The Livelihood Of Books: The Effect On Young Readers

         There has been an on and off debate whether children, (particularly in Pres-school and Kindergarten) to use tablets as a reading tool. The article " E-Books vs. Print: what parents need to know" by Jenny Deam explains the experts such as Jim Taylor, Ph.D has concerns that electronic devices disconnect children from the real world. The assumption is if children only using e-books will forget how to handle a traditional book. As in flipping the pages and sharing favorites with friends. Also since the devices are touch screen, it is easy to concentrate on which buttons to press on then focusing on the assessment(Deam, J). E-books are not necessarily too damaging to the young mind. After awhile the child will get tired of he device. It's just a sense of balance of electronic reading and print, according to Kim Floyd a Kindergarten teacher. Floyd has found it beneficial to some of her struggling students. She says it makes them feel less embarrassed and helps them find books interest then and read at their level with privacy. The debate of e-books and print can be resolved through balance of the two. However, besides balance it is very important that the parents and educators interact with the children. I Think what sets people on guard about it is, it is not so much of the technology that is the problem, it is how it is used.

 

Deam, J. (n.d.). E-Books vs. Print: What Parents Should Know. Scholastic Publishes Literacy Resources and Children's Books for Kids of All Ages. Retrieved , from http://www.scholastic.com