Books on Tape For Kids

Chapter 2 of Innovative Approaches to Literacy highlights the project Books on Tape for Kids, created by Gino Sangiuliano. This project looks fabulous! Check it out at http://www.booksontapeforkids.org/

The project began as a technology piece for the Rhode Island Foundation's Teacher Training Initiative. It grew into an interdisciplinary, authentic learning opportunity which fosters a love of literacy, a sense of community service, and many skills related to the new literacies. I am very impressed by this project and feel compelled to try it at my own school.

The idea of the project is to have students practice reading books to a point where they feel comfortable recording themselves on tape. (What a great way to develop reading fluency!) Students then record themselves and create artwork, an original story based on the book, a photograph of the children who worked on the book, a pen-pal letter explaining how the project was created and a reply/feedback postcard. The items are then put together in a package and sent to hospitals, libraries and other schools.



Something that really hit home with me was the way this project not only motivated children to learn (our number one goal) but also motivated teachers to become more tech-savvy and less afraid. Many teachers balk at the thought of cooperative learning groups scanning the internet and producing electronic presentations. They know the benefits of it but feel afraid to begin...where does one start? I think a project like Books on Tape for Kids is an excellent place for teachers to begin. The website provides examples of student work and also links to ideas for funding, good books to select and how libraries can be involved.

Technology also allows parents to stay informed and involved in their child's education. The work can be displayed on the class webpage, CD's can be sent home and electronic portfolios can be created that remain with the student throughout his or her academic life. In addition, many parents are involved in the practice readings, children ask for practice at home as they are so motivated to read well when they are recorded. My favorite idea was the Saturday 'family recording' that Sangiuliano held for families to make a recording together....could a child receive any stronger affirmation of the joys involved in reading?


In terms of the benefits for students, I could go on forever. Students used the internet to research possible recipients of the books on tape. They also used their webpage and e-mail to communicate with others. One student actually showed a map of where the books had gone and where they planned to send others, on his website, during a presentation to the school district. I cannot think of a more authentic and purposeful way for students to learn. Sangiuliano comments
"It seems with every recording, the group of students became more creative. With every e-mail or postcard received, the motivation increased."
In addition, students are exposed to numerous curriculum areas such as reading, writing, technology, geography, communication and presentation skills. The latter occurred once the project grew in popularity and students put on information presentations in schools around the district. Now they were experiencing the real-life uses of PowerPoint, Publisher etc. They wrote scripts and evaluated the project so they could explain how beneficial it would be for others...what amazing life skills!
Image taken from http://laurelwoodbooks.com/images/Books%20on%20Tape.jpg