Can you get rich selling e-books? Huge profit is not guaranteed, but you can build a nice income for sure and you can also create some nice links for your website. Improving your links will help create better search engine ranking and more visitors to your site.
E-books are electronic versions of printed material that can contain text, sound, and images. The profit potential from selling them is high because start up and operating expenses are very low. The biggest expense is purchasing books for sale.
You can earn even more money if you write some of your own e-books. Your writing skills don't have to be stellar. There are online sources that will take your research and craft an e-book for you. Some of these companies even take care of marketing, payments, and shipping.
Buying e-books for Sale
You can purchase e-books from authors online. eBay is another source for e-book buying. Purchase e-books with resell rights. This allows customers to sell the e-books they buy from you themselves thus providing an incentive for them to do business with you.
Make sure the e-books you buy (or write yourself) are full of useful information and resources. Some e-books are nothing more than ads and sales pitches for the writer's products. These "ad books" will turn off customers and decrease repeat business.
Do your research to determine what types of information people are seeking. Getting rich selling e-books will depend on the topics covered, customer base, and marketing campaign.
Before buying an e-book for resale, do an online search for the title. If lots of web sites are selling the book, it's probably a popular title and will be a good seller. It also helps to sell e-books that cater to a specific market niche. Search online forums and other group sites to locate potential target markets for niche titles. Contact these groups with a short email inviting them to visit your site. Offer an incentive such as 20% off first purchase to increase site traffic.
E-books about current trends or hot topics will generate more income. Your income will really get a boost if you can spot the "next big topic" and write or purchase e-books to sell before the competition saturates the market.
Marketing Extras
You can use a common template for your e-books web site or sell them on an existing site you already have. However, to stand out from the competition, create you own web site to sell e-books. Always add new titles to your stock to keep old customers coming back and to attract new ones. Use email to notify customers of new titles and special sales. Offer discounts on slow moving titles.
Affiliate programs are another way to get rich selling e-books. The affiliate pays you a commission for of its e-books you sell. To earn extra cash from e-books you write, start your own affiliate program.
There are plenty of online and print books that will help you learn how to get in on the e-book sales bandwagon. A good place to begin reading is "Make Your Knowledge Sell," by Ken Evoy and Monique Harris.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Parenting Books
Being a Parent
Being a parent is considered the hardest job in the world, and everyone needs a little help and advice from time to time. There are many books written by parenting experts and doctors to help guide you through your baby's first 12 months. It's okay to get advice and help from other people when it comes to raising your child. After all, babies don't come with an instruction manual. You'll find many books that can help you with such issues as breastfeeding, teething, nutrition, and parenting.
Parenting Books for the First 12 Months
These books are all great tools for parents who want to do a little research, or get some tips when it comes to raising children:
Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby's First Year
Mayo Clinic
Hardcover, William Morrow & Company, 1994, ISBN # 0688117619
This book delves into the world of motherhood, exploring issues such as breastfeeding and the changes in a woman's body. Family issues and parenting advice are also offered.
The Contented Little Baby Book: The Simple Secrets of Calm, Confident Parenting
Ford, Gina
Paperback, New American Library, 2001, ISBN # 0451202430
This book discusses what's best for the baby, delving into sleeping and nutritional information to help guide you. Many simple strategies are featured in this book that will help parents establish rules and patterns to ensure the continued health and happiness of their child.
The Everything Get Ready for Baby Book: From Buying the Right Gear to Learning the Best Lullabies
Jones, Katina
Paperback, Adams Media Corporation, 1998, ISBN # 1558508449
This book is filled with invaluable advice about selecting a name, a pediatrician, and proper feeding methods. You can start preparing for your baby's arrival in advance with the advice found in the pages of this guide.
The Mother of All Baby Books
Douglas, Ann
Paperback, Hungry Minds, 2002, ISBN # 0764566164
This book explores healthy infant development, feeding, sleeping, and medical advice for the first year of your baby's life.
The Joy of Fatherhood: The First Twelve Months Expanded 2nd Edition (Paperback)
Marcus Jacob Goldman MD
Even fathers need help when it comes to raising a child, and there's no reason that new fathers should be left out. This book offers invaluable advice and tips for fathers who want to have a hands-on role in their child's early development.
Your Baby's First Year Week by Week
Glade B Curtis
ISBN: 1555612326
This book takes you week-by-week through your child's development, offering advice and tips through the earliest stages of your baby's development.
