Kids and Reading - Can E-books Be A Vector?

[ficbot]

Originally Posted by queentess

My great grandma probably couldn't imagine me growing up without a horse and buggy, but I did.

My mother is still horrified that I don't have a proper coffee table.

I agree though, kids ARE smart. I think my potential future kids will see me enjoy bookstores, enjoy browsing, enjoy buying books as gifts and having books (of certain kinds) in the house. And I think they will readily recognize that my ebook reader is a book---albeit a boring one with no pictures that they don't much care about

Later, when they get to chapter books, maybe they'll want one and that would be great. I am all about reading to the kids!

[queentess]

Originally Posted by DMcCunney

But you do have to show them. There's no obvious relationship between a paper book and an ereader, and until they see you do it, young kids aren't likely to realize the latter is a device you can read with.

Should we also explain that reading from a computer monitor is reading? Reading from a newspaper? Reading from signs? Reading letter-sized mail?

Reading is reading. Once the children understand the concept of words, they'll understand that you can read them in any format.

[queentess]

Originally Posted by Ben Thornton

It seems to me that there's a difference between exploring a large number of bookshelves, seeing them all laid out before you, and searching on a device.

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?

[Ben Thornton]

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.

[queentess]

Originally Posted by Ben Thornton

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.

Agreed. At least until I know she won't crack the screen or they make the screens sturdier.

And this would be a great introduction to ebooks for kids. Viewable on kid-friendly laptops.