The Benefits of Audiobooks

When we read to ourselves, our brains tend to skim and skip over certain words, filling in gaps with our prior knowledge and expectations. This process, known as "saccadic reading," allows us to quickly absorb the gist of a text, but it can also lead to a lack of attention to detail. In fact, our saccadic reading increases as we become more proficient readers. In contrast, when we listen to an audiobook or are read to out loud, we are forced to hear every word, every phrase, and every sentence in sequence. This slower, more deliberate pace can reveal nuances and subtleties in the text that might have been overlooked during self-reading. Moreover, hearing a wider range of vocabulary out loud can be more beneficial than reading it silently, as we may not accurately pronounce words in our minds. Listening to literature exposes us to correct pronunciations, intonations, and inflections, which can enhance our understanding and retention of new words. Additionally, research suggests that auditory memory is separate from visual memory, and some people may have a stronger auditory memory, making listening to literature a more effective way to learn and remember new information. As a result, listening to literature can have several benefits, including increased attention span, expanded vocabulary, improved pronunciation, and enhanced memory retention, ultimately allowing us to connect with the material on a deeper level.

Although I'd never recommend a child only does audiobooks, I do think they can be a beneficial part of the package. Many students with dyslexia, have decided that they just don't like books at all. Audiobooks can be a less stressful way for them to "make friends" with books and make the process of reading slightly more enticing.  Audiobooks can also help level the playing field, allowing students with dyslexia to participate in discussions about popular books and connect with their peers. By providing an alternative way to access literature, audiobooks can foster a sense of inclusion and pride, encouraging students to develop a lifelong love of reading.

Despite struggling to learn to read due to dyslexia, I've developed a lifelong love for reading. I attribute this to the countless hours my grandmother and mother spent reading to me throughout my childhood and teenage years. Those cozy moments, snuggled up in bed with my mom, reading the latest Harry Potter installment or a classic Neville Shute novel, are etched in my memory as treasured experiences.