Rookie Dad: Fun and Easy Exercises and Games for Dads and Babies in Their First Year
Susan Fox
For fathers who want to find ways to connect with their child, this book offers great advice and activities. You want your child to get to know you as soon as possible, and some fathers feel a little left out of the special mother-child bond that arises. This book helps fathers get close to their children, beginning at an early age.
Keeping the Baby Alive till Your Wife Gets Home
Walter Roark
This humorous look at fatherhood is one that new fathers will immediately identify with. This book can serve as a guide to fathers who are inexperienced when it comes to babies – as so many of them are.
When it comes to raising your baby, you can never learn too much. Check out some of these parenting books for the first 12 months of your baby's life to get started on the right foot when it comes to parenthood.
Being a parent is considered the hardest job in the world, and everyone needs a little help and advice from time to time. There are many books written by parenting experts and doctors to help guide you through your baby's first 12 months. It's okay to get advice and help from other people when it comes to raising your child. After all, babies don't come with an instruction manual. You'll find many books that can help you with such issues as breastfeeding, teething, nutrition, and parenting.
Parenting Books for the First 12 Months
These books are all great tools for parents who want to do a little research, or get some tips when it comes to raising children:
Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby's First Year
Mayo Clinic
Hardcover, William Morrow & Company, 1994, ISBN # 0688117619
This book delves into the world of motherhood, exploring issues such as breastfeeding and the changes in a woman's body. Family issues and parenting advice are also offered.
The Contented Little Baby Book: The Simple Secrets of Calm, Confident Parenting
Ford, Gina
Paperback, New American Library, 2001, ISBN # 0451202430
This book discusses what's best for the baby, delving into sleeping and nutritional information to help guide you. Many simple strategies are featured in this book that will help parents establish rules and patterns to ensure the continued health and happiness of their child.
The Everything Get Ready for Baby Book: From Buying the Right Gear to Learning the Best Lullabies
Jones, Katina
Paperback, Adams Media Corporation, 1998, ISBN # 1558508449
This book is filled with invaluable advice about selecting a name, a pediatrician, and proper feeding methods. You can start preparing for your baby's arrival in advance with the advice found in the pages of this guide.
The Mother of All Baby Books
Douglas, Ann
Paperback, Hungry Minds, 2002, ISBN # 0764566164
This book explores healthy infant development, feeding, sleeping, and medical advice for the first year of your baby's life.
The Joy of Fatherhood: The First Twelve Months Expanded 2nd Edition (Paperback)
Marcus Jacob Goldman MD
Even fathers need help when it comes to raising a child, and there's no reason that new fathers should be left out. This book offers invaluable advice and tips for fathers who want to have a hands-on role in their child's early development.
Your Baby's First Year Week by Week
Glade B Curtis
ISBN: 1555612326
This book takes you week-by-week through your child's development, offering advice and tips through the earliest stages of your baby's development.
Rookie Dad: Fun and Easy Exercises and Games for Dads and Babies in Their First Year
Susan Fox
For fathers who want to find ways to connect with their child, this book offers great advice and activities. You want your child to get to know you as soon as possible, and some fathers feel a little left out of the special mother-child bond that arises. This book helps fathers get close to their children, beginning at an early age.
Keeping the Baby Alive till Your Wife Gets Home
Walter Roark
This humorous look at fatherhood is one that new fathers will immediately identify with. This book can serve as a guide to fathers who are inexperienced when it comes to babies – as so many of them are.
When it comes to raising your baby, you can never learn too much. Check out some of these parenting books for the first 12 months of your baby's life to get started on the right foot when it comes to parenthood.
Advantages of Learning Through Audio Books
Books on tapes, audio books, and other audio learning devices are fast gaining popularity in the education field. In using audio book learning systems for the purpose of education, parents, teachers, and educators are relieved that its benefits are numerous. The increasing success of starting and struggling readers is often credited to using audio books as part of their learning process. Aside from this, there are other advantages in using audio materials not only in schools, but also in homes and other places.
