• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Contact

teach mama logo

teach mama

helps families connect & build bridges between home & school, by amy mascott

  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning

support for struggling readers: audiobooks

home / reading / support for struggling readers: audiobooks
662 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

When seeking support for struggling readers, audiobooks are one of the first places families should look.

Guess what, friend? Listening to audiobooks counts as reading. Promise.

boy reading on kindle device

Friends, there’s no easy answer to any of these questions or concerns, but I will tell you this: for many kids, reading is a struggle.

For many kids, reading is stressful, difficult, and painful.

From many adults, I hear: 

  • What should I do–my child hates reading!!
  • Is there a ‘quick fix’ for my son, who struggles with reading?
  • My daughter tells me she can’t read. Now what? I think she can read–I just think she doesn’t like to read.
  • How should I react when the summer reading conversation causes stress, anger, or anxiety for my son?
  • What is better for my child–a regular book? an ebook? an audiobook?
  • Is there a tool available to make reading easier for my kids? More enjoyable? 

And one of the things that people tend to ask me most when it comes to summer reading is how they can engage and support reluctant or struggling readers.

The reality is that often our reluctant readers are our struggling readers.

Not always, but often.

Often, these kids don’t want to read because it’s not easy for them. It’s work. It’s hard, and it’s not even a little bit enjoyable. The texts that they are able to decode are ‘babyish’, boring, or low-interest.

boy reading on a kindle device

I’m a longtime user of audiobooks, and, in particular, I love Audible’s seamless integration with multiple devices and wide range of texts. I cannot recommend Audible for kids highly enough.

Especially for our struggling readers, audiobooks add that extra layer of support. And when kids are able to follow along in the text, listen, and watch as words are highlighted, it’s even more of a win.

Check out the incredible titles that can be accessed on Kindle books with narration.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Support for Struggling Readers — Audiobooks

You may have heard of Audible.

Audible, Inc. is all about spoken audio. Audio everything: entertainment, information, and educational programming, and all of it’s online. Audible sells digital audiobooks, radio and TV programs, and audio versions of magazines and newspapers.

Audible deal right now?

  • Try Audible Premium Plus for $6.96/month for the first 4 months

And right now, you can score a pretty sweet deal on Kindle Unlimited if you want to go that route.

Sign up for Kindle Unlimited for FREE for 4 months.

Just listening to books–and following along in the text as it’s read–is super helpful for struggling readers because audiobooks:

  • can motivate readers
  • demonstrate how fluent reading should sound
  • allow readers to really enjoy the story without being frustrated
  • make reading ‘multi-sensory’ which means that readers are seeing and hearing simultaneously
  • help reinforce the sound-symbol relationship between letters
  • remove the pressure for readers who are constantly trying to keep up.

And though it’s a simple process, this multi-sensory approach to reading has huge payoffs for our struggling–and emerging–readers.

S29_-Immersion-Reading-long

Here’s how the Kindle + Audible combo works:

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com 1

1. You buy a Kindle book. (Or get it FREE with Kindle Unlimited!!)

Very simply, head to your Amazon account, and choose a book that interests you.

You don’t need a Kindle; you can download the Kindle App and use it on just about any device.

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com 2

2. Add the Audible audio companion.

Right now SO MANY Audible audio companions are deeply discounted. There are tons and tons of titles your kids will love for a few dollars. Check it out.

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com 3

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com cover

3. Then listen while you read along.

Thanks to “Whispersync for Voice” technology, you can read the book on your tablet, then listen to it on your smartphone and never lose your place. It’s perfect for keeping kids engaged in texts wherever you are!

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com 3Totally cool things you need to know:

  • The narration speed can be adjusted. Maybe go with the 0.75x speed for an emerging reader. Try the 1x speed for struggling readers. Stronger readers may lean towards 1.25x speed.
  • Kids love the Popular Highlights. Popular Highlights on any Kindle book show just that–popular passages, sections, or chapters that were highlighted by other readers.
  • The X-Ray is addicting. The X-Ray shows an in-depth look at where characters or terms were mentioned in the book.
  • Most books have super-cool bonus features. Reading Guide questions are super to use as a starting point for discussion about the text. Some books even contain Bonus Scenes which I love. Often books include a short ‘About the Author’ section at the end. Word Wise is a new feature which helps readers understand the more difficult words. LOVE!

