Quote:
Originally Posted by queentess
I'm sure it does seem different to you 
Should I also populate my home with shelves of records or cds to cultivate a love of music? Because a bunch of files on a computer really isn't the same. Or is it the act of listening to the music that cultivates that love? |
I would think that being surrounded by lots of physical books, and having electronic access to that same content, would seem different to anybody (because it
is different). The question, I suppose, is whether that difference matters (i.e. makes any difference to the positive impact that reading can have on children). I don't know if it does, but it seems to me that it might.
On the music front, we've pretty much carried out that experiment, because I've used digital only for some time. All the physical stuff is tucked away, and that hasn't been a problem. But I think reading is different.
I'd probably agree with the sentiment that others have expressed, that physical books might be best for younger children, with ereaders coming in once they're at the chapter reading level. Having said that, ereaders aimed at young children are already becoming available.