In education, it is generally cheaper to provide a single set of books on tape, audio books, and other audio learning materials for the class to share. Money is saved because individual books are not needed. Plus, the teacher will be able to do more with his or her time while the class listens to audio lessons. Researches also show that a large percentage- 85%- of our learning and knowledge actually comes from listening. Another plus factor for using audio books is the improvement of the students' listening and comprehension skills. They are compelled to listen attentively since they cannot follow what is being played on tape with a book. In addition, studies have proved that reading beginners see printed words as disconnected symbols. Through the aid of audio learning, the rhythm of the speech and its patterns are made distinct, thereby making the printed material flowing and easily absorbed. What's more, early readers can learn the pronunciation of words through listening to books on tapes. This minimizes the risk of losing interest in reading. Difficulty in pronouncing words and the pressure of pronouncing words correctly are two of the most common reason why people lose interest in reading. Also, even if the reader does not understand the definite meaning of words or of what they're hearing, they will have an idea about its meaning depending on how it is said on tape.
The importance of books on tape, audio books, and audio learning devices are not confined to the classroom. Homeschoolers often use audio books during their classes at home. Advantages for using audio books include the development of interest for literature. It is common knowledge that children loved to be read to. Audio books and learning are a great way to expose them to literatures other than the traditional fairy tales. The danger of them being bored is very minimal as professional actors usually narrates and portrays the characters. Interesting sound effects are also added for additional enjoyment. Plus, children at an early age will learn to associate literature with a fun activity. For adults, books on tape, audio books, and audio learning devices are great ways to learn a foreign language. It is proven that learning a new language is easier if you hear it often. Also, the need to enroll in a language course is not necessary unless it is a certification that you want.
Reasons for using books on tapes, audio books, and audio learning devices are many; but still, education is the greatest. These reasons should and hopefully will provide readers with ideas on how important, and fun, audio learning is when used for education. A hoped-for and expected effect of books on tape and audio books are that children and students read at home with willingness and interest.
In education, it is generally cheaper to provide a single set of books on tape, audio books, and other audio learning materials for the class to share. Money is saved because individual books are not needed. Plus, the teacher will be able to do more with his or her time while the class listens to audio lessons. Researches also show that a large percentage- 85%- of our learning and knowledge actually comes from listening. Another plus factor for using audio books is the improvement of the students' listening and comprehension skills. They are compelled to listen attentively since they cannot follow what is being played on tape with a book. In addition, studies have proved that reading beginners see printed words as disconnected symbols. Through the aid of audio learning, the rhythm of the speech and its patterns are made distinct, thereby making the printed material flowing and easily absorbed. What's more, early readers can learn the pronunciation of words through listening to books on tapes. This minimizes the risk of losing interest in reading. Difficulty in pronouncing words and the pressure of pronouncing words correctly are two of the most common reason why people lose interest in reading. Also, even if the reader does not understand the definite meaning of words or of what they're hearing, they will have an idea about its meaning depending on how it is said on tape.
The importance of books on tape, audio books, and audio learning devices are not confined to the classroom. Homeschoolers often use audio books during their classes at home. Advantages for using audio books include the development of interest for literature. It is common knowledge that children loved to be read to. Audio books and learning are a great way to expose them to literatures other than the traditional fairy tales. The danger of them being bored is very minimal as professional actors usually narrates and portrays the characters. Interesting sound effects are also added for additional enjoyment. Plus, children at an early age will learn to associate literature with a fun activity. For adults, books on tape, audio books, and audio learning devices are great ways to learn a foreign language. It is proven that learning a new language is easier if you hear it often. Also, the need to enroll in a language course is not necessary unless it is a certification that you want.
Reasons for using books on tapes, audio books, and audio learning devices are many; but still, education is the greatest. These reasons should and hopefully will provide readers with ideas on how important, and fun, audio learning is when used for education. A hoped-for and expected effect of books on tape and audio books are that children and students read at home with willingness and interest.
Interactive Electronic Children's Books
Did you know there are numerous authors that have published children's books in electronic format? What is electronic format? Well, that is when a book is available from the computer as a download or on CD or on diskette.
If a customer purchases a book as a download, then the publisher sends them the book through email sometimes with a link where they can go to download it themselves, or as an attachment. If the customer purchases the book on CD or diskette, then the book will arrive through the mail with cover art, spine, author information, ISBN (International Standard Book Number, which is a ten-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products that are published internationally. It identifies one title or an edition of a title from one specific publisher), and instructions on how to open your book.
Here are a few fabulous children's electronic book, many of which come with sounds and animation. CAPTAIN ANGUS, THE LIGHTHOUSE GHOST by Wendy Laing, published by Wendave, http://wendave.com/wendaveaudiobooks.html, is a book written using The Cape Otway Lighthouse in Victoria, Australia. Laing's book, creditable as a teaching aid, educates readers about pioneer history in Australia. Readers follow along with two children, exploring through a magic time travel tunnel with an old Scottish sea captain.
