The D39 Educational Foundation awarded $1.054 to Romona Elementary for the purchase of Toniebox Audio Players and several Tonies Audio Play Characters and Audiobooks. The Toniebox provides a screen-free digital audio experience, which is especially beneficial for early childhood and elementary classrooms as well as the special education population. This allows students to develop listening skills, imagination, and focus without the distractions of the screens. The soft squeezable speaker with simple controls allows young children to independently operate the device. The tactile interaction helps develop fine motor skills, while giving students control over their audio experience. The Toniebox supports multiple learning styles, with auditory, tactile manipulatives and encourages movement. The Toniebox also allows repetition for students who benefit from additional exposure to content. For developing readers, it builds vocabulary and comprehension skills. By having several devices available for the school library we are able to provide this opportunity to the entire building while being fiscally responsible.
