DD12 unable to read - where to find KIDS audio books?

[DaniB]

An e-reader won't cut it. My mom kept pushing that idea, but my DD12 is only able to read at a Grade 2 level. And unless someone sits with her and makes her read, she won't try. But she wants so badly to read her chapter books (ie, My Secret Unicorn, Junie B. Jones, Bones) - you know, that level.

I keep trying to get her to practice reading, because I do believe that once she gets past the hurdle of learning to sound out words, her reading level will advance and she'll be so much happier.

In the meantime, I read her chapter books. And lately, it hasn't been that often... I need to kick it up and read more to her.

However it dawned on me - audio books! Are these out there for KIDS?? She listens to music all the time on my iTouch. Can I download children's audio books for her? Can anyone point me to links, information?

Please & thank you!!!

 

[GinnyEmma]

Library. Tons available.

 

[laurafergie]

librivox has juvenile audio that is out of the public domain. Like Little Women, Tom Sawyer etc... you can download in many formats and it is free.

If you want to purchase, Audible (owned by Amazon) may be the way to go for you. They have a large juvenile section.

 

[allison443]

Our library has audio books packaged with the actual book...I think it is meant to encourage reading along like what you are suggesting!
I would check out your library first!

 

[cruisnfamily]

An e-reader won't cut it. My mom kept pushing that idea, but my DD12 is only able to read at a Grade 2 level. And unless someone sits with her and makes her read, she won't try. But she wants so badly to read her chapter books (ie, My Secret Unicorn, Junie B. Jones, Bones) - you know, that level.

I keep trying to get her to practice reading, because I do believe that once she gets past the hurdle of learning to sound out words, her reading level will advance and she'll be so much happier.

In the meantime, I read her chapter books. And lately, it hasn't been that often... I need to kick it up and read more to her.

However it dawned on me - audio books! Are these out there for KIDS?? She listens to music all the time on my iTouch. Can I download children's audio books for her? Can anyone point me to links, information?

Please & thank you!!!

If she "wants so badly" to read her chapter books, then why not just leave the books laying around for her to give a go instead of giving her an alternative where she doesn't need to try to read.

And also, you said she was reading at a 2nd grade level, the Junie B Jones books are at that level so she should be able to make progress with those if she's interested in them. They seem a little young for a 12 year old but if her interest is there it's a good way to raise her skill level.

 

[TnTWalter]

I used it with my kids. They were early readers but the strategies in the book are excellent and I have used them with kids at school who struggle.

http://www.amazon.com/READING-REFLEX-FOOLPROOF-PHONO-GRAPHIX-TEACHING/dp/0684853671

I would also suggest encouraging her to try. How about reading the chapter books with her even? She reads a sentence you read the rest of the paragraph? Or you just read it while she looks with you at the book and you would put your finger where you are reading.

Best of luck and hugs to you.

Trish

 

[GinnyEmma]

We would read one page each when we were learning.

 

[cari12]

Just curious -is she getting learning assistance at school for reading? Has she been tested for a learning disability? If not, you should have her tested, then she can get the proper support she needs for success in reading.

 

[RitaE]

There are audio books available at those levels - not as extensive as adult fiction but it is there. If your library doesn't have them they can probably obtain them thru and inter-library loan program. You might also look into one of the digital readers such as the Kindle or Pocketbook which has text to speech capabilities so she would be following reading the words as she hears the speech.

I really don't know much about what resources are available in Canada but I know in the US there are extensive resources available for those with diagnosed print disabilities. I believe our local library uses a subscription to Bookshare - you might Google that and see what it is all about.

 

[Sarahlovy]

I also suggest the library.
For building reading skills, get the actual book as well as the audiobook. Let her listen to a chapter for every one she reads, or let her listen to it after she reads it if she has problems comprehending it when she reads it herself. This will help the audiobooks become a tool to help with learning instead of a crutch.

 

[patsal]

Reading specialist here, the only way to be a better reader is to read. I would suggest reading together and switching pages, 20 minutes per day and she should be up 2 levels by the end of summer unless there is a disability.

 

[DawnM]

I would get her actual books at her level and not worry about it for her own reading. Then I would read to her or get her audiobooks for things that are more difficult.

We did this with my oldest, who has some learning delays in things like reading.

He is just now (at 13) reading books like Harry Potter. However, I read books like Johnny Tremain *to* him as his comprehension is good if he is read to. Audiobooks would be good for him at a higher level as well, we just haven't done that yet.

Dawn

PS: I am an also an English teacher and firmly believe children need BOTH comprehension of more difficult books AND reading skills.....which is why I advocate for both reading at the child's level for actual reading and being read TO for higher level comprehension skills. Only reading Junie B. Jones will NOT improve vocabulary or listening skills. If your child can listen to Charles Dickens and understand it, why limit what she has exposure to? Do both.

