Educators recognize the value of traditional books for early language skills and include them in their curriculums. Explore the many ways that hands-on interaction with printed material will benefit your early learners.
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We only have to peek inside a preschool classroom to see the value of traditional books to early literacy. Kids are glued to a book the teacher is reading at circle time, picking up books in the reading corner during independent play times.
It’s easy to love traditional picture books. They have large colorful images; they have pages that rustle when you turn them; they can be relied on to entertain us at any time of day.
Part of the benefit of introducing, and relying on, traditional books is that there is no shortage of books and printed materials to draw from.
- Books are available at no cost in libraries.
- Many book titles are easily ordered online, and at reasonable costs.
- Books can be shared among family and friends.
- Local organizations often donate books, or funds to purchase books, to schools and other institutions.
Early childhood is where a journey into developing language and reading skills begins. Traditionally published books can be a valuable part of that journey. They nurture a love of books and reading while building early literacy skills.
Value of traditional books
We recognize that traditional books are just part of the literary experience, now that screens and devices are part of our daily lives.
In today’s world, digital devices can replace or augment our traditional reading experiences. This applies to kids as well as to grownups, as computers may be present in classrooms as early as preschool level.
Traditional books vs digital text
There are many studies that examine traditionally printed material versus digital text on e-readers and other devices.
1. This article discusses a study indicating better comprehension achieved in some cases through printed books.
2. This article guides parents through the pros and cons of both options
Without discounting the benefits of technology, I believe in the value of traditional story books to the early learning community. Traditional books complement the reading experience in ways that e-readers cannot.
- Reading from printed material is a tactile experience. Books have size and weight, pages to flip, flaps to lift, padded covers, or contrasting inserts, contributing to the tangible interaction.
- Children can pick up a book and immediately become engaged, while the e-reader requires knowledge and time to access a desired story page or app. Even though young people are known to be adept at figuring out the technology, an adult needs to be available to assist with the acquisition.
- Traditional books do not require batteries, software updates, etc.
- Traditional books are free of the distractions that come with online reading, such as advertisements, music or screen prompts.
- Printed materials such as activity books and coloring books initiate practice of fine motor skills involving pencils, crayons, erasers, or stickers.
- Traditionally books released by a publishing company have undergone a rigorous review/editing process, which must now be translated to the online market. With so much information available online, it is important to be aware of the quality and content of reading sites.
How to include traditional books
Traditional reading material can intentionally be made available in a variety of ways.
- small group reading in the classroom
- bedtime stories at home
- accessible book shelves
- visits to the library
- shared as gifts
A combination of digital and printed reading material may be a reality for teachers and parents. Regardless of the medium, adults enhance the value of reading experiences by engaging with kids and interacting as they read.
Draw attention to characters and events in stories to support critical thinking. Provide kids with opportunities to ask questions, make comments, and express their emotions.
Traditional books may not be the only option for early literacy experiences, but they are an important one.
Tips for reading traditional books to preschoolers
Teach young readers to appreciate the whole book.
- Examine the cover for characters or words that might provide clues to the story.
- Identify the title, the author and the illustrator.
- Draw attention to the way words are made up of the letters of the alphabet, displayed on the chart on the classroom wall!
- Read slowly and clearly, pausing when necessary to allow words to be explained, details in images to be pointed out, or personal experiences to be related.
Tips to encourage independent reading
A wide range of book options is available for independent reading at all levels: cloth for babies; board books for toddlers; picture books for preschoolers; chapter books for early readers.
At home or in the classroom, have both soft cover and hard cover books on hand for independent play and quiet times, as well as transition times.
- Make books accessible on low shelves or tables, or in a basket, so children can make selections on their own.
- Limit the number of titles on the shelf at one time. Too many options can be distracting.
- Keep covers visible. Avoid stacking books.
- Refresh titles often.
Read traditional books to support literacy skills.
Can you read this book to me?
It’s wonderful to hear these words from your child. They indicate a love of books and the joy or reading together.
The convenience of reaching for a book helps kids learn at an early age to engage with reading material, both for entertainment and for information.
Best of all, every page they turn can become a new adventure, and inspire a quest for more books to explore.
