This week I found an absolute treasure I didn’t know existed. It is so revolutionary – so remarkable – has such profound possibilities – I can hardly stand it. It is so perfect for visual learners and open up whole new realms of possibility for them.

I was at the library cruising the shelves for new books to keep our grandson reading this summer and grew overwhelmed by the volume of titles. So I found the librarian and asked for help finding the right “early readers”. Along with early readers I found a few books my daughter wanted to read with him and I really wanted to find a few audio books so he could do his own reading – by listening. Listening to books can make reading fun, especially for kids that may struggle with language or have trouble sitting still. They allow kids to ‘read’ books beyond their current level, which helps them want to keep reading. Audio books also let kids kick back, enjoy the story and let their imaginations run free.

The ‘absolute treasure’ with ‘profound possibilities’ that I discovered this week was an audio book, a very unique audio book. As we looked for books, the librarian introduced me to “Playaway”, a pre-loaded digital audio book. I was so excited when I saw it. This particular type of audio book is its own device! No downloads. No CD players. Just plug in earphones and you’re ready to listen! And it’s so small it fits into the palm of your hand, which makes it even more enticing for a young reader- Brayden loves little tiny things! As we searched for an appropriate title for our young reader, I realized the Playaway book selection at the library was very limited and most of what they did have was geared to more mature readers. Eventually, I found Charlotte’s Web, the perfect choice.

 Once he saw it, active, curious, creative, Brayden was hooked immediately. We got home, he snagged his mom’s headphones and after a quick tech review and brief story introduction, he was ready to listen on his own. Over the next two hours we found him with head phones on – curled up on a chair, getting a snack, on the patio deep in thought, back in the house, snuggled up on couch – listening. Always listening. Every once in awhile he would shout – “I’m on Chapter 2.” “The duck is a girl.” “I like the pig.” “Spiders eat flies!”

He was so happy. Knowing he is a visual-spatial learner, I appreciate that he’s listening in a way that allows him some movement and self-determinism, while still requiring active listening.  And he thinks he’s pretty cool listening to such a big kid book on his own.

 Whether you find audio books in “PlayAway” format or audio books to play on a CD or IPod, they’re a great way to spruce up summer reading and give your chid the tools to crank through some books and build confidence.

 What books are your kids reading or listening to this summer?