[Web4lib] Audiobooks, are they helping kids learn to read?

[Michele Hampshire]

Michelle, you definitely have a point that listening to books does
nothing to boost spelling skills. IMHO, email and text messaging are to
blame. Even so, is spelling a worthwhile skill to have? Shakespeare sure
couldn't spell. Anyway, my word processor does a pretty good job of
fixing my spelling errors. 

You may very well say WTF, but I say the only skill that matters is
writing (which includes grammar and style). Poor writing skills are not
confined to the current "lazy generation." We all work with people whose
writing skills make us want to :0.     

I love to supplement my reading with audio books (and they soothe my
road rage), but I feel sorry for anyone who uses audio to replace print.
Holding a beautifully bound book and falling into that smooth, white
ravine is a singular pleasure.

TTFN, Michele

Michele Hampshire
Web Librarian
Mill Valley Public Library
375 Throckmorton Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-389-4292 x107
http://millvalleylibrary.org


-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Michelle Mumau
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 8:57 AM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org; publib at webjunction.org.
Subject: [Web4lib] Audiobooks, are they helping kids learn to read?


I was just wondering what your thoughts are on audio books and
education? In my opinion audio books are NOT helping kids learn to read.
I believe that the current generation of children are lazier than ever
and audio books are just feeding into that mentality. I teach 7th grade
and it is amazing how many children can't read.... and their spelling is
atrocious. Can we blame it all on audio books, of course not, but I do
think it is a contributing factor. 
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