 

[KayV]

If your daughter has a diagnosed learning disability, you might also try CNIB (the national library for the blind- they loan audiobooks for free).

 

[MagiKitty]

My Kindle has a text to speech option. Its not the best, but your DD would be able to follow along while reading books, which would strengthen her reading skills. The best of luck to both of you!

 

[clanmcculloch]

My DD10 has reading difficulties due to vision problems/visual learning disabilities. What she really likes to do is get audio CDs to go along with the book. We get these from the library. She reads along as she listens to the CD. Our library seems to have all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books on CD. They have a good sized rack of CDs in the kids section of the library and if we go online we can request books to be brought in from other libraries with whom they have a partnership. Lots of books we search on the library website for her come in both physical books and audio CDs.

Another type of book that really encourages her to read is graphic novels. Really they're just comics with a more grown up name but she loves them. She loves the Babymouse books but if your DD is on target maturity-wise then she'd more likely prefer some more teen oriented graphic novels. Just make sure YOU check out each series before you let her read them because some are much more mature than others and the manga graphic novels do contain a lot of demon-lore which some people do not want for their kids. We get these from our library as well. The way I look at is that as long as the content is acceptable then whatever gets them reading is a good thing. Reading comics and graphic novels is reading and I like that my DD feels like she's reading something age-appropriate instead of little kidish which encourages her even more to read.

 

[akcire]

My DD10 has reading difficulties due to vision problems/visual learning disabilities. What she really likes to do is get audio CDs to go along with the book.

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. I had a job in college where I read chapter books aloud, it was a student job at the University of Iowa. The tapes were then used for children with vision issues and also for some reading issues. I am sure sometimes the were just listened to for pure entertainment.

I recorded two book series the summer I "read". The "new" Nancy Drew books and also the Babysitters Club books.

I know the audio I recorded is sometimes used in schools. My cousin is a reading recovery teacher for a school district in Ohio, and she has a couple of books I "read" on tape.

If it were my child I would read with her daily for a set amount of time and then have her read along with a recording for a set amount of time. When I was a kid I loved the books with the records (because I grew up in the late 70's early 80's) where you turned the page when the recording chimed.

Also, I will give you the advise (which will sound preachy) my cousin gives to families with problems reading. Turn off or get rid of the TV.

My cousins and I all grew up in houses without any television (we finally got a family TV when I was 10) not due to economic issues; but because my parents/aunts believed strongly in engaged play. Now did I miss out on a few social things growing up, probably because I could not talk to my friends about the latest TV shows; but we had fun playing. I would not even say we were the smartest kids/people you will meet; but we are all good readers (in multiple languages) and have had professional success.

 

[akelly]

In the meantime, I read her chapter books. And lately, it hasn't been that often... I need to kick it up and read more to her.

Read, read, read to her and make sure it's at an appropriate age level - not at her reading level. When children have reading difficulties they tend to have a lower vocabulary level because they aren't reading books that are as advanced as their peers. However, when you read those type books to them they gain those vocabulary skills.

I have two daughters with dyslexia. I know it can be so frustrating when your child struggles with reading.

Audiblebooks.com is a great place to download audible books. If she can, have her follow along with the text.

 

[SandrA9810]

If it were my child I would read with her daily for a set amount of time and then have her read along with a recording for a set amount of time. When I was a kid I loved the books with the records (because I grew up in the late 70's early 80's) where you turned the page when the recording chimed.

I used to have a TON of these books. It all came in a nice neat little package with a place to hold the tapes and the book. My friend also had several of the records with Disney books, and her own little Mickey Mouse record player. At the back of each book was a spot to hold the record.

I'm surprised more of these books aren't around.

 

[mdsouth]

I have to agree, check out your local library first. The children's department will have lots of audiobooks on tape or CD. Have your DD read along with the audiobooks.

Another source you can try is Scholastic Books. This is the source of all the school book orders. They have lots of great books and often have lots of audiobooks you can buy. Your teacher can give you a code where you can buy online even over the summer. If you can't contact your DD's teacher PM me and I will share my code that I give out to parents of my students that you can use.

Amazon and Barnes and Noble probably have lots of choices too that you can buy. Just select audiobooks when you search.

But, again, first check out your local library to get lots of choices for free.

Amazon and Barnes and Noble probably have lots of choices too.

 

[Marymom]

My son (11) has SLD and ADHD. He was reading at a second grade level in 5th grade. His comprehension levels were at 4th grade level but his fluency was very slow. His teacher gave him audio stories to bring home each night. He listened/followed along on the CD. He then read the story aloud to me. I wrote down all the words he missed and sent it back to the teacher. He would read her the story again and review the misread words.

In Florida, the kids were given 5th grade level cold reads each week to prepare for the FCAT. (state assesment test) He consistently was making C's on them at the end of the school year. It was a huge improvement from the beginning of the year! I think the CD's helped. I do have to say the fact that we chose to put him on ADHD meds helped too!

Good luck! Mary