Our kids have grown up with media all around them. It is not surprising that they are gaining access to this media on an increasing basis. But children having access should mean that we try to protect them. A recent report by Ofcom investigating the media literacy among UK children shows some alarming results.
It is not surprising that households with children aged 5-15 have high levels of take-up of the main media platforms, e.g. digital TV, games consoles and the internet. What is interesting is how the data shows that children are becoming more fluent in media at a much younger age.
85% of children aged 5–7 live in a household with a games console, which is as high as 90% in households with boys.
Almost every child had access to a TV in their house, but what I found surprising was that 47% of 5-7s have access to a TV in their own bedrooms.
There has also been an increase in the number of younger children (aged 5-7) using the internet at home. Two thirds of children [66%] in this age bracket are using the internet. This increase does not appear to be the result of increased internet take-up within the home, suggesting that children in this age group are starting to use the internet at home at a younger age.
Children aged 5-7 mostly use the internet at least weekly for games (30%), schoolwork (26%) and information (15%).
The majority of parents say they trust their child to use the internet safely. However less than half of parents whose child uses the internet at home (45%) say they have internet controls or filtering software installed – fewer have set safe search settings.
The internet and digital media can be an amazing resource for our kids to learn and to play. For me the data shows an alarming trend where children can access/view content without parents being present or proper controls in place. As adults we need to make sure they are protected as well as ensuring they gain balanced access between fun and educational content.
eReaders are the new gadget that is a must have! You might be aware of the Kindle, Sony and even some others, but ever get tired of reading from the same black and white, boring reader? Well, this reader ‘ain’t your parents reader.
The New COOL-er comes in jewel tone beauty and resembles somewhat of a iPod Nano-ish flare!
What does this have to do with kids, ebooks and online reading?
Everything!!
I dont know many kids that would like a simple white Kindle that looks like the one thier mom and dad have BUT, if they can get a pink one or one the color of their favorite football team, then it makes it personal.
Just like the iPod brought kids to music, the ereader can bring kids to online books. So by providing them with the tools to get the wide range of online knowledge through ebooks they have more options, just like the iPod and Internet brought music and knowledge to life, ebooks bring reading to life, and that is magic!
Sitting with my 5 year old this morning for our daily coffee and conversations, we were enjoying Between The Lions (PBSkids.org) and as he was listening to the book being read and watching the character come to life from a 2 dimensional image on a book cover to real moving, talking, dancing person; I thought that’s an ebook! Meaning, mothers watch stories being read on show like this and Reading Rainbow, Blues Clues, Sesame Street, and Word World; but it is not perceived as an ebook, its perceived as a story on TV which somehow makes it different.
Putting the two together the same animation and sound that is being played for our pre-schoolers and young children on TV is being focused for ebooks. Mothers I asked about ebooks for their children, were most hesitant about letting a computer do the reading, but they said they allowed their children to watch some of the programs mentioned above for a small amount of time. When asked why most said something along the lines of it was only for a select about of time and in conjunction with the one-on-one reading they did with them.
Ok, so I think we need a new perception of what educational partners are. If we allow our children to watch programs that assist in their learning and then allow then to go to the computer to play the games provided by those television shows to again partner with parents in the name of education, we should be willing to cut out some of the middle man. Ebook sites, especially Wizz-E.com provide education through books with or without sound, games, and only accept books from the best of authors. This way publishers of ebooks can provide the education and entertainment that goes side by side with learning to read.
I am not saying that educational shows are not valuable, but I will take books over TV any day. I know that this morning while conversating with Chandler (5 year old) he gets the most out of Between the Lions when they show stories coming to life and talking to him. When words and music are showing him something, he locks into it. I love PBSkids and the shows they provide, it gives us a block to stand on for reaching the top shelf of books. But, I also love great ebooks that come to life, they give me as a parent another tool to show how fantastic and magical books are.
What do you think? Have you ever looked at books/TV this way?
After polling several mothers and fathers, asking them how the like to enjoy reading to their children and would they consider using ebooks in conjunction with traditional paper books most were unaware that ebooks had advanced to a child level. Interesting idea, advancing to a child’s level.
I introduced them to Wizz-E.com and asked if they would share a moment with their children reading ebooks and report back their findings.
Here are their words:
I prefer paper books, but as our society is growing more electronically inclined I think it’s great that we’re keeping books in that process. At least the kids are still reading! That’s what’s most important.
I really think anything that gets kids reading is great.
-Vanessa T. Oklahoma
Putting ebooks in the hands of kids is a great way to blend technology that they are bombarded with daily and the excitement of reading. Which I believe todays kids are losing touch with. Meeting kids where they are will always prove more results than trying to force feed them something that they feel is old or out of touch with their lives.
