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Original poster

Audio book versus reading for set texts

32 replies

Bobochic · 21/10/2016 13:46

I would be grateful for opinions. Do you ever get your DC to listen to an audio version of their school set texts? Does your DC's school ask them to listen to audio versions of classic literature?

OP posts:
Original poster
Bobochic · 21/10/2016 20:00

Thank you - I feel less guilty encouraged!

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BertrandRussell · 21/10/2016 18:08

My dd listened to all her A level set texts- it was brilliant. She could get her reading done while doing other things. Make sure you get full length versions, though. Lots of abridged versions about. And have a listen to a sample first. Some of the readers have very annoying voices. Particularly after the first 15 hours.

AtiaoftheJulii · 21/10/2016 18:04

I've been thinking that I should get ds to listen to War of the Worlds as he's not enjoying reading it at all. I think listening to it is a great way to get the story and a feel for the themes etc, but can't replace reading where you can properly think about the words used etc.

allthekingsshoes · 21/10/2016 16:06

This is an interesting question. Dd 8 and I listen to audiobooks of some classics as she loves the stories and language but finds the reading just too hard and a bit dull and of course then it just becomes a chore. We also watch movie adaptations which secondary students often do for their set texts so it must support/encourage. But obv dd is still young. I'm going to ask my pal who is Head of English and Drama at DS's school and see what he has to say.

RalphSteadmansEye · 21/10/2016 15:00

Yes, ds had already listened to an unabridged version of what turned out to be one of his GCSE set texts (a Dickens). When told what they were studying, he listened to it again and then read the text through on his own before they started reading in class.

He understood the book much better than those who'd only read it once (or hadn't even bothered!)

Original poster
Bobochic · 21/10/2016 14:52

I tend to think that listening to classic literature, well read, is more likely to have an impact than reading it. DD has to read Moby Dick - it's very long.

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steppemum · 21/10/2016 14:18

so much depends - are they a good reader, or is reading it going to be a mountain to climb?
Are they actually likely to read it at all, or will they keep putting it off?

I think listening to it, especially a well read version cane be a great way to bring it to life.
But I would want them to read it too. (maybe asking for too much)

Also depends on whether they actually listen or just have it on in the background.