Teaching & Learning Page

Inspiring a Love of Reading with Audiobooks

When children learn to read, they develop a variety of skills, although the main goal is to help them understand and enjoy what they are reading. Just like with any skill, practice makes perfect!

In reading instruction, children work on:

• Phonemic awareness to help them recognize the sounds in words.
• Phonics to learn how letters and sounds work together.
• Fluency to read smoothly with the right speed, accuracy, and expression.
• Vocabulary is all about knowing and using new words.
• Comprehension is understanding what the words on the page mean.

Listening to a professionally trained reader can be a great way to reinforce these skills, especially speed, accuracy, and expression. It also introduces children to new vocabulary in a natural way. When children listen to someone else reading, their brains are still hard at work, understanding and processing just like when they read to themselves.

Children may have trouble finding books they enjoy or choose ones that are either too easy or too challenging. This can make reading feel like a chore, and some might avoid it altogether. Audiobooks can be a fantastic solution, letting children enjoy stories that might be too difficult for them to read on their own.

There are many creative ways to use audiobooks with your child:

• Bedtime wind-down: Used as a calming activity before bed. Dim the lights, set the volume low, and use a timer for a peaceful end to the day.
• Read along: Encourage your child to follow along in the book as they listen. You can pause the audio to discuss interesting parts together.
• Travel time: Perfect for long car rides or plane trips. They keep children entertained without the risk of travel sickness (headphones are a good idea!).

Click on this link for the first chapter of Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone and also Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for you to sample and enjoy!

Below are ten highly recommended audiobooks that offer a mix of adventure, magic, and valuable life lessons:

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - This classic series transports listeners to a magical world full of adventure and moral lessons. The full cast narration adds depth to the experience, making it a favorite for family listening.
2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling - The beginning of Harry Potter’s magical journey is a must-listen, with Stephen Fry’s narration bringing the enchanting world of Hogwarts to life.
3. Matilda by Roald Dahl - Narrated by Kate Winslet, this story of a brilliant girl with telekinetic powers will captivate young listeners with its mix of humor and heart.
4. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell - David Tennant’s lively narration makes this tale of a young Viking learning to train dragons both entertaining and inspiring for kids.
5. The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams - Set in a futuristic London, this exciting story is perfect for children who love a mix of adventure and mystery, with narration from a talented cast.
6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - A great introduction to Greek mythology, this series is filled with action and humor, perfect for young listeners.
7. Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers - Olivia Coleman’s narration of this classic tale of a magical nanny will delight children and parents alike, offering a whimsical escape into a world of imagination.
8. The BFG by Roald Dahl - This delightful story about a big, friendly giant is both funny and touching, making it a great choice for bedtime listening.
9. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - A story about an unlikely hero, a mouse, who embarks on a quest full of courage and adventure. The narration brings the charming characters to life.
10. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne - A timeless classic, this collection of stories about Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood is perfect for young children, with gentle adventures and life lessons.

By combining the rich, evidence-based reading instruction received at Surfside with the enjoyment of audiobooks, our children can continue to grow into confident readers and enthusiastic book lovers.