Here are my recommendations for middle  readers. (And for a limited time, you can add narration for about $2.99 or less!)

Click on the image to grab the book and be sure to choose the Kindle format and then check the box to add Audible narration!

And if you’re okay spending a teeny bit more than $2.99 for narration, definitely check out these picks:

Click on the image to grab the book and be sure to choose the Kindle format and then check the box to add Audible narration!

Some all-time favorite books? Books that will get kids laughing for sure??

Click on the image to grab the book and be sure to choose the Kindle format and then check the box to add Audible narration!

Okay. I hit you with a lot here.

Real quick: Why are audiobooks such a big deal for struggling readers?

  • The combination of audio and visual hits multiple modes of learning. Not only are kids able to hear how the words on the page should be read, but they are also able to see the words highlighted at the same time.
  • Kids get a chance to hear how fluent reading should sound.
  • Kids aren’t put on the spot, trying to decode the words themselves. It’s a no-stress situation!
  • It’s a great way to help put the pleasure back into reading so kids can enjoy the story without anxiety.

So check out some of the stories that ‘come to life’ and let me know what you think!

support for struggling readers immersion reading teachmama.com 3

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy. 

You May Also Like...

  • how to get kids to talk about school: what every parent must know
    how to get kids to talk about school: what every parent must know
  • how to prepare your child for kindergarten -- summertime prep
    how to prepare your child for kindergarten -- summertime prep
  • Navigating Education in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Summit for Educators
    Navigating Education in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Summit for Educators

About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro · http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

Previous Post: « coolest gift for moms & teachers? MASTERCLASS
Next Post: fun at-home activities for bored tweens and teens »

Sidebar

our books & freebies

setting the stage for rock-star readers
raise a reader
amy mascott profile blog
subscribe teachmama

join the coolest club around:

Find Us On Social Media

Helpful Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Us On Instagram

View
Open
Hot off the presses!

I've been working CRAZY hours because I'm prepping for a launch in the next two weeks. G U L P!

I'm SUPER excited, and I know you will be too.

Read more here: https://take5.teachmama.com/

#linkinbio #teachmamatake5 #bestoftheweb #take5 #coolestclubintown
View
Open
Loving my new St. Patrick’s Day 🍀 tee and eyeing about 5 others I totally want!

Remember—the more we can get our kids reading, the better! 

So find a fun and festive shirt for everyone in the fam and teach kids phrases like: 

🍀 Saint Patrick’s Day sparks JOY

☘️ Happy Go Lucky

🍀 Team Irish

☘️ Lucky Charm

🍀 Irish I was a little bit taller

☘️ Here for the shenanigans 

🍀 Lucky mama

☘️ A wee bit Irish 

and more!

Right now on Zulily you can grab tees, hoodies, dresses, pj sets, tank tops, slouchy tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and more starting at under $20!

Check them out: zulily.gfpv.net/rnegED

#stpatricksdaydecor #linkinbio #saintpaddysday #familyfun🍀 #irishkids #zulilypartner #raiseareader
View
Open
If you have not yet met the Buddha Board, today is your lucky day.

The Buddha Board is the ideal way to help kids find focus and to relax, and honestly every family could use one.

I would do anything some days to bring a little big of peace and calm–and zen–to our home. 

With a Buddha Board always out on a shelf, we are always just minutes away from unplugged focus and relaxation.

Have you tried one? 

Here are the deets:
https://teachmama.com/help-kids-focus-and-relax-with-the-buddha-board/

#linkinbio #buddhaboard #calmyourmind #mindfulmoments #unplugged
View
Open
Doesn’t it seem like time has become a crazy mashup of virtual-hybrid-normal-life, scattered with the *occasional* bright spot—with an overload of disappointment, confusion, and uncertainty? Like it’s hard to pinpoint what happened exactly last spring or the summer before last or even last fall?

It’s all kind of a jumbled mess?

It feels like that for me. 

But I know this for sure: spending time with these women is truly good for my soul. It’s what my heart needs. Time slows down. I can breathe. 

And it’s what I’m betting everyone needs right now—some time with good friends—sister bffs—friends like family. 

No matter what is going on in the world, these women ground me, help me feel more centered, and fill my heart with so. much. joy. 

I walked Louie this morning with what felt like lighter steps and a bigger smile on my face, and I know it’s because I spent time with beloved friends last night. 

