Audiobooks
The Sour Grape audiobook checked out on Libby.
Let’s face it, sometimes no matter how much we want to have time to sit quietly and delve into our favorite novel, there just isn’t time in the day. While I recall this excuse being top of my list as a student years ago, now as a toddler mom constantly trying to keep up with the tasks of life, I feel this, “I don’t have time,” excuse to my core. Trust me, there is nothing I would love more than for my sweet toddler to occupy himself for thirty minutes while I slowly sip my coffee and casually flip through my book club’s latest pick. However, that just isn’t the stage of motherhood I’m in right now. My child needs me nearly round the clock, and those cherished moments where he is napping become catch-up on household tasks that must be done for us to function (dishes, laundry, laundry, and oh- more laundry!).
I found the love of reading in my early twenties, and reading 30+ books a year became a common occurrence for me throughout my twenties. When my son was born, I was shocked at the level of sacrifice that came with being a “good” mom; namely the sacrifice of using my time for my needs versus my child’s needs. Obviously, in every situation my child always comes first. However, after only reading eight books the year after my son was born, I realized that reading was a huge piece of myself that I missed from my B.C. era (before children). Insert: audiobooks.
Audiobooks have become my saving grace as I find myself in motherhood. I love reading, but as an extrovert what I love more than reading a book is talking about it with others. Sharing a common literary experience with someone first through ingesting the story and second through thoughtful conversation is what makes my reading experience meaningful, and audiobooks have helped me get that experience back. Now, I’m able to listen to a story while my son naps and while I tackle the never ending pile of dirty clothes produced by my toddler (seriously, how do they go through so many clothes?!). I can listen while we drive from playdate to playdate. I can listen in the shower or as I get ready for the day. I can listen as I walk the dogs. I can listen while doing basically anything other than playing with my son, because he deserves my undivided attention, and then pick up my physical copy of the book should I have the time and energy at the conclusion of my day.
In regards to audiobooks versus physical books for comprehension, many studies suggest that the same brain functions and skills are achieved through story in general regardless of the format (Best 2020). In schools, this can mean that teachers use audiobooks to help struggling readers or those with dyslexia enhance their reading experience through practices such as reading while listening. As Gene Wolfson (2008) writes: “Since the reading process develops through our experiences with oral language, audiobooks simply provide another opportunity to increase the understanding and appreciation of the written word. Audiobooks can model reading, teach critical listening, build on prior knowledge, improve vocabulary, encourage oral language usage, and increase comprehension. Essentially, reading audiobooks supports the development of all four language systems: phonological, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic” (Best 2020). Before the popular use of audiobooks, I can recall my fourth grade teacher spending rainy recess days on her stool at the front of the room reading to the class. Our group became so invested in the story that we began to beg her to read during any free moments throughout our day.
Beyond the classroom, these studies supporting audiobook use to improve comprehension skills can encourage parents to use audiobooks rather than tablets as entertainment for kids during long car rides, or quiet time at home. Encourage teens to listen to audiobooks rather than only music while completing certain chores such as, you guessed it- laundry! And for those who have little children, like me, remember that reading to your child is the earliest form of an “audiobook” for them. Keep reading to your kids, keep talking to your kids about reading, and if you really want to go the extra mile, become a reader yourself to model what literacy can look like beyond school years. Even in seasons without the time to sit down and read, let an audiobook whisk you away on an adventure you’re sure to enjoy sharing with others down the line.
Some of my favorite audiobooks to date: Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Grace Year by Kim Liggett, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (YA), A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (YA).
Some of my son’s (2 years old) favorite audiobooks to date: Dragons Love Tacos, The Sour Grape, Curious George, Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana, Are You My Mother?, and Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site.
