Audiobooks have been used in classrooms for decades because listening builds critical listening, comprehension and fluency skills. Oral language precedes written language (i.e. developmentally), making listening an important component of language acquisition. In fact, there are reading methods such as The Daily 5 which include listening as a component of reading instruction. As well, the new Common Core Standards spell out specific Listening and Speaking skills required of all primary grade students. Audiobooks are a proven resource for teaching reading, at all reading levels. Among the many the benefits, listening builds critical vocabulary, comprehension, fluency and listening skills; in fact, adding a listening component to reading instruction has been shown to improve student achievement. Instructional methods such as The Daily 5 do just that, and the Common Core Standards spell out specific listening requirements by grade level. And, oh yeah, kids love listening to books and stories.
Among the many benefits, audiobooks:
- reinforce literacy skills.
- supplement reading instruction to develop a positive attitude towards literature.
- develop understanding of content area material when decoding or other literacy skills are delayed.
- model the appropriate use of oral vocabulary, fluent reading, and use of phonics.
- bring literature from the classroom to home and back on a portable device.
Tales2Go is an award-winning kids’ mobile audiobook service that streams thousands of name-brand titles from leading publishers and storytellers to mobile devices and desktops in the classroom and beyond.