Using Podcasts in a 7th grade (Science) Classroom

After some consideration, I have decided to implement podcasting while making modifications for students with special needs. Some of the students that I have are dyslexic or have some type of learning disability that precludes their being able to read simple (and/or complex) text. Currently, one of the classes that I teach has 28 students: 4 that are limited English proficient, 2 that are very Dyslexic, 8 that are Special Needs or other health impaired, and the remainder of which are regular education students.  Due to the inordinate number of students with some type of special needs, my class has been given an ESL (English Second Language) tutor as well as a Special Education teacher that help the students as I am teaching. Although the help is there, reading the test is not an option for all students, as they do not have accommodations which enable me to provide this service to them on a regular basis. This presents a huge problem during testing of any kind, which is required by all school districts. Using podcasts to “read” the questions to the students might be a hugely viable solution, since students would be able to access the podcast in our school tech dome and listen as the test is being read to them, to include any and all modifications that have been done to the test.  Additionally, the podcast could serve as documentation that the individual education plan (IEP) for each student is being met. Students would then be more able to complete the exam without further help.

Another way a podcast could be used is to read fiction or nonfiction literature or short stories to students.  Students in the middle school love to be read to, and will listen intently as long as they don’t have to read for themselves!  I have read “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss to my students since it deals with environmental issues and I teach science to seventh graders. But I also know that my block leaders, who teaches language arts to our group of students, reads novels regularly in her class and the students thoroughly enjoy this.