Reading PK-3

Audiobooks

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Overview

Audiobooks allow students to hear fluent reading and to experience books above their reading skills. When listening to audiobooks, learners have Decoding support and are able to focus on their reading comprehension.

Use It in the Classroom

  • To support increased comprehension, teachers can provide listening challenges or guiding questions to focus Attention when listening. These tasks can then be shared in differentiated small groups, supporting Motivation and Social Awareness and Relationship Skills.

    • Design It into Your Product

    Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

    Watch how epic! has a read-to-me capability for many of their books that transforms them from e-books to audiobooks. This flexibility supports learners with diverse Visual Processing needs and promotes increased Attention.

  • Several digital libraries, such as epic! and Raz-Kids, include an audio function to allow for many of their e-books to be listened to. By allowing learners to listen and visually track texts, readers can develop their Decoding, Print Awareness, Phonological Awareness, and Syntax skills.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

    Audio Books

    Teacher's First curated selection of free elementary audio books with text

    Benefits of Audiobooks

    Many resources on the benefits of audiobooks

    Free Audiobooks

    Websites that provide free audio books

    Learning with Audiobooks

    Finding audiobooks and tips for using them in the classroom

    Multimedia Learning

    Subtopic that includes research on the use of multimedia and visuals in instruction on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Language and Literacy
    Background Knowledge
    Narrative Skills
    Syntax
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Visual Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Home Literacy Environment
    Physical Fitness
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status
    Vision

    More Multisensory Supports Strategies

    Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Gestures

    Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.

    Manipulatives

    Providing physical representations of concepts helps activate mental processes.

    Movement Breaks

    Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.

    Music & Dance

    Connecting information to music and dance moves enhances Short-term and Long-term Memory by drawing on auditory processes and the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

    Physical Activity & Recess

    Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.

    Sensory Stimulation

    Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.

    Sound-blocking Devices

    Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.

    Text-to-speech Software

    Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.

    Tossing Activity

    Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.

    Visual Reading Aids

    Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strips, help students focus and properly track as they read.

    Web-based Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Web-based dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as visual and audio resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Word Sorts

    Word sorts are multisensory activities that help learners identify patterns and group words based on different categories.

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