About The Author
Phoebe Cooper
Phoebe is an 8-year old with an amazing imagination. She likes to make up her own stories and create different creatures. Phoebe is a 3rd grader with a spunky and sassy outlook and loves spending time with her family and friends. When her mother, Megan Cooper, asked why she wanted to write a story her response was, "Beccause I love Magical Unicorns!" So, as a family we helped make her imagination come to life during summer break.
An IEP student, Phoebe faces unique challenges due to her learning disability, which affects her reading abilities and poses difficulties in grasping certain mathematical concepts. Despite these hurdles, she exhibits commendable focus in retaining information conveyed during classroom repetitions. Regrettably, when it comes to reading or vocalizing words, her struggle is noticeable. This led to the assignment of an identifier, allowing teachers to avoid providing additional assistance.
My name is Gary Jennings. I am a writer and website designer, as well as Megan's boyfriend. A few months ago Phoebe approached me with an endearing desire to write a book centered around a unicorn inhabiting a cookie-crafted house and a wondrous realm of cotton candy when she grows up. In response, I assured her that there was no need to defer this dream until adulthood. Together with her mother and me, we undertook the ambitious endeavor. Our goal was twofold – to spark genuine interest and simultaneously encourage a more determined approach to surmount her reading comprehension challenges.
The outcome exceeded our expectations. The book captured attention and served as a catalyst for a remarkable breakthrough in Phoebe's learning journey. Her commitment and progress are palpable. Looking ahead, our plans for next summer involve a deliberate challenge: the utilization of richer, more intricate vocabulary to vividly articulate the landscapes of her imaginative world. This endeavor aims not only to nurture her writing skills but also to elevate her linguistic abilities, fostering a profound metamorphosis that mirrors the magical transformations within the stories she so ardently crafts.
An IEP student, Phoebe faces unique challenges due to her learning disability, which affects her reading abilities and poses difficulties in grasping certain mathematical concepts. Despite these hurdles, she exhibits commendable focus in retaining information conveyed during classroom repetitions. Regrettably, when it comes to reading or vocalizing words, her struggle is noticeable. This led to the assignment of an identifier, allowing teachers to avoid providing additional assistance.
My name is Gary Jennings. I am a writer and website designer, as well as Megan's boyfriend. A few months ago Phoebe approached me with an endearing desire to write a book centered around a unicorn inhabiting a cookie-crafted house and a wondrous realm of cotton candy when she grows up. In response, I assured her that there was no need to defer this dream until adulthood. Together with her mother and me, we undertook the ambitious endeavor. Our goal was twofold – to spark genuine interest and simultaneously encourage a more determined approach to surmount her reading comprehension challenges.
The outcome exceeded our expectations. The book captured attention and served as a catalyst for a remarkable breakthrough in Phoebe's learning journey. Her commitment and progress are palpable. Looking ahead, our plans for next summer involve a deliberate challenge: the utilization of richer, more intricate vocabulary to vividly articulate the landscapes of her imaginative world. This endeavor aims not only to nurture her writing skills but also to elevate her linguistic abilities, fostering a profound metamorphosis that mirrors the magical transformations within the stories she so ardently crafts.
Empowering Phoebe Cooper Through Personalized Learning
Phoebe Cooper, an eight-year-old student with unique learning needs, especially in reading and comprehension, benefits from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). As a parent, I took personalized learning a step further by involving Phoebe directly in the creation of her own personalized book. I typed out her story as she narrated it to me, resulting in the book "Sparkles The Unicorn: The Quest For The Magic Cookie." Additionally, I transformed this book into an audiobook authored by Phoebe herself, which became a vital component of her personalized learning journey.
