Recording Audiobooks as Part of the Guided Reading Lesson

Equipment:

• ipod touch (5)
• Belkin Rockstar 5 Way Splitter
• Computer
• iPod Dock (not necessary but useful)
  

I love this idea!

Here is a site that has scripts for Reader's Theatre http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm .

Have students go to this site (teacher assigns play according to reading level). Have an ipod ready for recording (italk).  Students practise reading script (assign parts etc.) They must read and reread several times, adding "voice" and "character" (maybe even some sounds).  I had my students listen to professional tapes and analyze what made it interesting.  They can listen to their recording (using a ipod dock or using individual ipods linked by Belkin Rockstar) and decide how to improve.  All 5 students can follow the scripts on the screen reading like a book.  The idea is for them to create an audio book for others to listen to (reading for a purpose is very engaging).  I have a Belkin Rockstar ($20) that 5 ipod touches can plug into at one time and listen to a recording.  When they have their final product 5 can plug in and share with others.  You can also use the ipod touch to record video...students record in reader's theatre style or can even make a play out of it.  Lots of opportunities and choices.