As a long-time reading specialist I would like to contribute my opinion to
the audio books discussion.
Listening to audio books is very enjoyable and is an excellent way to expose
children to good literature, especially above their independent reading
levels. They hear involved language patterns, longer sentence structures, and
acquire an expanded vocabulary. This used to be done more in the home as
parents read aloud to children and is frequently taking place in good classrooms
now. Listening comprehension is an important skill that our students today
often lack.
However, I must agree that it is not really "reading" unless the student is
following along in a text and actually mentally processing the printed words.
Children need to see words and convert them into meaning in their minds to
progress as readers. Any non-reader child or adult can listen to an audio
book and appreciate the story, but it can not be called "reading".
Taking an AR test after simply listening to an audio book may be acceptable
if it is listening comprehension that is being assessed, but it can not be
called a reading assessment.
Peg Merkley
Reading Specialist / Certified LMS
New Hanover-Upper Frederick Elementary School
Boyertown, PA
magiemae5@aol.com
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