Using audiobooks/texts

[ReadersnRacers@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/10/06 4:35:31 AM, mwaterbrook@gmail.com writes:


>    I used audiobooks for two class novels and for almost every short story 
> we read from our 7th grade anthology. As much as possible I made sure that 
> students were reading along with the tape, but those who are determined to do 
> nothing will find a way to do just that. There does seem to be a lot of 
> research that says that reading along with an audiotape does increase reading 
> comprehension and other reading skills. The other big benefit for me, which I'm 
> not sure has been mentioned yet,  was that I could be sure that everyone in 
> class had done (or had a chance to do) the reading and all be at the same place 
> at the same time. In fact, my school only has enough books for one class 
> anyway, so if I had wanted to risk sending home reading homework, it would have 
> had to have been on a "staggered" basis.
> 

Same thing here.   I only used an audiobook with one whole class read.   The 
first novel that we did together I didn't do the audiobook and wish I had.   
We did an audio book with the 2nd novel & the kids enjoyed it much more and 
seemed to get so much more out of it.   Kids that don't like reading and 
participating were so into the book.   Some even checked out the book's sequel *and* 
read it.   In fact, I had over a dozen who wanted me to get the 2nd novel with 
the audiobook (or course) as they enjoyed it so much. That was one of the 
things on my end of the year survey that many of the kids specifically pointed out 
- liking audiobooks.   I personally DON'T like audio books - I can hear the 
reader in my own head.   Most of the time the reader doesn't sound like I'd 
imagined (Harry Potter being one of the exceptions - he was right on the $$ for 
me).   When I can find the audio version, I plan on using it.



Pamela Tempest
Team Neon - ELA Teacher

Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual 
differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules 
are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing classroom. 
-- loosely based on quote from Virginia Satir