As published by Science Daily, up to 10 percent of the world’s population are affected by learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and autism), transmuting to 2-3 pupils in every classroom, according to 2013 review of University College London. The actual percentages vary widely, depending on individualities of the students and the quality of instruction in each school. Would it be surprising to learn that using audiobooks in the classroom can improve reading and learning?

 

Audiobook’s solution — Read to learn

Recent statistics show the massive number for probable neurodiversity. These struggles caused by variations in how the brain develops, and difficulty with reading is a common problem. Since reading is such an important skill, reading difficulties can affect basic reading and writing skills, spelling, fluency, and comprehension. Learning to read built on basis of language skills that children start learning at birth.

A study of 20 students with reading disabilities found that those who were given audiobooks to listen to while following the text, saw a greater increase in reading skills after eight weeks compared to those who were just given the text.

 

Audiobook’s solution — Early literacy to excite reading

Most children learn to read by age 7 or earlier, and most children develop certain skills as they move through the early stages of learning language. While students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties drops, they become detached and lose interest in learning. Good reading instruction is necessary to improve reading attitude as audiobooks are important in developing vocabulary, reading, and comprehension skills.

Barbara Wilson, Co-Founder, Wilson Language Training, and author of the Wilson Reading System explained that “Audiobooks, especially when read by humans, can be an important part of success.”  She further explained how audiobook bridges the reading gap by providing justifiable access to grade-level content where students can easily absorb.

 

Using audiobooks in the classroom or at home

Reading or learning with audiobooks at home eliminate stress for child with dyslexia. Experience an audiobook library contains high-quality, human-read audiobooks with complete highlighted text. This allows readers to follow with the text while listening to a narrator, increasing engagement and comprehension.

Listening to audiobooks bridge the gap between decoding words and assigning meaning. Receiving information both visually and audibly helps:

  • Improves word recognition, fluency, and time management ability
  • Build literacy skills and vocabulary
  • Develop comprehension skills
  • Improve imagination and prevent memory disorders from occurring
  • More emotional response and reduce negative thoughts

 

Audiobooks help improve cognition

Cognition is the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Audiobooks included to influence cognitive abilities; help improve the ability to understand and express thoughts via speaking and writing.

 

The bottom line

Assisted reading with audiobooks increases exposure to literature. Teachers could support families of students with reading disabilities by training parents to participate in assisted reading with audiobooks into fun.