My students need 10 MP3 players, access to digitally recorded literature passages, 2 microphone to record readings, and books so that they can improve their reading fluency and comprehension abilities.
Some kids love literature, some don't, and still others don't entirely have access to it because of a learning disability. When reading is difficult, enjoying reading (and the journey of the tale) becomes impossible.
I work with students who have disabilities that keep them from fully experiencing literature lessons because they need to put so much of their effort into the word to word process of reading.
We want to close the gap that exists between interest level and ability level (with reading) in a discrete manner that still allows for grade level work in other areas (like character analysis, foreshadowing, predictions, plot development, and on and on...).
My Project
A microphone for teachers and volunteers to record, and MP3 players for students to hear digital recordings of text, passages and books, will allow students to discretely follow along as material is read to them. For junior high students, discretion is everything. A small ear bud and a small MP3 player can open up a whole new area of learning and interests for these students without the embarrassment of having to be read to or having to read "baby" books. Studies have shown an tremendous benefit to reading along with audio which include increased reading levels and increased comprehension skills (Fluency Instruction-Research Based Best Practices, Rasinkski, Blachowicz, Lems).
Thank you in advance for taking the time to look over our request.
You have an opportunity to give students (at an age level where they know everything) the message that the things that we ask them to read are not only important--they are obtainable to them.
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