Build a Starter Collection of Library & ELD Vox Books "Books That Talk" for Onsite Use at TLE

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Adelaide Gramanz
Grant Co-applicants
Abby Osborn
School Site
Tahoe Lake Elementary
Grant Category
Literacy
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

Vox Books are the world's first audio books that live in print books.  With the press of a button, the books include narration of the text.  The Tahoe Lake Elementary Library and ELD classroom are ideal locations for these types of books, which appeal to beginning readers, reluctant readers, and our bilingual and newcomer population.  Abby Osborn, ELD Coordinator, & I are requesting initial funding to start this collection and purchase approximately 40 books (25% bilingual and/or Spanish only to reflect our EL population).  These books would be available for teacher classroom check-out, library story time, and general student use at school.  Teachers will be able to use these specialty books as an additional tool for students who need support achieving grade level reading.  

 

Benefits of Program

Last year, during multiple field trips to the Tahoe City Library, our Reading Intervention teacher and I witnessed firsthand how our reading group students were fascinated by these "talking" books.  Students seemed more engaged while enjoying storytime with their peers, listening to and reading these books.  After storytime in the Library, some reluctant readers struggle to read to themselves during their library time.  These books will provide more engagement for many different students.  These books will enhance Tahoe Truckee Reads and the community literacy goal of all being at grade level in reading by the end of 3rd grade. These books encourage reading fluency and vocabulary development for all students.

Success of Program

Our primary grant goal in purchasing these audio/print Vox books is to encourage beginning, reluctant, and bilingual students to start their reading and literacy journey.  We hope these exciting books will provide the spark and motivation to encourage all students to read.  All students who are reading below grade level participate in reading intervention and their progress is monitored frequently.  Student engagement with the audio/print books as an additional support strategy will be noted as an additional strategy for intervention.

Implementation

If Tahoe Lake Elementary is awarded this grant, we will inform grade-level teachers and literacy support staff of the availability of these materials for check-out and explain their possible uses.  Vox audio/print books can be checked out and used for classroom read-alouds and guided reading groups with parent volunteers or WIN teachers. They will also be used in the Library, ELD, Resource, SPED and RI and available for student use (with teacher check out) on campus during our students free reading times.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

This collection would be available for teacher check out at all grade levels.  We would especially encourage teachers working with struggling students in their WIN/reading intervention small groups to try this type of book to see if it promotes more interest in reading.

Sustainability
We do have a site library budget that can likely support ordering additional VOX books each year to strengthen this initial collection and keep it fresh. In addition, as these books promote literacy school-wide, site funds might be available in the future to support the ongoing use of the VOX books.
Amount Funded
$3003.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$2800 - 40 Vox Audio/Print Books
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$203.00
Other funding sources

None available at this time.

Supporting Links
https://voxshop.libraryideas.com/