Understanding IEPs:
IEPs, or Individualized Education Plans, are crucial educational tools that ensure students with disabilities, such as Phoebe, receive the specialized support and resources necessary for their academic success. These personalized plans are legally mandated in many countries, including the United States, where they fall under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Importance of IEPs for Reading Disabilities:
Phoebe's IEP centers on her reading disability, aiming to equip her with the tools and strategies needed to overcome reading challenges. Reading disabilities can manifest in various ways, including decoding words, comprehending texts, and retaining information. IEPs are essential for several reasons:
1. Personalized Support: IEPs are highly individualized, designed to cater to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student. For Phoebe, her IEP tailors interventions specifically to address her reading difficulties.
2. Setting Clear Goals: IEPs establish clear, measurable objectives for students. For Phoebe, these objectives include enhancing reading fluency and comprehension.
3. Specialized Instruction: IEPs often encompass specialized instruction, accommodations, and assistive technology, all crucial for students like Phoebe to effectively access the curriculum.
4. Regular Progress Monitoring: Phoebe's IEP includes a system for tracking her progress, ensuring that the strategies in place are effective and making necessary adjustments when needed.
Phoebe's Journey: The Quest For The Magic Cookie:
Phoebe's journey to improve her reading and comprehension skills is exceptional, thanks to her direct involvement in the creation of her personalized book. This innovative approach has empowered her to take control of her learning, fostering a profound sense of ownership and boosting her confidence.
While there may not be specific scientific studies on the exact practice of creating personalized audiobooks based on a child's narration, several scientific findings and concepts support this personalized learning approach:
1. Personalized Learning and Engagement:
- Research in personalized learning has consistently demonstrated that when students have a say in their learning process and materials, they tend to be more engaged and motivated to learn. (Source: Hattie, J., & Yates, G. (2014). Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn. Routledge.)
2. Multisensory Learning for Reading:
- Studies have shown that a multisensory approach to reading, including auditory input such as listening to audiobooks, can significantly benefit struggling readers and enhance comprehension. (Source: Berninger, V. W., et al. (2008). Multisensory instruction in writing for students with mild disabilities: A multiple probe design study. Learning Disability Quarterly, 31(3), 109-131.)
3. Repeated Exposure and Comprehension:
- The concept that repeated exposure to text through reading and listening can improve comprehension is well-supported by research. Repeated reading or listening helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension skills. (Source: Samuels, S. J. (1979). The method of repeated readings. The Reading Teacher, 32(4), 403-408.)
4. Narration and Storytelling:
- Research in language development and literacy underscores the importance of storytelling and narration in a child's cognitive and linguistic development. Personal narration can help children develop storytelling skills and a deeper understanding of narrative structure. (Source: Snow, C. E. (1983). Literacy and language: Relationships during the preschool years. Harvard Educational Review, 53(2), 165-189.)
5. Motivation and Confidence:
- Studies consistently reveal that when children feel a sense of ownership and control over their learning materials, their motivation and confidence in reading can increase significantly. (Source: Wigfield, A., & Guthrie, J. T. (1997). Relations of children's motivation for reading to the amount and breadth of their reading. Journal of Educational Psychology, 89(3), 420-432.)
6. Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities:
- Research in the field of assistive technology has demonstrated the positive impact of technology, including audiobooks, in supporting students with learning disabilities. These tools can level the playing field for struggling readers. (Source: Higgins, E. L., & Raskind, M. H. (1995). Speech synthesis and word prediction for spelling: Support for multi-determined models of dyslexia. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 28(2), 102-112.)
The above-mentioned scientific findings provide a robust foundation for explaining why the personalized audiobook creation approach employed for Phoebe can be highly beneficial for children with reading difficulties and comprehension challenges.
Understanding IEPs:
IEPs, or Individualized Education Plans, are crucial educational tools that ensure students with disabilities, such as Phoebe, receive the specialized support and resources necessary for their academic success. These personalized plans are legally mandated in many countries, including the United States, where they fall under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Importance of IEPs for Reading Disabilities:
Phoebe's IEP centers on her reading disability, aiming to equip her with the tools and strategies needed to overcome reading challenges. Reading disabilities can manifest in various ways, including decoding words, comprehending texts, and retaining information. IEPs are essential for several reasons:
1. Personalized Support: IEPs are highly individualized, designed to cater to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student. For Phoebe, her IEP tailors interventions specifically to address her reading difficulties.
