The Jackson County Public Library is adding books in more formats to help students with reading comprehension, fluency and motivation.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, almost two-thirds of fourth through eighth grade students are reading at basic or below basic reading level. Large print books, with fewer words on the page and more space between words and individual letters, make it easier for struggling readers to decode the text.
Besides audiobook and ebook collections already offered, the library is adding Wonderbooks.
These books, by the Findaway company, have built-in audio. There are two modes of play in each title, a read-along mode where the text is read aloud with tone indicators for page turns, and a learning mode with a question session which includes open ended questions to gauge comprehension. Seeing words and hearing them at the same time can improve comprehension, phonics and vocabulary development.
These formats also can increase a struggling reader’s engagement with reading making it more enjoyable and therefore something a child will seek to do for pleasure.
Large print and Wonderbooks are currently available only at the Seymour library, however, holds can be placed for Crothersville and Medora Library customers.
The library also offers the Paws to Read program in which children in grades K-5 can practice reading aloud to George, a standard poodle, or one of his friends, in a safe environment. Reading takes place simultaneously so no one reader is asked to read aloud to the group.
Information: 812-522-3412 option 2
