There are many benefits to audiobooks—that’s why Epic offers free audiobooks for teachers and students in the classroom.
We are big fans of free books for teachers. And that includes over 1,000 free audiobooks in our Epic School library! Did you know that playing an audiobook in your classroom can have positive effects on your students’ reading progress? Here are 4 benefits that learners can get from listening to audiobooks in the classroom.
1. Expands their vocabulary
Audiobooks can help kids deepen their vocabulary while reducing the intimidation that can come from reading bigger words in written text. Students will have the chance to hear larger vocabulary words sounded out and how they are used in context.
2. Introduces books above their reading level
Audiobooks also give students the opportunity to experience books above their current reading level. In addition to getting exposure to harder vocabulary words, teachers can introduce books with more complex subject matter.
This allows some students to feel more confident and comfortable taking on higher-level books, while keeping more advanced readers interested.
3. Promotes visualization for comprehension
Another unique benefit of playing audiobooks is that it gives kids a chance to visualize the story.
Similar to having a teacher read a story out loud, students can use all their brain power to imagine the details.
This can lead to greater comprehension and understanding of the book’s content, without having to focus so hard on actually reading, pronouncing and then still understanding the meaning of the story.
4. Models fluent reading
Audiobooks are also a great way for students to hear how the reader flows through the story. Hearing the correct emphasis, pronunciation and delivery can enhance a student’s reading fluency just by listening.
This will help students as they practice reading out loud—whether from a physical book or a reading app. Hearing it modeled by the audiobook reader can do wonders to boost students’ confidence when it comes to their ability to dictate a story.
Tip: Want to play audiobooks in the classroom, but worried students won’t stay focused? Consider having them listen with headphones.
Try these free audiobooks for teachers on Epic!
There are so many free audiobooks available to teachers on Epic! The best part? Many feature talented voice actors, engaging narration and fun sound effects to really help bring stories to life! Plus, there are lots of books we offer in a series, so you can keep listening throughout the school year.
From superhero sagas to relaxing reads, students will get transported to another world while improving their reading skills. Find inspiration for which free audiobooks to choose for your grade below!
Audiobooks for Preschool through 1st Grade
Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug is a fun listen with cute characters helping Tiny T. Rex to achieve the impossible.
Looking for a fun upbeat listen? Students will be immersed in the forest life of one hungry bear in Bear Wants More.
We Are Water Protectors features beautiful indigenous music and relaxing water sounds.
Audiobooks for 2nd through 5th Grade
Students will enjoy listening to the fun and fantastical story of Upside-Down Magic.
Students will enjoy listening to the fun and fantastical story of Upside-Down Magic.
If you’re looking for a mystical story series to keep students engaged, start with the Dragon Masters: Rise of the Earth Dragon and continue through the whole book set.
I Want My Hat Back is a lighthearted listen of a laid-back bear who lost his hat.
Audiobooks for 6th through 8th Grade
Wings of Fire is a very popular audiobook series that transports kids to another world. Start with Wings of Fire #1: The Dragonet Prophecy, then make your way through the series!
Immerse students in the magical world of Marvel with Shuri: A Black Panther Novel; one book in the three-part series of crowd-pleasing superhero stories.
This spooky series is perfect to play in the classroom around Halloween. Start with Goosebumps HorrorLand: Revenge of the Living Dummy and choose from 10 other books in this entertaining series.
Want your students to enjoy free audiobooks outside the classroom, too? Get Epic School Plus so they can keep learning after class and on weekends! Epic School Plus gives educators and students anytime access to over 40,000 books. Learn more about how to get Epic School Plus your school or district!
