- 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.
|
