Audiobooks are unsung heroes

By Jeannine Scott, Branch Manager, North Columbus Library

Studies show that listening to a book helps a child build understanding, critical thinking and imagination. Audiobooks build reading skills and a love of reading (Johnson, 2003). They are especially ideal for busy families, for kids with learning differences, and for ESOL students.

If your child listens while following along with printed text, it is referred to as a read-along. This process can help readers pick up on the connection between spoken and written language. Both read-along books and audiobooks also help readers learn correct pronunciations and language inflections.

Since the whole family can listen in to the same book at once, use time between audiobook sessions to discuss what you’re reading. Talk about characters, encourage everyone to predict what they think will happen next, or discuss what you would change about the story.

While listening can help a child soothe and sit still, audiobooks also provide an opportunity for the child to move around while reading. Just as many adults listen to books while working out, your child can listen while playing LEGOs®, doing cartwheels, eating a snack, etc.

Opt for an audiobook:

• On sick days.

• As a quiet activity to settle down.

• When learning a new language.

• During long travel (especially for little passengers prone to motion sickness).

• When after-school activities run late. Listen on the way home or while getting ready for bed.

• During family activities like taking a walk or doing chores.

• When the child wants to move around while they read.

• If your child has a learning or reading difference like dyslexia.

• For you, the grownup! Pop in an earbud while going about your day.

Check out Books on CD and Wonderbooks (a read-along experience like never before!) from any Chattahoochee Valley Libraries location, or connect to digital audiobooks through apps like Hoopla and Libby. With your library card, you can download audiobooks for free …and even play them through your home’s smart speakers! Visit www.cvlga.org to learn more!

HOO’s tips

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

An HerB contAiner gArden is tHe Perfect sPring Project for introducing Your cHild to gArdening. Starting a garden in a container is much less work than starting a garden from scratch in your yard. Also, a container garden can be kept indoors, making it easy to care for. Fresh herbs provide flavor to the dishes you prepare and consuming herbs can also have health benefits. Here are a few herbs that are both easy to grow and have nutritional benefits.

MINT is an aromatic herb that grows aggressively and needs its own container, but it is easy to care for. Select a potting soil that provides good drainage. Mint prefers to be kept evenly moist but do not overwater it. Provide mint with needed humidity by misting the plant between waterings if the leaves become dry. Mint, especially peppermint, is a good addition to salads and teas, and mint is known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach.

BASIL is an herb that is used in a wide variety of culinary dishes, especially in Italian recipes. It is a good complement to garlic and oregano and has multiple health benefits. There are several different types of basil. Sweet basil, the type most often used for Italian dishes, contains an antioxidant called eugenol which gives this type of basil a clove-like scent. Basil is also a good source of Vitamin K. Sweet basil likes temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees F and needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. Plant basil in a well-drained container filled with nutrient-rich potting soil and, if possible, place the plants in a sunny window that faces south. Keep basil moist but do not overwater the plants or the roots may rot.

PARSLEY is a good container companion to basil and has many nutritional benefits. Like basil, this herb needs plenty of sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. Parsley is a good source of potassium, calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C and folate. Parsley adds flavor to omelets, meats, soups sauces and is very common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.