How We Spent the Funds from Cruise & Associates

 

You may recall that back in August, Cruise & Associates held a bowling fundraiser for the PVLA. They were able to raise $1,000, and that money was used to buy books, CDs, and CD players for our students.

Why Buy Books and CDs?

Having access to both CDs and print books can be incredibly beneficial to language learners because it will enhance their language acquisition.

While listening to the text and following along in the book, a student will be exposed to intonation, native speech patterns, and correct pronunciation. In addition, listening and reading can help them understand nuances of the English language, as well as expand their vocabulary and comprehension.

However, the skills go beyond language learning.

Listening to the audio version of the text and reading along in a print book boost reading comprehension, which can be incredibly beneficial for those studying for GED exams. 

Reading and listening simultaneously engages multiple parts of the brain, and the multisensory experience can reinforce an individual’s understanding of the material, making it easier for them to comprehend intricate plotlines or complex concepts.

Why Not Make Audiobooks Available?

While access to audiobooks is beneficial, the monthly fee in addition to the cost of purchasing the book can be out of reach for many of our students, as well as the PVLA. 

Instead, by offering them CDs and CD players, they’ll have access to our library of books, giving them the ability to listen and read at their leisure without having to download apps, worry about fees, or stress about draining their phone battery.

What Kinds of Books Did the PVLA Buy?

Since every student has different preferences when it comes to reading materials, we are offering a variety of book options. From fiction (including horror, literary, and classics) to nonfiction (memoirs and historical), students will be able to find something they’ll enjoy listening to.

Not only will they be able to improve their language skills and reading comprehension, but they’ll also learn about the world in which they live through the perspective of a wide range of authors and characters.

Why Did the PVLA Buy Those Particular Books?

While classroom learning is beneficial in helping non-native speakers learn English, it can get boring. To keep individuals interested and engaged, giving them access to stories is essential. Sometimes, when it doesn’t feel like a lesson, that’s when people absorb the most information. If a student can be entertained, they may be more inclined to keep learning.

Learning a new language is challenging—especially if you’re attempting this feat as an adult. While not impossible, there are many obstacles that need to be overcome. When it comes to learning English, one of the best ways to get a grasp on the language is to be able to see the words on the page and hear them being spoken.

Being exposed to and immersed in a new language is imperative, but once a person leaves the classroom, they may not find themselves around English speakers, which can make it even harder to learn the language. A solution to this problem would be for individuals to be able to check out a CD player and book that they can take anywhere and everywhere.

Without the generosity of Cruise & Associates, we wouldn’t be able to offer these resources to our students. Not only do we hope they learn something by reading the books we have to offer, but—most importantly—we hope they enjoy the experience.