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Why Kids Should Say Goodbye to Kindles and Embrace Paper Books This Summer
Hey there, fellow parents! If you’ve been like me lately, you might have noticed that your reading habits have changed—maybe for the worse. I used to devour everything from gripping novels to academic texts, but now? It’s a struggle to finish even the most exciting book. Sure, I tell myself it’s because life is busy and full of worries, but somehow I find time to scroll through social media endlessly.
It seems I’ve shifted from deep reading to a more distracted style that involves my phone, computer, or tablet. I skim headlines, my focus constantly interrupted by notifications. When I finally pick up a physical book, I can barely manage a few pages before I feel the urge to check my phone “just for a second.” My brain simply doesn’t absorb text like it used to.
A recent NPR segment highlights the changes in our reading habits. Many of us grew up practicing what they call “slow reading”—the kind where you can lie on the couch with a novel or sit at a desk with a highlighter. But as the internet has taken over, we’ve moved to fast-paced, screen-based reading. It’s a shift that’s altering our brains. Maryanne Wolf, a leading researcher in reading and language, notes that our brains are adapting too well to the fast-paced nature of online reading, making it harder to engage in slower, more focused reading.
What Does This Mean for Our Kids?
Unlike us, they’re growing up surrounded by e-readers and digital distractions. Wolf expresses concern about how this might affect their reading abilities. Studies show that we retain more information when reading from physical books than from screens. For instance, a Norwegian study found that adults who read a paperback novel remembered more details about the plot than those who read the same story on a Kindle.
We also know that taking notes by hand helps students remember lecture material better than typing on a laptop. This seems to suggest that the tactile experience of paper, as well as the layout of text on a page, enhances our comprehension and memory.
The Case for Paper Books
Of course, I get it—e-readers are super convenient. Who wants to lug around a stack of books to the beach? But according to Wolf, we should aim for a “discerning bi-literate brain.” While quick hits of information from our screens are essential, we also need those quiet moments to immerse ourselves in a book. After committing to reading daily, Wolf found that her attention span for complex novels improved. Similarly, I’ve decided that my kids will read only physical books this summer, despite the allure of digital options.
In a world where quick snippets of information dominate—think Twitter feeds and endless texts—we can’t afford to let our slow-reading skills fade away. I’ve often felt as if my phone is a demanding entity that steals my focus, replacing the joys of reading with a cycle of swiping and clicking.
Encouraging a Love for Reading
So let’s encourage our kids to experience the beauty of paper books this summer. And if you’re curious about more topics related to home insemination and parenting, check out this great resource at Facts About Fertility, or learn about cryobaby’s at-home insemination kits for a deeper understanding of the journey to parenthood.
In summary, while e-readers have their place, we need to prioritize the benefits of reading physical books. This summer, let’s help our kids cultivate their ability to engage in slow reading and truly connect with the stories they encounter.