In today’s digital age, there are so many different mediums for reading. Although many adults and children still prefer to hold a physical book, e-readers are a trendy choice, offering a different reading experience.
But does today’s tech offer young people the same immersive reading experience? Are screens helping your child learn to read the right way? Do children actually take in what they read on a screen?
At our private Christian school in Atlanta, we’re proponents of a smart balance between physical books and reading devices. Here are a few tips and thoughts from our reading teachers.
Technology Offers Some Unique Benefits
Even though reading on a screen is a different reading experience, some aspects of it are really helpful. For example, if your child reads better with a tinted overlay, an e-reader can set this as the default. Similarly, you can adjust font size on a device if a reader prefers larger text.
Regarding early development, using an e-reader and doing tasks like clicking or sliding buttons or swiping on a screen helps develop fine motor skills. There are numerous educational apps that can help children practice letter tracing or learning to read with phonics.
Keep an Eye on Screen Time
Although there are some positive benefits to using screens to read, studies have shown some adverse effects. A study of over 7,000 children showed that one to four hours of screen time a day was linked to higher risks of developmental delays. Another study found that extended use of screen time at the preschool stage leads to increased expressions of anger and frustration.
Shared time with an e-reader or tablet can help your child learn to share and engage in other positive social interactions, which is beneficial to childhood development. However, given the other negative consequences that come with these technologies, it is best to limit and supervise screen time. Most devices allow you to set time limits and control content for this reason.
Print is Best for Preschoolers
The best reading experience for preschoolers undoubtedly comes from printed media. When parents and children read a physical book together, it is easier to engage in dialogic reading. This is where you have a conversation about the book with your child, and it helps to develop their vocabulary, critical comprehension, and listening skills.
This is harder to do with e-books and apps, as they often have more distractions on the page.
Print Boosts Comprehension for All Readers
The benefits of hardcopy books continue for all ages when it comes to reading comprehension. Studies show that comprehension is six to eight times better when reading print media rather than electronic screens. That’s a strong case for printed books.
Introduce Devices to School Age Children
As children age, you can start introducing e-reading devices for certain applications. For example, some children may prefer to read shorter-form products, like a magazine or children’s comic, on a screen because these products are designed to be read quickly and are less dense in their subject matter. These devices are also helpful in a school setting, giving all students access to the same material at the same time.
E-readers are very convenient. A child may not be able to tote a hardcopy book around when they’re on the go, but they can take a small electronic device, allowing them to read whenever they have extra time. Once again, adults should supervise the use of these devices and their content to ensure it is appropriate.
Screens are a Useful Tool for Older Children
As children progress through school, e-readers can become useful tools for revision. Functions such as highlighting and annotating can help older children revise and consolidate their learning. However, e-readers should not be the first thing children reach for to read for pleasure or study.
Physical Books Give the Best Reading Experience
Generally speaking, children learn and engage more when reading physical books for fun because there are fewer distractions.
In today’s online world, where young people already have a lot of technology, reading is a great way to disconnect from devices.
There is space in a youngster’s world for e-readers. They are handy entertainment when kids are on the go, and they allow children to access a wide variety of books quickly. However, nothing beats curling up in a cozy nook with a physical book.