Tape-Recorded Books

Carbo (1984) emphasizes the value of tape-recorded books for the classroom. As students listen, follow along, and read aloud with the recording, they improve their literacy skills. She offers the following suggestions to the person doing the recording:

• Select material that will be interesting to the student. Or, better yet, record material that the student has selected.

• Record in a quiet place.

• When reading the actual text, use a voice that would normally be used when reading to a child. Convey interest and enthusiasm.

• When giving oral cues such as "turn the page," use a softer voice.

• Tell the title of the book and what page to turn to. Remember to pause long enough for the student to turn the page and look at the pictures.

• Read slowly so students can follow along but not so slowly that it will be boring.

• Emphasize short phrases in the writing. Pause slightly between phrases.

• Continue reading, making sure to tell the student when to turn the page. As the student's reading skills improve, oral clues such as "turn the page" will be unnecessary.

• If a word is likely to be unfamiliar to the student, pause to be sure the student has time to look at the word.

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