The library is starting a new service for juniors where they can download books onto their phones. Research has shown that audiobooks are useful in improving reading skills and a great way to get reluctant readers interested in stories as the barrier of difficult text is removed.

Audiobooks can make stories come alive in a way that print books can’t as listeners have the opportunity to hear speech patterns and rhythms that they might miss in print, and this in turn could help their own speaking and articulation. If a student is struggling with decoding or comprehension, then using an audiobook with the print copy at the same time can help link pronunciation and comprehension with text. Audiobooks are also a great way for parents to join in with their son's reading as by downloading a book onto a phone, they can be listened to at any time - including in the car on a long journey.

For class time, if a student wants to listen to a book, teachers have requested that the students have a paperback copy of the book at the same time so that they can follow along with the text. To help resource this, the PTA have funded a specific collection of over 50 books for the library so that students can issue the paperback edition along with the audiobook. However, remember that when students are not in class, they can listen to whatever audiobooks they want to as often as they like.

Junior students can access the audiobook catalogue by using the ePlatform app from Wheelers Book Club available from the Google Play Store and the Apple App store. All the junior students are already members by being part of the school community and to access these books they just need to log in using their school internet login details. Some of the books available include Wonder by R.J. Palacio, the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

Audiobooks 2019 - TBHS Library — Image by: TBHS

For help using the audiobooks or installing the app, visit the school audiobook catalogue available at https://timaruboys.wheelers.co/ or see Mrs Hutchinson in the library.

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