I am working on my beginning of the year Literacy Workstations based on Common Core Standards. My workstations are a mixture of Daily Five and Debbie Dillers' Literacy Workstations. I have a collection of recorded books for each of my units. Years ago, I tried having everyone listening to the same book, but there were always problems, so I decided to try individual cd players using an assortment of books related to the same theme. My collection of cds comes from the many cassette tapes I transferred to cds and cds bought from Scholastic book clubs, I've also recorded a lot of books as well. Last year I had a class who constantly mixed up the books and cd players, so I decided to make cards with the name of the book and book cover on them. When the students finished listening they put their listening bags back and found the card that matched the book they listened to. It saved me time and it kept children from being frustrated by realizing their book didn't match the cd they were listening to. I've decided my first listening to reading workstation will have my students determining the main character in the book they're listening to. The books I've chosen all have a strong main character. I am including a workstation chart, common core standard chart, book cards and response sheet.
P.S. If you would like the ppt version of the book cards, leave a comment with your email address. Don't forget your email address, I fee so sad when you ask for things and I can't get them to you.