BECAUSE I SAID SO by Dotti Enderle, published by Writers-Exchange EPublishing tells the story of little Logan and his mother. Every time his mother asks him to complete a task such as pick up his toys or to take a bath, Logan asks her why. His mother's response is clear and simple"BECAUSE I SAID SO." In the end of this delightful illustrated book, Logan surprises his mother with a reply to her why question.
Perhaps you are looking for a book that teaches your children about marriage. BICYCLE: A STORY ABOUT MARRIAGE by Rod Lenfest is just the book you need. Published by Writers-Exchange EPublishing, this book comes complete with comical illustrations. It is a story about marriage written so children of all ages can understand. It is an amusing and easy-to-read book. The helpful information in the back section enables readers to get the most from the story. Lenfest uses a bicycle as a metaphor to teach readers the many parts a marriage needs to succeed.
Book number two in the Green Heart Series, BLUEGUM CHRISTMAS: A MIRACLE AT SASSAFRAS CREEK by Marlies Bugmann, published by Zumaya Publications is a quick, satisfying read. This book teaches children the importance of taking care of our ecosystem in a fiction plot using a little eight-year-old boy named Ben Arthurson and a little ten-year-old girl named Samantha Hogan. Together they learn the uniqueness of the rare and beautiful Christmas birds; save the bluegum trees from destruction, and learn to appreciate nature and their surroundings.
Remember, just because some books are electronic (e-book) books, doesnt mean they arent fantastic! Open up an electronic book today and get to know some talented new authors.
If a customer purchases a book as a download, then the publisher sends them the book through email sometimes with a link where they can go to download it themselves, or as an attachment. If the customer purchases the book on CD or diskette, then the book will arrive through the mail with cover art, spine, author information, ISBN (International Standard Book Number, which is a ten-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products that are published internationally. It identifies one title or an edition of a title from one specific publisher), and instructions on how to open your book.
Here are a few fabulous children's electronic book, many of which come with sounds and animation. CAPTAIN ANGUS, THE LIGHTHOUSE GHOST by Wendy Laing, published by Wendave, http://wendave.com/wendaveaudiobooks.html, is a book written using The Cape Otway Lighthouse in Victoria, Australia. Laing's book, creditable as a teaching aid, educates readers about pioneer history in Australia. Readers follow along with two children, exploring through a magic time travel tunnel with an old Scottish sea captain.
BECAUSE I SAID SO by Dotti Enderle, published by Writers-Exchange EPublishing tells the story of little Logan and his mother. Every time his mother asks him to complete a task such as pick up his toys or to take a bath, Logan asks her why. His mother's response is clear and simple"BECAUSE I SAID SO." In the end of this delightful illustrated book, Logan surprises his mother with a reply to her why question.
Perhaps you are looking for a book that teaches your children about marriage. BICYCLE: A STORY ABOUT MARRIAGE by Rod Lenfest is just the book you need. Published by Writers-Exchange EPublishing, this book comes complete with comical illustrations. It is a story about marriage written so children of all ages can understand. It is an amusing and easy-to-read book. The helpful information in the back section enables readers to get the most from the story. Lenfest uses a bicycle as a metaphor to teach readers the many parts a marriage needs to succeed.
Book number two in the Green Heart Series, BLUEGUM CHRISTMAS: A MIRACLE AT SASSAFRAS CREEK by Marlies Bugmann, published by Zumaya Publications is a quick, satisfying read. This book teaches children the importance of taking care of our ecosystem in a fiction plot using a little eight-year-old boy named Ben Arthurson and a little ten-year-old girl named Samantha Hogan. Together they learn the uniqueness of the rare and beautiful Christmas birds; save the bluegum trees from destruction, and learn to appreciate nature and their surroundings.
Remember, just because some books are electronic (e-book) books, doesnt mean they arent fantastic! Open up an electronic book today and get to know some talented new authors.
Tips For Buying Children's Books
Reading is seeing a return with more and more parents wanting their children to read. This has resulted in an increase in the sale of children's literature month by month. Parents want to catch their children young and get them hooked on to the written word. Making them aware of the world around them giving them a jump start on to education and learning.
