Listening Lounge - Low Tech (LLLC)

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Edith Martinez
Grant Co-applicants
Veronica Ortega
Amalia Niewendorp
School Site
Kings Beach Elementary
Grant Category
Literacy
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

This grant requests funding for a Mini Yoto player to create a low-tech, screen-free listening station in the classroom. The Mini Yoto is an audio device that allows students to independently listen to recorded stories and instructional content using physical cards. In collaboration with two grade-level colleagues, I will record myself reading classroom texts to create shared, standards-aligned audio cards. In addition, students will have access to a wide range of free, high-quality stories already available through the platform.

 

This listening station supports TTUSD’s priority of providing equitable, high-quality instruction by ensuring all students can access grade-level content. Furthermore, by keeping the technology screen-free, it supports student wellness and focus while fostering literacy development, independence, and developmentally appropriate engagement.

Benefits of Program

This program aligns perfectly with TTUSD’s commitment to equity and robust Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). It will particularly benefit emerging readers, English Language Learners (ELLs), and students receiving Tier II or Tier III interventions who require additional auditory scaffolding. Students with attention challenges or those who thrive with multisensory learning will also gain increased access to the core curriculum.

The listening station promotes highly differentiated instruction. By allowing students to hear fluent reading models, it directly supports their ability to tackle the complex texts demanded by the CCSS. It gives students the agency to revisit texts at their own pace, ensuring equitable access to classroom materials for those who may not yet be reading independently.

Success of Program

Success will be defined by increased student engagement, improved listening comprehension, and greater independence during literacy rotations. We will measure growth through formative assessments aligned with CCSS’s, specifically students' ability to accurately retell stories, answer key detail comprehension questions, and follow along with complex texts.

The program enhances the classroom by integrating literacy with accessible technology while maintaining a low-tech, distraction-free environment that promotes student well-being. It directly supports CCSS curriculum goals by reinforcing reading fluency, vocabulary acquisition, and deeper comprehension strategies through repeated, modeled reading.

Implementation

The Mini Yoto listening station will be implemented during literacy centers and small group rotation time. Students will be introduced to the device early in the school year with clear expectations and routines for use.

Recordings of classroom texts will be created prior to and throughout instructional units, allowing alignment with current curriculum. Shared cards will be exchanged among grade-level team members to expand available content and maximize use across classrooms.

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

Yes, this grant is designed to be highly collaborative and easily shared across our grade-level PLC. Because the audio cards can be duplicated and the physical cards easily rotated between classrooms, collaboration with colleagues will allow us to build a growing, shared library of recorded texts and resources over time.

Sustainability
The Mini Yoto is highly sustainable due to the rugged durability of the device and the vast availability of free, high-quality audio content. Once established, the listening station requires minimal ongoing costs and can be utilized year after year. Blank cards can be continually overwritten or added to, ensuring the resource evolves seamlessly with shifting curriculum demands and district priorities.
Amount Funded
$275.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$36 - Card Holders x3
$16 - Make Your Own Cards x6
$200 - Mini Yoto x3
Shipping
$-2.00
Taxes
$25.08
Other funding sources

None

File Uploads
Mini Yoto.pdf (275.43 KB)