Our Learning Ally Parent Chat on facebook is a welcoming community where well over two thousand parents of children who learn differently can gather in a safe space to share their hopes, vents, frustrations and dreams. Recently, mom Shannon shared a simple, compelling post that resonates with the work we do each day. We wanted to share it with you.
* * * * * * *
Over the past few months I have heard many folks (kids and adults) say "I hate to read."
Okay, on one hand, I get it. Lots of folks struggle with reading the actual words on the page. Yet, I have never heard anyone say "I hate stories!"
We have GOT to spread the word that audiobooks are a wonderful way for people to be consumers of books!
I can't imagine never going to Middle Earth or Hogwarts or Pern! I can't imagine never having gone on an adventure with Scout or King Arthur!
People are ceasing to consume written stories because they struggle with the words. And NO -movies are not the same! They imagine for you and leave out internal dialogue!
Some would tell our kids to try harder or to read easier books.
The best thing I can do for my son is to make SURE he loves books and that they are accessible for him. He will love the stories. He will love to learn, and he will find a way around his obstacles. I am so tired of watching kids struggle to read. Let's make sure they can access these wonderful stories!
Shannon Efteland is a dancer, dance teacher, science teacher, wife and mother. She has three boys, one of whom has LD and ADHD and one who has Down Syndrome. Shannon has always been outspoken and resourceful, and is glad those attributes help her to be an effective advocate for her own children and others.
For more information on how you can access
Learning Ally's library of over
80,000 human-narrated audiobooks, log onto
LearningAlly.org or call us at
800.221.4792.