eBooks vs Printed Books: What is Best For Your Child
With technology permeating our lives, digital reading is gaining popularity, especially with the increase of tablets and apps. Children can now choose between traditional paper books or electronic books, but as a teacher or parent, you can decide: Which is more beneficial for your child?
Traditional paper books offer the comfort of turning physical pages and the satisfaction of possessing a real copy. Conversely, eBooks introduce a novel experience with narrators, animations, music, and interactive elements. However, there’s a caveat: concerns have surfaced regarding screen time and whether children derive as much educational value from eBooks as printed books.
This blog addresses the significant questions surrounding the choice between the two options. Whether you’re anxious about screen time, curious about the educational values of eBooks vs printed books, or simply aiming to make the best decision for your child’s reading journey, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s explore the essential considerations that will enable you to navigate the realm of digital reading with assurance.
What is an eBook?
An eBook is like a book you read on a tablet or computer instead of paper. However, not all eBooks are the same, especially for kids.
Some eBooks are more like watching cartoons with words. They’re fun to watch but don’t help kids with reading. Other eBooks might have only some of the tools kids need to improve their reading, especially if they’re struggling.
Why eBooks Are Awesome for Kids
Research by the National Literacy Trust has shown that eBooks can significantly improve children’s reading abilities. During the study, boys saw an improvement of over eight months in their reading level, while girls showed an increase of over seven months.
Kids are drawn to eBooks for numerous reasons, including several significant benefits. One major advantage is the ability to adjust text size, which is particularly helpful for children who find the small print in regular books challenging. This feature is especially beneficial for kids with dyslexia or visual impairments, making reading more accessible and enjoyable.
Another good thing about eBooks is how easy they are to access. This familiarity makes reading on a screen feel natural and enjoyable for them. And the best part? Reading eBooks entertains them and helps them improve their reading skills.
eBooks vs Printed Books: What’s the Deal?
Both eBooks and printed books offer unique reading experiences for children. Children must be exposed to both formats and other reading options, such as audiobooks, comics, newspapers, and magazines. This diverse range of reading materials allows children to explore what they enjoy most and fosters a love for reading.
Studies indicate that children who read print books regularly often exhibit higher levels of reading enjoyment and achieve beyond their expected reading level. Furthermore, with the rise of eBook conversion services, printed books can now be easily transformed into digital formats. This means that even if a child prefers printed books, they can access their favorite titles in eBook form. This offers flexibility and convenience, ensuring that children can access their preferred reading materials wherever they are, thus enhancing their reading experience.
Ultimately, the key is to offer children the choice between printed books and eBooks. This empowers them to become proficient readers and cultivates a lifelong passion for learning through literature.
When Should Kids Start Using eBooks?
Children today have access to fewer eBooks compared to printed books, particularly among younger kids. Although eBooks are available and suitable for children aged seven and older, there are also engaging story apps and games designed for younger children learning to read.
While eBooks can be an enjoyable part of a child’s reading experience, it’s beneficial to balance their use with traditional printed books. This mix is especially important for younger kids to ensure they receive a comprehensive and tactile reading experience.
Managing Screen Time with eBooks
Deciding whether reading on a screen counts as screen time can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to limit your child’s screen time. Some experts suggest limiting screen time to two hours daily and encouraging activities like reading instead.
Screens, especially those with blue light like laptops and tablets, can disrupt sleep if used late at night. While e-readers might not have the same issue, they could still make it hard for kids to relax before bedtime.
Ultimately, deciding how to handle screen time and whether digital reading fits your child’s routine is up to you. But if you want to play it safe, a classic bedtime story from a printed book is always a good option.
Choosing a Great eBook for Kids
Here are some things to look for when picking out an eBook for your child:
- Pictures and interactive features should help them understand the story without adding unrelated information.
- Games and interactive features should only pop up after the narrator finishes reading the page to avoid interrupting the story.
- Words should be highlighted as the narrator reads them to help kids connect spoken words with written ones.
- A built-in dictionary or links to explain tricky words can boost vocabulary.
- Look for “forward” and “backward” buttons to teach kids how to turn pages and read from left to right.
- Choose eBooks with options for repeated reading so kids can review pages, sentences, or words to reinforce understanding.
Embracing Digital Reading with eBook Conversion Services
Traditional books and eBooks are not mutually exclusive in today’s digital age. By leveraging ebook conversion companies to convert physical books to eBooks, parents and educators can bridge the gap between physical and digital reading. This offers children convenient access to their favorite stories in a format that suits their preferences.
Let’s embrace this digital revolution in literature, providing young readers the best of both worlds and fostering a lifelong love of reading.
