Sunday, October 10, 2010

Kids and Reading

According to The Epoch Times, kids choose gadgets over reading.
A new survey finds that [electronic and digital devices] have contributed not only to a decrease in reading, but also physical activity, ability to concentrate, and time spent with family.
The following tidbit had me rather flummoxed:
The study also reveals that a quarter of the children surveyed believe texting with friends counts as reading.
Seriously? Texting counts as reading?

There was a little bit of promising news:
 …children say that another device could perhaps pique their interest, as many responded that they would read more if they had access to eBooks.
Apparently, “choice” plays a role:
The study reveals that kids are more likely to read when they can select the material, with nine out of ten children responding that they are more apt to finish books they choose themselves.
Even though kids say they would read more if they had eBooks, there is also this:
… the report found that many kids still favored printed books. Two-thirds of respondents ages 9 to 17 said they will continue to seek out books printed on paper even if eBooks were available.
What do you think?

25 comments:

  1. My girls read a load of print books, at 9 and 12 they have their own book review blog. But, it's the access to electronic devices like the internet and the ability to have a blog that has them streaming through books. Before blogging, my eldest felt reading was a chore. Now she also loves audiobooks and has had my Kindle borrowed for so long, I've ordered another so she can keep it.
    Sure Playstations won't encourage kids to read, but give them a cool reading device and they will consume books on a competitive level. And as for everyone, I think kids will love the audiobook and the e-books, but still love print books and graphic novels as well.
    Interesting report :-)

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  2. I say argggh! I don't know what to think. I have two grown sons - one is 40, the other 38. I read to both of them growing up. the younger one is an avid reader like myself - the elder could care less. With my step-kids we read to them when they were younger - mostly their dad - the younger, my step-dot devours books at an alarming and satisfying rate - my step-son reads but has slowed down a great deal to text and hang out on line. hmmmm...
    arghh.

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  3. While readers from 9 - 90 may favor print it may not be as available as it once was. Libraries now have tight budgets so they are buying fewer books. Book stores are few and far between. Disposable income is very limited in this economy. Soon publishers will realize that the most sales will be electronically at much lower prices.
    Sad very sad that in a way we are returning to centuries when printing was at a premium.(for those well-to-do)

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  4. I think it's sad but inevitable.

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  5. There was recently something in the news about a preschool receiving twenty odd IPads. They felt the kids could learn the alphabet and writing easier with this tool. My first immediate thought - those poor kids are missing the hands on learning experience of primers and books.

    I still believe some changes don't necessarily bode well with the future of books. (Hugs)Indigo

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  6. My daughter has been reading on the internet for a few years now. I forget, and tell her to get off the computer and read a book...and she shows me the page she is reading. Recently, she got an I-Pod Touch, and now reads on that bitty screen too. I guess reading is reading, however your turn the page.

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  7. The concept of a "book" is changing. Kids are adapting. And reports show that the older generation are adapting. The ones in the middle seem to be slower in changing. Both of my kids are readers, but they are readers of print books. It's what they grew up on. Perhaps this younger generation who will grow up with eReaders will bring about a revolution in reading.

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  8. The quotes from The Epoch Times article fit with my impression, unfortunately

    Cold As Heaven

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  9. My daughter, who has always been an avid reader, uses the Kindle exclusively now. My 15 yr old grandson though, who has a Kindle, prefers to read paper (and of the thickness to use as a doorstop, no less).

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  10. Conflicting stats, it seems! I'm not sure about texting as reading though. :)

    I recently heard that something like 90 per cent of under-25s in Japan read books on their mobiles, so I do think how people are reading is hanging.

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  11. Talli, I believe publishing your book via the phone was started in Japan, so I'm not surprised reading on the phone has taken off there. I'd need a bigger screen on my phone to do that.

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  12. My husband reads on his phone now too, and loves it. O.o I wouldn't be able to see anything...

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  13. txtng dznt evn cnt az ritng

    I don't know what I think any more. I'm sad to see children who are crazy for books turn into non-readers when they hit junior high and extracurricular activities. I'm sad to see libraries have to divert book money to hardware just to keep up with demands of software and online services. I'm sad to see cursive writing and spelling lessons vanish.

    On the other hand, I'm too impatient now to thumb through a dictionary or a style book when I can find answers so easily online. I wish I'd had searchable text when I was writing a thesis. And I realized recently that since I'd begun reading blogs, I wasn't reading books. (I fixed that immediately.)

    I do wonder how e-readers might affect book selection among kids who choose books by the ruler standard--measuring the width of the spine.

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  14. I think some kids are still making up excuses why they don't read!

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  15. In the long run, not reading will hurt these kids. Texting is not reading and reading easy books will not expand your mind and thinking.

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  16. Helen, I agree with your comment; "reading easy books will not expand your mind". I can do all the trivial thinking myself, and in literature I'm looking for non-trivial thoughts and ideas >:)

    Cold As Heaven

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  17. Having worked for years in a bookstore, I believe letting children truly choose (without suggestions or comments by adults) what books they want--no matter the format means they'll read--what they choose.

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  18. I don't think it matters whether kids read print books or e-books, but I do think the quality of what they read is important. Parents can help foster a love of books/reading by introducing their kids to literature, making books a reward, reading with their kids, and setting an example by reading for pleasure.

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  19. And giving books as presents to kids is another good idea.

    Good point, Conda. And if you can't afford to buy books, visit the library nearby. Or take young kids to the bookstore for storytime. Or start a neighborhood swap/share books program.

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  20. Texting as reading? Ha.

    I am not sure what to make of the printed versus electronic preference. Perhaps, technology in many young people means limited reading--whereas they are used to printed materials for school-related reading.

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  21. I think kids that grow up in a family of avid readers most often become avid readers. Our kids got their love of reading from my husband and I and are now passing it on to their kids. All the grandkids read and still prefer paper books. One of my daughters jsut got a Nook reading device and reads some e-books, but none of the other kids have jumped into reading e-books.

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  22. Texting = reading? Yuck! And I wonder what kind of books children choose for themselves. It seems a lot of kids nowadays like gruesome tales.

    My Darcy Mutates

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  23. The 'Epoch Times' have it right .. and my youngest son said exactly that (the fourth observation) to me over the weekend . he can only read a book of his choice..

    But the fact is, overall, it is tough to get both my boys to read.

    My reading genes didn't get there.
    :(

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  24. I can't help but wonder if this is a result of reading only for school and the necessity of gadgets for appearing "cool". The texting counting as reading, though, is insane in my opinion. Where on Earth would such a notion have come from?!

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  25. I concur. My publisher, Guardian Angel Publishing is involved with a new gadget that I think will skyrocket!

    It's a picture book reader that includes the readers video. So grandparents that live far away can read to their grandchildren from anywhere in the universe. Or should I say world.

    Here's a link to check it out. My book with them should new coming out in a couple of months.

    http://www.betherebedtimestories.com/bookstore.aspx?search=guardian+angel+publishing

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