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audiobooks
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Audiobooks: Exploring the world of spoken stories

January 24, 2025

by Alexandria Roberts

Audiobooks are more popular than ever, and for busy parents and caregivers, they’ve become a game-changer. One in four children and young people are listening to audiobooks, with one in eight listening to just audiobooks and another one in eight listening to both audiobooks and podcasts. In a world where multitasking is often the only way to get things done, audiobooks provide a perfect solution to enjoy stories without needing extra time. Whether it’s listening during your commute, while cooking, or as background noise while cleaning, audiobooks allow you to fit in entertainment and learning even when your schedule is packed.

For caregivers, audiobooks offer a way to enjoy books without sacrificing other responsibilities. With children to supervise, work to do, and endless tasks to juggle, finding time to sit and read can be a challenge. Audiobooks, however, offer a way to “read” while doing almost anything else. You can enjoy an inspiring parenting book, listen to a chapter of a novel, or even share a children’s story during dinner prep. Audiobooks help make stories part of everyday life without the need to carve out extra hours.

audiobooks

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Educational benefits of audiobooks

Audiobooks aren’t just convenient—they’re also educational. Educational audiobooks for children open up new ways for kids to learn, offering a different approach to books that may not always capture their attention on the page. In fact, listening to audiobooks can help students build literacy skills, improve fluency, expand vocabulary, and more. Whether it’s a biography of a historical figure, a fun story about science, or a narrative packed with new words, audiobooks make learning feel like an adventure. They allow children to engage with information in a dynamic and enjoyable way, without the pressure of reading something in print.

For many children, audiobooks have proven to be a lifeline, particularly for reluctant readers. Traditional books can sometimes be overwhelming for kids who haven’t quite caught the reading bug yet. For these children, audiobooks provide a way to enjoy the story in a lower-stakes way. Listening to a well-narrated book helps build comprehension and keeps children engaged with the plot, as well as being an accessible way to enjoy a story. By pairing audiobooks with physical books, kids can follow along with the narrative, strengthening their reading skills with every sentence. 

audiobooks

Audiobooks for learning inclusivity

Beyond just family entertainment, audiobooks help make learning and reading more accessible to everyone. With the growing range of titles available, families can find books that cater to their children’s interests and educational needs. Parents can use audiobooks as a tool to help their children build critical skills, such as vocabulary and listening comprehension, while also exposing them to new concepts in a fun, engaging way. Audiobooks also provide an opportunity to introduce books and stories that children may not have picked up otherwise.

Audiobooks are a fantastic tool for children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. As they work to strengthen their reading skills, children with dyslexia can still enjoy stories by listening to a narrator’s voice and getting lost in the plot and characters. Audiobooks level the playing field, offering a valuable resource for children who might otherwise feel left out of the reading experience. With narrators who bring the story to life, audiobooks also provide added immersion that helps foster a deeper connection to the material.

audiobooks

Photo by Kaboompics.com

Starting new traditions with audiobooks

Another fantastic aspect of audiobooks is how they can create family bonding moments. Family road trips, long car rides, or even the nightly bedtime routine become more engaging with a good audiobook. Road trip audiobook ideas for families can turn an otherwise mundane journey into a fun and educational experience. Audiobooks are a great way to entertain children during long drives, with stories that everyone in the family can enjoy. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a classic fairy tale, or a fun mystery, audiobooks keep kids entertained and parents relaxed behind the wheel. It’s a great way to keep everyone connected and engaged, all while making the most of travel time.

Despite their many advantages, some critics argue that audiobooks can’t replace traditional reading. They argue that listening doesn’t provide the same cognitive benefits as reading on paper. While there is some truth to this, studies suggest that comprehension and retention from audiobooks are very similar to traditional reading, provided the listener is actively engaged. Audiobooks also offer different types of learning, particularly auditory learning, which can be a helpful alternative for children who have trouble with written text.

audiobooks

Photo by Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash

Try audiobooks today!

For parents and caregivers, incorporating audiobooks into your daily routine is simple. In fact, 56% of audiobook listeners with children under 18 say their kids also listen to audiobooks. While you can purchase audiobooks from major book retailers, you can also access them for free if you have a library card! Download the Libby app, find a story that fits your family’s interests, and start listening. From educational audiobooks for children to family-friendly road trip ideas, there’s something for every member of the family. Audiobooks can make even the busiest days more enjoyable, offering a chance to connect with stories and with each other.

If you haven’t already embraced audiobooks, it’s time to explore the world of spoken stories. Whether you’re multitasking or simply want to try something new, audiobooks offer an exciting way to experience books—on the go, at home, and everywhere in between. Start today, and see how audiobooks can bring the magic of storytelling to your family’s life.

Banner image by Ben Mullins on Unsplash

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