Why Audiobooks?
"...one of the most important reasons for increasing interest in audiobooks for young people is the research demonstrating that listening to audiobooks fosters reading comprehension, fluency, language acquisition, vocabulary development, and improved achievement."
   — Book Links

Every day classroom teachers struggle with students who come to school unprepared to meet the challenges of literacy instruction. More and more younger children have not had access to books, have not been read to regularly, and have not had exposure to the elements of written language. When the experiences that are necessary for becoming literate are absent from a child's experiences, it is the role of the classroom teacher to provide them. In an overcrowded curriculum, teachers are being asked to do more for each student with less time and fewer resources. This is where audiobooks can play a significant role in developing reading abilities in young readers.

"Many students around the world are avid readers, while others are struggling to become readers and still others have given up hope. Audibooks have something to offer all of these students--to meet them wherever they are and bring them along on a wonderous journey."
   — Denise Johnson on readingonline.org
Reading aloud to young and older readers alike introduces new vocabulary and concepts, provides demonstrations of proficient reading, and allows young children access to stories that they are unable to read on their own or might not choose for themselves. Research has also shown that reading aloud with children provides the foundation for their development as readers and audiobooks are an important component of a comprehensive reading program.


Want to learn more about how you can use audiobooks in an educational setting? Listening Library and Assistant Professor of Literacy Education and Children's Literature, Dr. Frank Serafini, have created a useful guide to get you started.

Click here to download Audiobooks & Literacy: An Educator's Guide to Utilizing Audiobooks in the Classroom.


But what about the time when a student isn't at school? Try recommending audiobooks to parents and guardians as a useful way to help their children make the most of their free time. Audiobooks are also great for family road trips.

Click here to download Audiobooks: A Glove Box Staple: Your Survival Guide to the Family Road Trip!

 

 


Step into a world of adventure--go back in time or to distant lands with Jack and Annie! From France in the Middle Ages to the praries of America to the Moon, Magic Tree House books and audiobooks make history and learning fun. Plus, each series audiobook from Listening Library has been read by the author, Mary Pope Osborne!

Try using a Magic Tree House audiobook in the classroom or as a part of a regularly scheduled storytime. jPop in the cassette or CD and young listeners' imaginations will soar. We've even created a fun Magic Tree House quiz that can be used to test listening skills and young fans knowledge of the series.

Click here to download a Magic Tree House quiz and answer key.

Click here to learn more about the series. Magic Tree House series of audiobooks.