The Digital Era: Making Reading Fun for Children
Reading provides numerous benefits for children's literacy development, and incorporating it into their daily routine is essential, especially in the digital era where numerous distractions can diminish their interest in traditional books. However, with the rise of digital books, reading can become not only more engaging but also more entertaining. Digital books can enhance literacy by offering interactive features that keep children engaged, such as animations, clickable text, and integrated dictionaries that can help them build their vocabulary and comprehension skills more effectively. This dynamic form of reading can rekindle their interest in literature and promote a deeper understanding of language in a fun and interactive way.
Traditionally, printed books were favoured by educators and parents to introduce children to reading. Their visually appealing aspects and varied formats make them particularly suitable for young readers of all ages. However, the digital revolution has opened the door to a variety of options that transform reading into a richly interactive experience, especially for children reluctant to engage with traditional books. Digital books have now become essential as they incorporate interactive features highly prized by young users. According to a recent study by the National Literacy Trust, screen reading could be especially beneficial for children who are resistant to traditional books.
These digital books can be accessed through apps on various mobile devices such as smartphones, computers, or standard tablets. They offer a multitude of interactive possibilities that make reading more dynamic and enjoyable. For example, many apps allow children to draw or write directly on the screen, add words that rhyme with the text, highlight key words, or even suggest new endings for stories.
For dyslexic students, digital books are an invaluable resource. They offer various customisation options, such as the choice of font type (Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, etc.) and size (between 12 and 16 depending on the text), the adjustment of line spacing (between 1.5 and 2.5 pt), and contrast modifications (it is preferable to place text on a beige or cream background rather than a stark white one) to improve readability and accessibility. These adjustments can significantly enhance the reading experience for those with specific needs.
In addition to these benefits, digital books are easily accessible online. They can be purchased and downloaded without the need to travel, thus offering great convenience. Many sites offer the option to read a sample before purchasing, allowing parents and educators to choose the most suitable content for the child. Moreover, the portability of tablets and e-books allows children to enjoy reading wherever they are.
The importance of gamification in reading learning in the digital age is also an increasingly significant topic. Gamification, or the use of game mechanics in non-game contexts, can be applied to reading to motivate and engage children more effectively. By turning reading activities into games, complete with rewards, levels to pass, and challenges to overcome, children can be encouraged to read more regularly and with greater enthusiasm. This approach can not only make reading more fun but also improve understanding and retention of the material, making reading a continuous adventure.
For those looking to further explore the benefits of digital books in preschool education, the ABibooks project is a valuable resource. This project aims to enhance skills, preparation, and collaboration among early childhood education professionals, primary educators, and parents by providing ready-to-use interactive books and educational resources. These tools are designed to integrate interactive learning and storytelling as teaching methods, thereby facilitating the acquisition of fundamental skills in young children.
Bibliography
Free Photo | Medium shot kids sitting together. (2021, 16 January). Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/medium-shot-kids-sitting-together_12145287.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=26&uuid=124efc68-e662-40a7-86f8-2c39328705b2
Free Photo | Sad kid surrounded by books. (2016, 9 May). Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/sad-kid-surrounded-by-books_863907.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=41&uuid=fb22b7d3-7628-4682-88aa-0779e6910086
Picton, I., Clark, C., Riad, L., Cole, A., & The National Literacy Trust. (2022). Insights into young people’s literacy, critical digital literacy, online communication and wellbeing. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED627054.pdf