Friends, listen to me: It’s EASY to want to hole up right now and not do much of anything—it’s dark by 5pm, it’s freezing out, it’s grey and gross outside, and we are all so tired. But one night this week or next, call a pal. 

Make plans for coffee or a meal together, and just RECONNECT with some friends. Put on a little lipstick. Dust off that bottle of perfume. Wear a big sweater over a tee shirt and leggings and put on fun earrings. It’s not that hard, but it makes a difference. 

I guarantee it will be exactly what you need and you will move forward the next few days with a brighter spirit. 

Love you, @jessicamcfadd @justicefergie and @sandie_chen so, so, SO MUCH. And love Evie too!! 

Let’s get another date on the calendar stat. 😉😍

(Of COURSE we made beautiful @eve.mcfadden pose with us last night after her dance class because we are her bloggy aunties and have known her since she was 2yo and we love her like our own.)

#wwh #bff4life #ogbloggers #sisterfriends
View
Open
Thank you @delegateericluedtke @senzucker @delegatepamqueen for meeting with Maryland @MomsDemand volunteers to discuss how we can work together to end gun violence in our communities. 

JOIN US at our next event by texting READY to 644-33 to get involved in your community!

#MDGA22 #MDpolitics #MomsAreEverywhere #DoSomething #SaySomething #BeTheChange
View
Open
As a @MomsDemand volunteer, I just met virtually with my #MDGA22 legislators to work to keep our state safe from gun violence. 

I told @delegateericluedtke @senzucker @delegatepamqueen that:

- In 1999, I was teaching English at Wilde Lake HS in Columbia, MD when the Columbine HS massacre took place. I vowed then that I would do everything I could to prevent something like that from happening again. I thought: There is NO WAY this will happen when I have children in school. Laws will change. Surely we will protect our children better.

- In 2007, I had just had my 3rd child, and a month later, the VA Tech shooting took place. I watched the news in horror and thought, please, please, PLEASE let smart people make laws to prevent this from ever happening again. PLEASE. 

- In 2012, I had three kids in elementary school--K, 1st, and 3rd grade, and my husband was an admin at a different school. That same year, 20 children and 6 adults were shot and killed at Sandy Hook ES. I joined @sandyhookpromise as soon as it was created. I thought: THIS will be the last one. No more senseless, preventable deaths.

- In 2022, just last week, at Magruder HS, where I once taught English and where my husband coached soccer, there was another shooting. This time with a ghost gun. Every day, I send my 3 children off to high school 10 minutes down the road from Magruder HS, and every day, I plead, pray, and beg God to keep them safe. 

They should not fear for their lives when they walk into school each day, nor should ANY child, any teacher, any administrator, or support staff. Schools should be safe places.

Today, we asked #Maryland lawmakers to prioritize legislation to prohibit the manufacture & sale of ghost guns: do-it-yourself weapons that can be downloaded or purchased online, bypassing the background check system that keeps us all safe. 

Please do the same. Join your local @momsdemand or @studentsdemand 

#UseYourVoice #DoSomething
#MDpolitics #MomsAreEverywhere
View
Open
Although I can’t be in Annapolis today, this Maryland @MomsDemand volunteer stands with those there in urging my legislators to protect our state from ghost guns. #MomsAreEverywhere #MDGA22 #MDpolitics

Want to get involved? 

❤️ visit momsdemandaction.org

❤️ share ANY and ALL @momsdemand @studentsdemand or @everytown posts

❤️ share any and all #MDGA22 #MDpolitics posts 

❤️ join this movement and make a difference!

#DoSomething #SaySomething #BeTheChange #EndGunViolence
View
Open
🔥 Hot off the presses 🔥

Take 5: here's what happened to me, and here's where we're going. . .

Excited about big things happening over here in 2022. 

Things may look a little different as we release and share, but if you want to stay ‘in the know’, subscribe here: https://take5.teachmama.com/

#herewego #thescoop #herearethedeets #linkinbio
View
Open
Time for your New Year’s Family Interview! 

If you haven’t done it yet, it’s OKAY. We are all feeing a little bit behind already this year. 

Be good to yourself. 

Love your people well. 

Head over and grab your *new and improved* New Year’s Family Interviews here: https://shop.teachmama.com/product/new-years-family-interview/

#newyearinterview #familyfun #easytraditions #linkinbio

Copyright © 2022 · teach mama media, llc · All Rights Reserved

  • 152
662 shares