started purchasing these books for use by our special ed
students who are "auditory learners".  We decided that if IUP's can list
having tests, etc. read to them that it made sense to have audio books for the
titles required to be read in class.  However, the teacher signs out the book
and loans it to the student. This eliminates the students who just don't want
to read.
        I have been pleased with our audiobooks.  Teachers as well as students check
them out; many use them for long commutes or jogging.  Many students who are
on modification plans (special ed) use them in addition to reading the book
because they receive reinforcement from the audio as well as the visual.  We
try to order a good balance of best sellers and classics in addition to books
taught in accordance with the curriculum.
        I have purchased several of the recorded books.  Titles such as Hatchet and
Edgar Allen Poe are favorites.  I have about 15 and have tried to get a
variety.  They are used by my LD or slow reading students. I suggest that they
read along with the book so they can stop the tape and rewind it if they need
to hear something again.
        My biggest users are the TEACHERS.  They use the books on tape instead of
reading aloud to a class and some of them listen to them  in their cars on the
way to and from work.
        I think that if you have the unabridged version on audio tape that it is a
viable


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         Cherokee Community School District - Cherokee, Iowa 51012
         Problems, please contact:  712-225-6767 voice
                                    kja@cherokee.k12.ia.us
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