If you are parents to young children right now, you probably do not know what the 1970s cartoon "Wonder Twins" even are (though if you're grandparents of young children, there's a good chance you do!). Still, I think of this duo because of its importance in audio books for young readers. Namely, when kids listen to a book while reading along - using two senses - it can be a game-changer, especially for reluctant or struggling readers.
First, it's just fun, and there is a game-like quality to following along while enjoying the story.
In fact, when kids use their WONDER TWINS of reading a print book while the audio book is playing, THEIR READING COMPREHENSION INCREASES.
A study published last year in the Journal of Experimental Psychology concluded that combining the sense of seeing with the sense of hearing helps kids learn new words faster and understand what they are reading more. Why? The researchers say that one possibility is that "providing both oral and written forms frees up attentional resources during encoding, meaning that resources can be allocated to story comprehension and to the encoding of new word meaning."
Even better, the study showed that this applies to readers of any level, including readers who need more help but also successful readers.
The library owns many popular children's books on audio CD, but if you or your child owns a smart phone or other electronic device, check out the Hoopla and Cloud Library apps. Check out the "old-school" print versions of the same titles, and encourage your child to follow along as they listen - the power will be multiplied!
Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library