- TIPS AND SAMPLE APPLICATION -
As you are aware, audiobooks in the classroom and available in the
school library for staff, students and parents are becoming an integral part of
the school community. Unabridged audiobooks
as a learning tool provide a classroom with an enhanced experience with
literature, enriching a student's overall use of language and experience of reading.
By beginning, or building your school audiobook library collection, you are providing
an opportunity for your students to experience literature as an enjoyable and
educational medium.
"Audiobooks in my high school
English classroom have allowed students to associate text-based literature with
interpretive vocal performance. They start to understand that the purpose of literature
is not principally to analyze through the memorization of teacher notes and knowledge,
but to enjoy in its own right as experienced spoken language with its myriad tones,
textures, energies, attitudes and dialect. The artistic performance of literature
fulfills its primary purpose to both delight and instruct. And, happily, through
active listening the ability to silently read improves, as well. Audiobooks support
the teaching of both reading and literature."
Preston
Wilson, Auburn High School, Auburn, New York
 | When
used in conjunction with the printed text, audiobooks can be used in a myriad
of ways: |
| |
- for full classroom listening
- to supplement reading programs
- to integrate theme units
- to motivate reluctant readers
- for
independent student reading
| "Audiobooks in
the library and classroom may at first seem strange .... time and again the students
I've observed and teachers I've interviewed have shown me that listening while
you read has proved an effective way of changing attitudes toward reading and
improving reading ability for some students. If creating lifetime readers is the
goal, then every tool is needed- audiobooks are one such powerful tool."
Kylene Beers, School Library Journal,
April 1998
Click here for full articles on using audiobooks as a teaching tool.
 AUDIOBOOK
GRANT TIPS & SUGGESTIONS FOR EDUCATORS
Presently many teachers are seeking grants and additional funds
to begin or build their school library audiobook collections. Many state education
departments are reviewing audiobooks and adopting them as supplementary materials,
and as connections to core curriculums. Please see the list of tips and suggestions
below to get you on your way to completing a grant for your school and classroom.
| 1. | Locate source of funds: From the
annual school budget, funds for special needs, library media and technology, reading
programs, title one, ESL programs, etc.. Your PTA school, fundraising, community
development and education grants, local business, civic groups (Lions Club, Rotary,
etc.), arts & literacy council, family listening programs. Make each organization
aware of your ideals and commitment to establishing an audiobook library for the
schools and the community. | | 2. |
Decide upon your library/classroom/school needs. How many students do you want
to reach with audiobooks? Do you need equipment: portable players w/headphones,
batteries, boomboxes? | | 3. | Identify
how many students will be accessing the audiobook library: entire classroom activity,
school library, special needs, etc., and how they will use the audiobook program.
Consult with your school librarian, curriculum/instruction supervisor, and principal. |
| 4. | Discuss your ideas with your colleagues
and ask for their input. Hand out catalogs and ask teachers of almost all subjects
to circle thier "wish list" of titles. The more educators who are aware
of and want to use audiobooks, the greater support for the audiobook project. |
| 5. | Consider grade/interest level of the
students and the curriculum when selecting your audiobooks. Many school librarians
win converts among the teaching staff by initially purchasing audiobooks that
correlate directly with reading lists and course curriculum subjects in literature,
history and women's studies, for example. | | 6. | Research
how other educators are using audiobooks
in their classrooms. | | | |
Click here for a sample Grant Application
to use as a basis for designing your own.
|
