Re: [LM_NET] Audio books & literacy

[Debra Allen <kidsbooks2002@YAHOO.COM>]

I teach 44 classes of K-2 (1000 students)and use
audiobooks during 1st and 2nd grade library classes. 
(I also use them with the kindergarten "storytime"
classes to save my voice).  67% of our students are
from poor homes, and one of the general
characteristics is that no one has read aloud to these
children.  The audiobooks help make up this gap.  

I do not check out the audiobooks to the children; I
ask teachers for a list of their lowest readers and
set up listening groups with headphones while the
better readers browse and check out.  This also helps
with discipline.  After a group has heard a
story--often they ask for repeats--then they can
choose their books to check out.

I'm working on a grant to buy more books and more
equipment so that I can have a before-school audiobook
club next year. Here are a couple of relevant studies:

Hart and Risley (2003), The early catastrophe: The 30
million word gap by age 3, American Educator, Spring
2003.  Retrieved March 26, 2006, from American
Federation of Teachers Web site,
http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/american_educator/spring2003/catastrophe.html.

Rasinski, Timothy V., “Effects of Repeated Reading and
Listening-While-Reading on Reading Fluency,” Journal
of Educational Research, 147-150, January/February
1990 [Vol. 83 (No. 3)].  (EBSCO)

Debbie Allen, Librarian
Sudduth Elementary School
Starkville, Mississippi

--- Heidi Ginal <hginal@ADELPHIA.NET> wrote:

> Can you help with this one . . .  I am in a K - 4
> building.
> 
>  
> 
> My principal came to me today and asked why we do
> not have an audio book
> section to promote literacy.  Can any one tell me if
> there is any research
> that documents that audio books improve literacy.  
> 
>  
> 
> Also, just curious, if you do have an audio book 
> section, are materials
> returned promptly, in good condition?
> 
>  
> 
> Thank you.  (I did try checking the archives and
> could find nothing about
> audio books improving literacy.)  Again, thank you
> so much.
> 
>  
> 
> Heidi Ginal, librarian
> 
> Heim Elementary School, K-4
> 
> 155 Heim Rd.
> 
> Williamsville, NY  14221
> 
> hginal@adelphia.net
> 
> 
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
> Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by
> copyright law.
>   You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting
> LM_NET postings
>   by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail
> address book.
> To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to:
> listserv@listserv.syr.edu
> In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2)
> SET LM_NET NOMAIL
> 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow
> for confirmation.
>  * LM_NET Help & Information:
> http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
>  * LM_NET Archive:
> http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
>  * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select:
> http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
>  * LM_NET Supporters:
> http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
> 


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------