If your child loves to read on a tablet instead of reading from their library of books, don’t give away those hard copies just yet! A new pediatric study suggests that books are better than a tablet for children’s reading.
“Tablets certainly had a place during the pandemic and virtual learning, so yes, there’s a need to be able to use those,” said Dr. Hailey Nelson with Valley Children’s Healthcare in a recent interview.
Yet, Dr. Nelson said that when it comes to childhood development, there’s is nothing better than a good ‘ole fashion printed book.
“Books are magical! It’s that time to sit down with your child. They’re learning language. They’re learning repetition. They’re learning so many things. As you are going through the pictures, count how many apples are in the tree. What color is the car? Some of those interactive things with that page.”
She continued, “We see, for underserved children, there’s a language gap just in starting school. You go on adventures when you read!”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics study, toddlers spend an average of more than two hours per day on a digital device.
In a separate study, University of Michigan researchers came to the same conclusion as their counterparts.
“Children thrive from back-and-forth interactions with loving, responsive adults in their environment,” said Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, an associate professor of pediatrics, human development and family studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison said in an interview.
Navsaria continued, “That’s the number one thing that drives their development, whether it’s speech or social/emotional skills.”
Thinking of adding some new books to your collection? Here are thirteen Penguin titles for all ages written by Black authors and illustrators. These titles should unquestionably be on your shelf!
1. We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman & Dapo Adeola
2. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o & Vashti Harrison
3. The Dream Team: Jaz Santos vs. the World by Priscilla Mante
4. Look Up! By Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola
5. Change Sings by Amanda Gorman & Loren
6. Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers by Michelle Obama
7. Hair Love by Matthew Cherry & Vashti Harrison
8. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
9. Listen, Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
10. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson
11. Pig-Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman
12. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