There are many types of children's books that you have to choose from when buying for children. No matter how old your children are you'll be able to find a topic that interests them. For infants and toddlers you'll want to choose books that are bright and easy to look at. Young children aren't interested in the written word but they are fascinated with the pictures and the sounds that go along with the words that you're saying.
Initially baby and toddlers books are made up of only pictures. It is only when they grow up say around six do they start to look for other things to keep them interested such as the written word. In this age their books have pictures along with words so that they can correlate between the two. You can read aloud and they can follow the pictures.
When children are between 4 and 6 years old, they will be interested in the story that goes with the pictures. The most sought after books for kids in this age group tell stories of everyday family life. They will like associating events in their own experiences with those in the books.
By the time children are school-aged, they can't wait to learn how to read. They will still enjoy having someone read to them, but they will be ready to try out their own skills. Some stories they usually like are about adventures, mysteries, and fantasy.
Older children that are reading well on their own will want to read books that are longer and have a subject matter that keeps them entertained for long periods of time. The Harry Potter books are of course some of the most requested books in the children's literature market today.
In time they will like books that are about a main character that can solve problems and mysteries with their own minds. These stories help children to grow in the areas of self-control and personal power. Usually they aren't thinking about this while they're reading, but the positive notions contained in a well written story will benefit their self-growth.
Each child is different so there isn't a formula for buying the right book. Keep trying different types until you learn what they prefer. There will still be times when they don't react just as you expected. They will love some books and not care at all for others.
A good idea is to taker your children along while selecting books for them. Let them pick out the ones they like. This will given them an impetus to read according to their likes and dislikes. You will however, need to supervise to ensure that they select books matching their level.
There are many types of children's books that you have to choose from when buying for children. No matter how old your children are you'll be able to find a topic that interests them. For infants and toddlers you'll want to choose books that are bright and easy to look at. Young children aren't interested in the written word but they are fascinated with the pictures and the sounds that go along with the words that you're saying.
Initially baby and toddlers books are made up of only pictures. It is only when they grow up say around six do they start to look for other things to keep them interested such as the written word. In this age their books have pictures along with words so that they can correlate between the two. You can read aloud and they can follow the pictures.
When children are between 4 and 6 years old, they will be interested in the story that goes with the pictures. The most sought after books for kids in this age group tell stories of everyday family life. They will like associating events in their own experiences with those in the books.
By the time children are school-aged, they can't wait to learn how to read. They will still enjoy having someone read to them, but they will be ready to try out their own skills. Some stories they usually like are about adventures, mysteries, and fantasy.
Older children that are reading well on their own will want to read books that are longer and have a subject matter that keeps them entertained for long periods of time. The Harry Potter books are of course some of the most requested books in the children's literature market today.
In time they will like books that are about a main character that can solve problems and mysteries with their own minds. These stories help children to grow in the areas of self-control and personal power. Usually they aren't thinking about this while they're reading, but the positive notions contained in a well written story will benefit their self-growth.
Each child is different so there isn't a formula for buying the right book. Keep trying different types until you learn what they prefer. There will still be times when they don't react just as you expected. They will love some books and not care at all for others.
A good idea is to taker your children along while selecting books for them. Let them pick out the ones they like. This will given them an impetus to read according to their likes and dislikes. You will however, need to supervise to ensure that they select books matching their level.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Self-Published Books Need A Professional Appearance
Not long ago, I read a self-published book produced by a printing company, where the author was required to furnish not only the manuscript, but the layout and cover. The cover was the best part of this book. The story had potential (although erratic and overwritten) and was compelling enough that, out of curiosity, I finished it. I have read esthetically-rough fiction from traditional publishers, but those at least had a professional layout and had been scrutinized by a copy editor. This one--not.
I have no gripe with the concept of self-publishing, but if a writer wants a book to be taken seriously, some basics have to be considered. Liberal use of Strunk and White (Elements of Style) is a must, as well as referring to Chicago Manual of Style. Be certain punctuation is correctly rendered. Three periods (...) does not an ellipse make. Ellipses are not followed by any other punctuation ["What do you mean…, you have to go?"]. Uppercase letters should rarely be used for emphatic dialogue ["what WE did, did NOT cause what happened"]; description before dialogue should not end with a comma. [Green eyes betrayed her, "I'm sure you do."].
A copy editor would have caught ninety-eight percent of these errors, as well as the character names that changed mid-scene.
