Audio Books By: Angie Furney

What is an audio book? An audio book is a taped reading of any type of book, but they are not just “books on tape” anymore. Audio books come in different formats, so the listener can choose what is best for them.

Audio Book Formats Cassette Tape Mini Cassette Compact Disc Mini Compact Disc MP3 (of other digital format)

Selection Criteria for audio recordings in general Is the format up to date, and can it be used with the equipment that is already on hand? Does the audio recording come with appropriate and useful teacher materials? Can the recording be moved through easily without a lot of searching? Does the label give enough information about the recording?

Selection Criteria for audio books Does the narration suit the book? Does the reader give distinctive voices to the various characters? Are the voices specifically differentiated throughout the reading? Are the pacing and inflection appropriate to the characters and the story? Is the recording accurate and true to the written version of the book?

Why use audio books? Audio books… foster reading comprehension, fluency, language acquisition, and vocabulary development. help all students, regardless of reading ability, develop a love of literature. allow students to hear correct pronunciation of words, dialects, and accents.

Not just for Language Arts… Audio books can be used across the curriculum to help students who learn better by listening and to reinforce read material to others. Some nonfiction audio books can be dry and harder for some students to understand because of the lack of visual aids, so it is often suggested to pair the audio version with either the print version that has pictures or just the labeled pictures themselves.

Personal Recommendation… I have taught 7 th grade Language Arts for 4 years, and I have incorporated audio books and stories into my classroom each year. When my students read and listen to The Giver at the same time, they find some of the ideas and vocabulary easier to understand. Also, no students feel left behind or self conscious during in class reading time because no matter what their ability, all of the readers are in the same place.

Check It Out! Encouraging Audio Book Circulation Although this format has been around for a while, teachers and students may not be aware that it is available to them. How can media specialists promote the use of audio books? Have a short in-service for teachers highlighting the benefits of their usage. Set up a library display for students and teachers with posters promoting the ease of use, recommendations for listening, and stations to try it out.

Helpful Hints for Using Audio Books Give students the option to read ahead while listening along, if the audio book is being paired with the written version. Stop the recording periodically to discuss what the students heard. Have the recording cued to the specific part before class. Take notice that students are actually listening and not taking this opportunity to daydream or take a nap. Supervise the use of audio books with younger students.

Keeping Your Audio Books In Good Shape Store them in a place that does not get too hot. Periodically check them for damage. (scratches on CDs, twisted cassette ribbon) Make sure they are always put back in a case. Make sure they are put in the RIGHT case. Treat their checkout like a video store: Put the case on display, not the actual item.

Audio Book Vendors Live Oak Media: or Grade Level: The Audio Partners Publishing Corp: or Grade Level: K-12www.audiopartners.com Listening Library:

Audio Book Vendors contd. Harper Collins Publishers: or Grade Level: K-12www.harpercollins.com Saddleback Educational Inc.: or Grade Level: 5-12www.sdlback.com Books on Tape: or Grade Level:

References Bishop, K., & Van Orden, P. (1991). The collection program in schools: Concepts, practices, and information sources. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited. Grover, S. & Hannegan, L. (2005). Not just for listening: Integrating audio books into the curriculum. Book Links, May, Retrieved February 18, 2006 from Academic Search Premiere database. Robinson, L. (2003). For the love of books: Expanding e- books and audio books in school libraries. Media and methods, September/October, Retrieved February 18, 2006 from Academic Search Premiere database.