Technology can help children to read

Reading. It’s so important isn’t it? According to new research by the National Literacy Trust in collaboration with Pearson, children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit more from using books and touch-screens for sharing stories, than books alone.

Devices such as smartphones and tablets can offer an important route into reading for many 3-5 year olds.

The research shows that children from poorer backgrounds who use books alongside touch screen devices for sharing stories are less likely to perform below the expected standard for their age than if they use books only. It was also discovered that children are more likely to enjoy and choose to read if they use a combination of technology and the printed word.

We all know what a huge role technology plays in children’s lives these days. Three-quarters of children aged three to five have access to touch screen technology at home, and three quarters of parents and practitioners consider it important for a child to use technology from an early age in order to get on at school. One in five early years practitioners say children use technology in their setting, with two thirds of practitioners feeling their setting needs further access to touch screen devices.

So technology isn’t always a bad thing. Deep down I think we all know this. Our children are growing up in an age where computers are the norm, and they will more than likely be using them during their working lives. A knowledge of touch screens, internet and word processing is a life skill, and if it can help with their reading too then great. Just as long as the written word isn’t forgotten too.

Do your children enjoy reading? Do they prefer a traditional book, or do they like to use an electronic device to read and explore?