by Mary Ostrowski
The impact of digital technology on children's literature is profound. Digital children's literature has seen a significant surge, driven by the advent of interactive e-books, audiobooks, and graphic novels. These mediums offer an enticing, immersive reading experience by actively engaging children and encouraging their participation. By doing so, they invite even reluctant readers into becoming co-creators of the narrative.
While the digital revolution brings about exciting possibilities, there is a balance between innovation and tradition. The emergence of non-traditional reading mediums shouldn't overshadow the importance of learning to decode, comprehend, and analyze text on actual paper. These are essential components of traditional literacy development, and the physical interaction of a page while reading is the kinesthetic touch (pun intended!) many emergent readers need. Therefore, a combination of these two paradigms—traditional and digital—could be the best approach to giving children a comprehensive literacy toolkit that prepares them for a rapidly evolving world.
Tips for Parents
Parents play a pivotal role in helping their children learn to read. Therefore, they will also be instrumental in steering their kids through this digital revolution. Here are a few ways to balance traditional and digital reading.
1. Promote Active Engagement: Encourage children to actively participate in digital storytelling rather than passively consume content. If your child is reading an interactive e-book, discuss the choices they make in the story and how it changes the narrative. Ask questions like: What do might have happened if they’d chosen Option B instead of Option A?
2. Incorporate Traditional Reading: Along with digital mediums, ensure regular practice with physical books to reinforce basic reading skills. Set aside specific 'book reading' times during the day when your child can read physical books and work on skills like decoding and visual tracking. Talk about the differences between reading on paper versus a screen; which do they like better and why?
3. Facilitate Comprehension Skills: While using audiobooks, ensure children are not just listening but understanding and analyzing the content. After listening to a chapter, engage your child in a discussion about the characters, plot, and any themes they may have noticed. Make predictions! What will happen next?
4. Blend Digital and Traditional Literacy: Integrate the two mediums. After
reading a story, your child could use a digital tool to create a story map or presentation summarizing the plot. They could re-enact the story and make a
video, or create a commercial promoting the book.
5. Set Healthy Digital Boundaries: It's essential to establish and maintain
limits on screen time to ensure a healthy relationship with technology. Create
a daily routine that balances screen time with other activities, such as reading
physical books, outdoor play, and creative pursuits.
As we navigate the future of children's literature, it's crucial to remember that the essence of literacy development remains constant: decoding, comprehension, and analysis of text. The rise of digital literature should supplement, not replace, this core aim. By striking a balance between innovation and tradition, we can ensure children are well-equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world while retaining crucial literacy skills.