Regarding layout, the text alignment in a professional book is justified, with widow and orphan control, usually with 11pt type and type kerning so lines of text have uniformity. Quotation marks and apostrophes must be consistent throughout the text, not curly marks to start dialogue with straight apostrophes in contractions. A disregard (or ignorance) of these basics is what I see most in self-published books.
Self-publishing has a lot of benefits, especially to the environment. With traditional publishers, if they have a print run of 3,000 books, 2,000 of them can set in a warehouse for six months and then end up in a landfill. Most self-published material is print-on-demand, so less paper and printer ink is used. But if an author wants to do more than give away his self-published book to friends and family, the book must have a professional appearance, regardless of the story.
When someone has plans to publish more than one book, having a good product is especially critical. Marketing and hype might sell a decent number of a poorly-produced book, but once the dearth of editing and layout are realized, the reader might not want to chance another book from the same source. More than 5,000 books are produced each week by self publishing. That makes competition stiffer than ever for a reader’s attention. To produce a book correctly is more time consuming, but highly cost effective and can give the edge needed to make a book stand out. Using a professional copy editor and investing in a good text layout program, will result in a finished product on par with traditional publishers.
I have no gripe with the concept of self-publishing, but if a writer wants a book to be taken seriously, some basics have to be considered. Liberal use of Strunk and White (Elements of Style) is a must, as well as referring to Chicago Manual of Style. Be certain punctuation is correctly rendered. Three periods (...) does not an ellipse make. Ellipses are not followed by any other punctuation ["What do you mean…, you have to go?"]. Uppercase letters should rarely be used for emphatic dialogue ["what WE did, did NOT cause what happened"]; description before dialogue should not end with a comma. [Green eyes betrayed her, "I'm sure you do."].
A copy editor would have caught ninety-eight percent of these errors, as well as the character names that changed mid-scene.
Regarding layout, the text alignment in a professional book is justified, with widow and orphan control, usually with 11pt type and type kerning so lines of text have uniformity. Quotation marks and apostrophes must be consistent throughout the text, not curly marks to start dialogue with straight apostrophes in contractions. A disregard (or ignorance) of these basics is what I see most in self-published books.
Self-publishing has a lot of benefits, especially to the environment. With traditional publishers, if they have a print run of 3,000 books, 2,000 of them can set in a warehouse for six months and then end up in a landfill. Most self-published material is print-on-demand, so less paper and printer ink is used. But if an author wants to do more than give away his self-published book to friends and family, the book must have a professional appearance, regardless of the story.
When someone has plans to publish more than one book, having a good product is especially critical. Marketing and hype might sell a decent number of a poorly-produced book, but once the dearth of editing and layout are realized, the reader might not want to chance another book from the same source. More than 5,000 books are produced each week by self publishing. That makes competition stiffer than ever for a reader’s attention. To produce a book correctly is more time consuming, but highly cost effective and can give the edge needed to make a book stand out. Using a professional copy editor and investing in a good text layout program, will result in a finished product on par with traditional publishers.
Will Audio Books Help to Solve The Literacy Related Problems of Education?
The arrival of multimedia initially pushed the use of audio books as an educational tool into the background. Seen against the backdrop of a generation of young television addicts, it is hardly surprising that the already beleaguered literacy-related abilities of children were subject to yet another setback when audio books disappeared from the scene.
Several educators soon started adding two and two together, and came to the conclusion that in order to address the myriad of challenges associated with the decline in literacy, the underlying problem of listening skills needed to be addressed. As a result, audio books have yet again stepped to the fore and have regained recognition as valuable contributors in educational terms.
Many educators are downloading audio books from the web to address this issue. All the latest titles ranging from Narnia to Harry Potter are available as audio book downloads today. Because of the popularity of these stories, children need not be coerced into listening to these audio books. They look forward to story time – regardless of whether it is a part of the curriculum or whether it is the reward for a day’s work well done!
What is the educational value of audio books to children?
The very first value that comes to mind is listening skills. The first contact an unborn babe makes with the outside world while she is still in her mother’s womb is through hearing. After her birth, she uses hearing to acquire the skill to verbally communicate with others. This language skill she develops over the first few years in her life is her first step towards literacy.
The second contribution made by audio books, revolves around language ability. Children are bombarded with visual stimuli. Television, movies and the majority of educational toys available today, are all visual. In the absence of aural stimuli, such as those offered by audio books, listening skills become under-developed, impacting both language and literacy.
