Lexi Webster
Whisper phones, also known as fluency or phonics phones, are an effective tool for teaching students reading and writing. They are a low-tech device that allows students to hear themselves reading a piece of text and identify their fluency. Whisper phones are easy to make and cost-effective, requiring only a few pieces of plastic plumbing tubes and elbows, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make whisper phones and explore the various ways they can be utilised in the classroom to enhance students' reading and writing skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Teaching reading and writing to students |
| Function | Students hear themselves reading a piece of text and listening back to it |
| Commercial availability | Yes |
| Cost | Less than $30 |
| Materials | 1 X 1m piece of 20mm PVC pipe, plastic plumbing tubes, elbows |
| Customization | Decorative contact can be wrapped around the middle tube |
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What You'll Learn
Buy 20mm PVC pipe from a hardware store
Whisper phones are a great way to help students build reading confidence and improve their fluency. They are essentially plastic tubes that students whisper into and listen to their own voice. You can easily make them yourself by buying a 1-metre piece of 20mm PVC pipe from a hardware store.
Bunnings, for example, stocks Holman 20mm x 3m Class 12 PVC Pressure Pipes, which are widely used for irrigation and water supply for domestic and commercial applications. They cost $9.42 and are available both in-store and online.
When purchasing the PVC pipe, remember to also buy elbows for each end of the pipe. You can ask a staff member to help you locate these and even cut them for you if needed.
With the PVC pipe and elbows, you can then follow a few simple steps to assemble your whisper phone. This do-it-yourself approach is not only cost-effective but also ensures that your whisper phone is tailored to your specific needs.
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Ask for elbows to fit the pipe
Whisper phones are a great tool to help students build reading confidence and improve their fluency. They are essentially low-tech devices that allow students to record themselves reading and then listen back to identify areas for improvement. The device is simple: a student whispers into one end and hears their voice clearly in their own ear at the other end.
To make a whisper phone, you will need a few PVC elbows and a short length of PVC pipe. You can purchase these at any home improvement or plumbing store. Ask for elbows to fit the pipe—you will need two elbows for each phone you plan to make. Typically, the pipe is sold in lengths of about ten feet, so you may want to plan to build several phones at once. Ask if they sell elbows in multi-packs, as this can cut down on the cost per phone.
The elbows and pipe are typically found in the plumbing section of the store. You can ask a staff member to show you where the elbows are located and whether they can cut the pipe for you. You can also purchase a cutting tool to cut the pipe yourself. The pipe should be cut into sections that are about 3.5" in length.
Once you have the elbows and the pipe, it's time to assemble the whisper phone. Push a PVC elbow onto each end of the pipe. Due to the way these elbows are mass-produced, they generally have a rough side and a smooth side. If your elbows have this difference, put the rough side on the pipe so the smooth side will face the reader’s ear and mouth. Press down on the elbows firmly to make sure they stay in place. You can use glue if you choose, but it isn't necessary.
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Ask staff to cut the pipe
Whisper phones are a great tool for teaching students reading and writing. They are essentially plastic tubes that students hold to their ear and whisper into, allowing them to hear their own voice clearly. You can easily make them yourself by following these steps:
- Visit a hardware store, such as Bunnings, and purchase a 1-metre piece of 20mm PVC pipe.
- Once you have the PVC pipe, locate an employee and request their assistance in cutting the pipe.
- Communicate your specific requirements, such as the desired length of the pipe, to ensure it is cut to the appropriate size.
- You may also want to ask the staff member to cut elbow pieces for each end of the pipe. These elbow pieces will serve as connectors, allowing the whisper phones to be comfortably held against the ear.
- It is advisable to confirm the number of whisper phones you plan to make, so the staff member can cut the pipe into the necessary number of pieces.
- If you feel comfortable, you can also request guidance on finding the elbow fittings that match the PVC pipe you have chosen.
By asking the staff at the hardware store for assistance, you can ensure that you have all the necessary components for assembling your whisper phones. Their expertise can be invaluable in cutting the pipe to the correct size and providing any additional fittings or connectors that may be required.
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Decorate the middle tube
To decorate the middle tube of your whisper phone, you can wrap some decorative contact around it. This will make your phone look more stylish and less industrial. You can find plastic plumbing tubes at your local hardware store.
Decorative contact comes in a variety of colours and patterns, so you can choose one that suits your taste or the theme of your classroom. You can also involve your students in the decision-making process and let them pick their favourite design.
Another idea is to let your students decorate their own tubes. They can use markers, paint, stickers, or other craft supplies to personalise their phones and make them unique. This can be a fun art project for the class and a way to get them involved in the process of making their own whisper phones.
If you want to add some extra durability to the tube, you can also consider using a thin layer of clear adhesive film or laminate over the decorative contact. This will protect the design and ensure that it doesn't get damaged or peeled off over time.
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Whisper into the phone
Whisper phones are a simple, low-tech tool to aid reading and writing instruction. They are a great way to help students build reading confidence and improve their fluency. Essentially, they are the equivalent of students recording themselves reading a piece of text and then listening back. However, with whisper phones, students hear themselves as they are reading, rather than afterwards.
Whisper phones are easy and inexpensive to make. You can make them yourself with a trip to your local hardware store. All you need is some plastic plumbing tubes and elbows. Ask a staff member to cut the tubes to the right length for you. You can also wrap some decorative contact around the middle tube to make it look more stylish.
To use a whisper phone, pick it up and whisper into it. Remember, these devices are powerful, so a little goes a long way! Have students read books, individual words, or their own writing into the phone. They can listen carefully to their own voice and identify phonemes (sounds) and possible locations for punctuation. Whisper phones are perfect for a busy classroom, as students can clearly hear themselves, even with background noise.
So, why pay top dollar for commercially made fluency phones? Get creative and make your own whisper phones for a fun and effective learning experience!
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Frequently asked questions
Whisper phones, also called fluency or phonics phones, are an auditory feedback listening device. They are made of plastic tubing that students hold to their ear and whisper into to hear their own voice.
Whisper phones are a handy classroom tool for teaching reading and writing. They are a low-tech way for students to record themselves reading a piece of text and listen back immediately. This helps them to identify their fluency and practice sounding smooth and less robotic when they read.
You can buy commercially-made whisper phones, but they can be expensive. You can also make your own by purchasing PVC pipe or plastic plumbing tubes from a hardware store.
To make whisper phones, purchase a 1-metre piece of 20mm PVC pipe or plastic plumbing tubes from a hardware store. Ask a staff member to help you find the elbows to fit the pipes and to cut them for you. You can also wrap some decorative contact around the middle tube to make them look more stylish.
Have students read books, individual words, or their own writing into the phones to help them hear themselves reading. This can help them identify phonemes and improve their pronunciation. Whisper phones can also be used during independent reading time to reduce distracting behaviours.
