Mp3 Players for Literacy, Fluency & Comprehension

Grade 3 student using mp3 player
to time and reflect on reading

As a part of the daily Language Arts block, it’s now time for independent reading. Each student has the routine down. Students pick up their numbered packages containing an assigned mp3 player, headphones, an individual leveled book, and recording/self- assessment folder.  Students spread out and choose a quiet spot to read in the classroom or pod. They read two pages at a time while their mp3 player records their reading. They play back their recorded reading and actively listen for further understanding, errors and fluency.  They time and record their readings, note new vocabulary and provide an overall rating for difficulty as self-assessment. Students read two pages, at least three times, before moving on in their book/novel.

Grade 3 student using mp3
player to record his reading voice

As they read, record, and play back their reading, the objective is that they will become more fluent and efficient readers. As they are able to listen to themselves read, they can continue to create, build on and reach their personalized literacy goals. As I walk around the room for reading support, I realize all students are truly engaged in their reading and learning. 

As a teacher candidate in BrockU’s Educational Technology cohort, I was fortunate to have my first teaching placement at a modern grade three classroom at P.O.W. Elementary School in HWDSB. As part of an innovative project, my practicum class is working towards fluency and comprehension using simple mp3 players to reach their literacy learning goals.  It was great to be part of the beginnings of this project in this classroom and I’m looking forward to the findings as the school year progresses.

I learned that it doesn’t have to take much to engage primary students, especially when it comes to technology. The average child will know how to use mp3 players to play their favourite songs. Even if a child doesn’t know how to use a mp3 player yet, it’s a great experience to teach a child to use an educational tool that can multi-function to support them in building their literacy skills. I also envision that teaching students this learning strategy can extend into all other subjects and various types of projects, such as, practicing for an oral presentation, using voice journals for learning reflections, creating podcasts, etc. Many adults say that hearing their own voice makes them feel uncomfortable.  Perhaps if recording our voice and thoughts, and playing it back to ourselves is taught to us early enough as an efficient learning strategy, some of us might take on more of a comfort level using the play back button more often and explore the learning that can come out of it.