Audio books impose the need on the child to listen to the spoken word (language). In addition to improving the child’s grammar, it also improves vocabulary and elocution all of which underpin literacy. Audio books allow children the opportunity to create images in their mind’s eye. By stimulating a child’s ability to imagine, her ability for lateral thinking is also greatly enhanced.
The third benefit of audio books as an educational tool falls within the ambit of reading and comprehension. These are critical learning skills. Reading centers and laboratories report that as many as 80% of all students tested not only read at speeds 2 years or more below the levels required for their specific age groups, but also show a comprehension / retention of 65% and less. There are many different methods employed to assist enrolled students with recovering the ‘lost years’. Of note is the fact that some of these centers make use of audio books in conjunction with the readers they provide.
The students follow the written text in time with the audio books being played back to them. A visual / aural link is forged between the written word and the spoken word. Once this divide is crossed, tangible progress is made both in terms of reading speeds and comprehension. In addition to the hour or two spent at these centers per week, twenty minutes’ supplemental reading is required per day. Instead of issuing a student on the read-along program with a CD, many centers offer the student access to the appropriate audio book online.
How can parents help?
The answer is simple: Get them listening to audio books – sooner rather than later. Opportunities for listening to audio books abound. For smaller children, parents can play audio books in the car. For teens, consider allowing audio book downloads to their iPods and other Media Players. Compared against the printed medium, audio books procured in this way are relatively cheap. The range of titles available means that there is something for anybody. Even for the most ‘difficult’ of teens!
Although buying audio books may not be the biggest investment a parent can make in money terms, investing in audio books may well turn out to be the biggest in terms of value.
Several educators soon started adding two and two together, and came to the conclusion that in order to address the myriad of challenges associated with the decline in literacy, the underlying problem of listening skills needed to be addressed. As a result, audio books have yet again stepped to the fore and have regained recognition as valuable contributors in educational terms.
Many educators are downloading audio books from the web to address this issue. All the latest titles ranging from Narnia to Harry Potter are available as audio book downloads today. Because of the popularity of these stories, children need not be coerced into listening to these audio books. They look forward to story time – regardless of whether it is a part of the curriculum or whether it is the reward for a day’s work well done!
What is the educational value of audio books to children?
The very first value that comes to mind is listening skills. The first contact an unborn babe makes with the outside world while she is still in her mother’s womb is through hearing. After her birth, she uses hearing to acquire the skill to verbally communicate with others. This language skill she develops over the first few years in her life is her first step towards literacy.
The second contribution made by audio books, revolves around language ability. Children are bombarded with visual stimuli. Television, movies and the majority of educational toys available today, are all visual. In the absence of aural stimuli, such as those offered by audio books, listening skills become under-developed, impacting both language and literacy.
Audio books impose the need on the child to listen to the spoken word (language). In addition to improving the child’s grammar, it also improves vocabulary and elocution all of which underpin literacy. Audio books allow children the opportunity to create images in their mind’s eye. By stimulating a child’s ability to imagine, her ability for lateral thinking is also greatly enhanced.
The third benefit of audio books as an educational tool falls within the ambit of reading and comprehension. These are critical learning skills. Reading centers and laboratories report that as many as 80% of all students tested not only read at speeds 2 years or more below the levels required for their specific age groups, but also show a comprehension / retention of 65% and less. There are many different methods employed to assist enrolled students with recovering the ‘lost years’. Of note is the fact that some of these centers make use of audio books in conjunction with the readers they provide.
The students follow the written text in time with the audio books being played back to them. A visual / aural link is forged between the written word and the spoken word. Once this divide is crossed, tangible progress is made both in terms of reading speeds and comprehension. In addition to the hour or two spent at these centers per week, twenty minutes’ supplemental reading is required per day. Instead of issuing a student on the read-along program with a CD, many centers offer the student access to the appropriate audio book online.
How can parents help?
The answer is simple: Get them listening to audio books – sooner rather than later. Opportunities for listening to audio books abound. For smaller children, parents can play audio books in the car. For teens, consider allowing audio book downloads to their iPods and other Media Players. Compared against the printed medium, audio books procured in this way are relatively cheap. The range of titles available means that there is something for anybody. Even for the most ‘difficult’ of teens!
Although buying audio books may not be the biggest investment a parent can make in money terms, investing in audio books may well turn out to be the biggest in terms of value.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
