Do you have a student that is an auditory learner? What about a child who wants you to read to them more than you have time in your schedule? Can’t get to the library or just want an audio book?  There is a free public domain auditory library whose mission is “to make all books in the public domain available, for free, in audio format on the internet. ”

LibriVox audiobooks are free for anyone to listen to, on their computers, iPods or other mobile device, or to burn onto a CD. Note, you should go to the site yourself if you want to see what content there is available. Everyone has different parameters for your family and some material is not suitable for young readers. I did listen to the beginning of a George McDonald book and I enjoyed the female reader’s voice. I also listened to a story about an East Indian tale about a turtle that couldn’t stop talking and found it to be entertaining.

So, how can you use this great resource for your school?

• While your student is listening they could draw a picture of what is being read.
• Write any unfamiliar words down and use them as vocabulary for your language arts program.
• Audio books can help a child who needs more practice with listening skills.
• Have your pupil summarize the story that they just heard, whether that be orally or written.
• Discuss the story and have your scholar make connections, whether to another story you have read, or an experience that they have had previously.