Every student has a TOOBALOO in their "read to self" buckets. This phone-like device allows students to listen very clearly to themselves while reading aloud quietly. I think that this tool encourages readers to read with more distinct prosody. The TOOBALOO also reduces the amount of noise distraction in the classroom; allowing students to focus more easily on their own reading. For students who are struggling with their decoding, this device makes it so they do not have to feel embarrassed by other peers hearing them stumbling over words. If I were to use this in my own classroom, I would make them available to every student just as they are now.
Hi Amber-
ReplyDeleteI am really interested in this tool. I have never seen Toobaloo's used before and am very curious to hear if they work or not. A couple of questions for you. The first thing I thought of was whether or not this tool is distracting. I know you said that it decreases the amount of noise distraction but I am confused by this. I would think that it would increase it since the students are reading out loud. Also, do the students use them appropriately or do they ever try to play with them? I am so used to my kindergartners and I really think they would just play around with them. Do the kids use them all day or just during read to self?
I think that if I used Toobaloo's in my classroom I might only have the kids use them during an individual reading time. I would be afraid that if students used them all the time that they might become reliant upon them. Do you think that if students used them too much they would be scared to read without it? Have you noticed that any of your students like to use it quite often?
I also think that Toobaloo's are a good way to ensure that the kids are actually reading during read to self time and not goofing around. As a teacher, it would be easier to pick out kids who are not reading during this time by looking at who is using the Toobaloo/reading aloud and who is not.
So many questions, I know, but I am very curious! I would love to see these Toobaloo's used in person!