Hit: Middle School Books on Tape

[Helen Frank <hfrank@NCUSD203.ORG>]

If you do have a books on tape collection, do you do anything
>special to promote the collection?
I always put out a new book list, whether printed and put in
mailboxes, or
put onto the email for all staff.  (we're a 7-8 building.)
>
>What titles do you have (that are popular with the kids?)
>We have forty titles.  Many Gary Paulsen's, _Outsiders_, View from
Saturday_,
>the first Harry Potter, etc.  I make sure I have all the titles
that the
>English classes read together as required books.

>If you have books on tape: do students use them? teachers?
Mostly learning disabled kids who have a hard time reading the book.
So
they listen to the audio.  Also, some teachers check them out to
listen to
when they go on road trips.

>How do teachers feel about students listening to a book vs reading
a
>book..do they give them credit on their reading records?
I guess I don't know for sure, but I know the LD teachers come to
ask me
about certain titles for the kids they work with in the English
classes.
So it must be OK with the teachers.  I've never heard anything
negative
about it.  In facat, they suggest titles to me and then I try to get
them.

>Any other comments?
It's been very successful.  In the seven years we've been open, I've
only
had one cassette out of _Hatchet_ lost.  So it's a better rate than
the
book loss rate.
     My best vendor is Recorded Books Co.  They have always been
very good.

----------------------


   I also began my collection of audio books with a grant.  The goal
was to allow students to enjoy the same books their classmates were
reading even though they were not quite as able readers.  I don't
have to do anything to promote the collection.  They really get used
quite a
bit.  Both teachers and students use them.  A collection was also
purchased by our Title I program for the Intermediate grades (4 and
5).  The titles that are most popular are the same ones the kids are
reading in print form:  Harry Potter, Amber Brown, Freckle Juice,
The Box Car Children, the Midnight Fox, James and the Giant Peach,
and The Dark is Rising, etc.  Our
teachers have been very supportive of the program.  They recommend
titles for additions and check them out to their classroom.
Students are encouraged to follow along in the book when they listen
here at school.  There is research that says student reading ability
improves when
they listen and follow as well as when they are doing the reading
themselves.  Good Luck!




I have books on tape more for teachers than students.  Sometimes,
it's the
only way I can get a teacher to read a ya book!

I have Charlotte Doyle, Lyddie, Dean Duffy, Battle for the Castle,
among
others.  I try to keep a wide variety.  Our special ed teacher has
the kids
listen as they follow along; other than that, I don't think teachers
give
credit for the books.

I like to use them in my lesson plans.  For example, teacher asks
for
character description; I play part of Charlotte Doyle where the
captain is
introduced.  It's really fun; much better than listening to me read,
a
novelty, and easy to rewind to go again in case the students don't
catch
something the first time.

Our circulation goes in spurts; after a lesson in which I've used a
tape,
the tapes tend to be quite popular.

I usually use some kind of grant money to make my purchases.  For
example, one year I targeted seventh grade male readers who were
non-motivated.  I purchased Outsiders, etc. and  rked with one
teacher in particular.  I kind of move through the various teachers,
finding a grant that matches a particular teacher's pet concern, buy
a few tapes for that targeted
audience, and then move on.



I am a librarian in an elementary school.  I initially picked up
some
books on tape for a students we had who were unable to speak
english.  I
found that the few tapes I had were circulating a lot with teachers
and
gradually the collection has expanded.  We do not allow the students
to
check out the tapes, but allow parents (limited supply and expense).
During weekends and holidays parents come in and check out the books
on
tapes for travels.  It has been an asset for the children and for
the
library.  The parents coming in are now great supporters (good
public
relations).  Good luck with your grant!



I started buying books on tape last year for our LD children. I
didn't think
it was fair that they were losing out on being a part of the
literature
appropriate for their age just because they couldn't read it.  Also,
many LD
children can comprehend beautifully when read to, so it seemed to
fit the
bill.  My parents and teachers were thrilled!  Now my other kids are
wanting
to read them and I'm letting them.  We have AR5 which allows the
child to
mark whether the book was read to them, with them or if they read it
by
themselves.  All the children know that a book on tape is to be
considered
read WITH or TO, depending on the circumstances.  If they follow
along in the  book while they listen, then it is read WITH.  If they
only listen to the
tape, it is read TO.  I know that having the tape with the book has
given
some kids the "guts" to attempt the longer books that they need to
be
reading.  After they tell me how well they have done with the tape
books,
then I encourage them to try other books by the same author (like
Cleary) on
their own,  especially Ramona or Ralph.

I do have some problems with my capable readers wanting to read the
tape
books and I usually tell them they can get one two grade levels
above their
range, if they want to get one.  Never something they can read
independently.

I've bought nearly everything appropriate from Listening Library and
Recorded  Books for our school.  Needless to say, Harry Potter
hasn't been in since it  hit the shelf.  I'm about to order the
other two HP's from LL, along with Bud, Not Buddy.

Along with Bud, not buddy
Hope this helps!




We do have about 50 titles on tape - many are used by special
education
students for reading reinforcement.  I purchase a lot of the
historical
fiction titles for that purpose.  I also have students who like to
sign them
out to take on family vacations for long car trips.  Have had many
positive
comments from parents!





>If you do have a books on tape collection, do you do anything
>special to promote the collection?
I make sure the teachers, students, parents etc. are aware of the
collection
>
>What titles do you have (that are popular with the kids?)
The most popular titles are those by Gary Paulson, Avi, and some of
the
classics that are required reading.
>
>If you have books on tape: do students use them? teachers?
Teachers and students use the tapes. I got the tape/book
combinations so the
students with reading problems can see and hear the words. Teachers
listen
to the tapes while driving, so they are aware of what students are
reading
as well as grow professionally. Hopefully, they are recommending the
titles
to the students.
>
>How do teachers feel about students listening to a book vs reading
a
>book..do they give them credit on their reading records?
Yes
>
>Any other comments?
1 have about 300 tapes. Remember it is another thing to manage,
catalog,
store etc also tapes get damaged, lost and misplaced. In addition to
the tapes and books. I ordered 70 basic players and earphones for
students to check out. I also ordered listening stations but thet
has not gone over very well--too
many problems trying to get 5 students to listen at the same time.
Another
thing to consider is books are being put on CD now. Which way do you
want to go??



Helen Frank
Washington Junior High
Naperville, Illinois
hfrank@ncusd203.org
--
Helen Frank
Washington LRC
201 N Washington
Naperville, IL  60540

"If you believe in your heart that you are right, you
                must fight with all your might to do it your way. Only
                    dead fish swim with the stream all the time."

                                 — Linda Ellerbee

LRC Website: http://www.inil.com/users/helen
630-420-6395

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