2. Setting Clear Goals: IEPs establish clear, measurable objectives for students. For Phoebe, these objectives include enhancing reading fluency and comprehension.
3. Specialized Instruction: IEPs often encompass specialized instruction, accommodations, and assistive technology, all crucial for students like Phoebe to effectively access the curriculum.
4. Regular Progress Monitoring: Phoebe's IEP includes a system for tracking her progress, ensuring that the strategies in place are effective and making necessary adjustments when needed.
Phoebe's Journey: The Quest For The Magic Cookie:
Phoebe's journey to improve her reading and comprehension skills is exceptional, thanks to her direct involvement in the creation of her personalized book. This innovative approach has empowered her to take control of her learning, fostering a profound sense of ownership and boosting her confidence.
While there may not be specific scientific studies on the exact practice of creating personalized audiobooks based on a child's narration, several scientific findings and concepts support this personalized learning approach:
1. Personalized Learning and Engagement:
- Research in personalized learning has consistently demonstrated that when students have a say in their learning process and materials, they tend to be more engaged and motivated to learn. (Source: Hattie, J., & Yates, G. (2014). Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn. Routledge.)
2. Multisensory Learning for Reading:
- Studies have shown that a multisensory approach to reading, including auditory input such as listening to audiobooks, can significantly benefit struggling readers and enhance comprehension. (Source: Berninger, V. W., et al. (2008). Multisensory instruction in writing for students with mild disabilities: A multiple probe design study. Learning Disability Quarterly, 31(3), 109-131.)
3. Repeated Exposure and Comprehension:
- The concept that repeated exposure to text through reading and listening can improve comprehension is well-supported by research. Repeated reading or listening helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension skills. (Source: Samuels, S. J. (1979). The method of repeated readings. The Reading Teacher, 32(4), 403-408.)
4. Narration and Storytelling:
- Research in language development and literacy underscores the importance of storytelling and narration in a child's cognitive and linguistic development. Personal narration can help children develop storytelling skills and a deeper understanding of narrative structure. (Source: Snow, C. E. (1983). Literacy and language: Relationships during the preschool years. Harvard Educational Review, 53(2), 165-189.)
5. Motivation and Confidence:
- Studies consistently reveal that when children feel a sense of ownership and control over their learning materials, their motivation and confidence in reading can increase significantly. (Source: Wigfield, A., & Guthrie, J. T. (1997). Relations of children's motivation for reading to the amount and breadth of their reading. Journal of Educational Psychology, 89(3), 420-432.)
6. Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities:
- Research in the field of assistive technology has demonstrated the positive impact of technology, including audiobooks, in supporting students with learning disabilities. These tools can level the playing field for struggling readers. (Source: Higgins, E. L., & Raskind, M. H. (1995). Speech synthesis and word prediction for spelling: Support for multi-determined models of dyslexia. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 28(2), 102-112.)
The above-mentioned scientific findings provide a robust foundation for explaining why the personalized audiobook creation approach employed for Phoebe can be highly beneficial for children with reading difficulties and comprehension challenges.
Embark on a Magical Adventure with Sparkles the Unicorn!
Whether you're a child at heart or sharing this audiobook with a young dreamer, "Sparkles The Unicorn: The Quest For The Magic Cookie" will weave its spell around you, leaving you enchanted and inspired. Get ready to lose yourself in a world where cookies hold secrets and unicorns light the way.
Unleash your inner child and discover the enchantment within "Sparkles The Unicorn" on Google Play Audiobooks today!
Audio version of: Sparkles The Unicorn: The Quest For The Magic Cookie