Sarah P. California
We haven’t tried ebooks but I can’t say I find it appealing. I enjoy cuddling up w/ the girls to read in their beds or on the sofa. Putting them in front of the computer screen just doesn’t do it for me. They do some computer at school and a little at home, but there’s nothing like reading together and turning actual pages. Both peanuts are starting to read on their own now and enjoy quiet time in their room with books… it’s lovely. Then again, this is all coming from the least techy person out there. I don’t own a cell phone, have tivo/dvr (nor cable!) or whatever else it’s called. Bluray? What’s that? Twitter - huh? Just old school that way
-Susan J. South Carolina
Like anything else we expose our children too, ebooks should be a relationship between parent and child. Communication is important. The whole idea of ebooks if faster put into the hands of young people to give them a different source for material and education. I love the idea that ebooks could replace DVD’s in cars. Could you imagine giving your child a gift card to download the Titles the have been wanting to read just before a long car trip and then as the trip goes on allow them to read aloud or share the story they chose.
I think that as parents we are quick to give something to our children that will occupy them so we can be more comfortable. The easier the access to that comfort the better. DVD, video games, music they all are quick ways to entertain. But what if we changed the idea of entertainment. If a child is given the access to a book, one that will read a loud if he is not yet reading with sounds and animation - that becomes a game. Then they hooked on a story and they want to read more. Just like if you allow your child the taste of sugar before they experience broccoli most children will forgo the green for the yum.
My long point is this. Give your child the good stuff and they will grave knowledge instead of fillers. They world has enough ridiculous fillers, allow them to experience the magic of a book and the total losing of the time that comes from passion in literature. Ebooks are a great way to do that - like hiding broccoli in pizza.
-Tom H. Texas
In no way do we at Wizz-E.com feel that ebooks should deter moms and dads from page-turning-time with their little ones, but use the technology that is available and of the best authors and animators/illustrators to allow for educational time in a way that uses what kids already experience. I love what Tom said “…like hiding broccoli in pizza.”
Ebook “Pizza!”
§ Download books to your smart phone and use then in waiting rooms, while grocery shopping, running errands, in the dentist chair - since ebooks are much cheaper than paper copies, allow your child to download a new story for each outing.
§ Long car rides instead of hand-held video games
§ To distract while you are cleaning/preparing dinner instead of TV
§ As rewards, “if you finish this book you can download one of your choice”
§ While you are working on your laptop let your child sit next to your and “work” on his reading.
Alexis Marcionette, 5th grade student from Florida, has signed a deal with K-8 online learning company BigIQkids.com to release her first book “”UGH…You Again!” in eBook format complete with interactive graphics, “click to hear” word functionality and built in reading comprehension and vocabulary quizzes.
This is fantastic. Kids are not only reading online they are writing! This shows those stuffy old adults that reading from a worksheet and then answering question in short answer is not learning. Kids who take things outside the box, are learning. They are taking what they take in and out putting it into a format they see. If you did not catch that allow me to rephrase. Billy, a 5 year old in kindergarten hears a story about a knight and a castle; he then goes home and tells his mother what story they read today in class. She gives him a piece of paper and a crayon and he draw the images he heard about. Then he makes a story to go with those pictures. He took that information in and relayed it into something tangible that he can now share with others. He learned. In opposition, Susie who is 7 read a short story in class today about a man who discovered a technique for pasteurization. Susie was asked to then write 5 sentences about the story of Louis Pasture. She wrote 5 basic sentences and handed her appear in. When she got home she was asked about her day and what she did. She relayed the information of “some guy who made milk safe.” Because she was forced to regurgitate the information her imagination was blocked.
This proves that information must be free when teaching children to learn. Not just read but learn. Miss Marcionette took advantage of speaking out in a an area she felt comfortable to explore and therefore share what she is learning.
Giving children the book is not as important as giving them the knowledge to interpret and share the information inside it.
Who were these words flying from you ask? Well, upon the launch we sent out emails to moms, dads, grandparents, and friends asking them to check out the sight and email back their thoughts. They had so much to say. Mostly the comments surprised us. As they told of the search for online books that were diverse enough to keep and toddler engaged and challenging enough to keep a young reader interested so they return to the site. Most had been introduced to ebooks before but not in children’s media.
They did have some questions too. Steve from Oklahoma asked “the ebook is great but how can a child learn from this media, also is it your intention to release the traditional book?” I answered “by no means.” We are partnering with parents to encourage and engage children though technology, this to which they are already well versed. Karen from New Mexico asked “what are ebooks? Is it something like kindle books?” I answered, “Yes, Karen they are somewhat like Kindle books, however our books are made for young readers. They are designed with audio and animation to enchant the reader and show then that reading can come to life.” Our books are unique and diverse enough for children ages 3-8.
We encourage you to check out WIZZ-E.COM and let us know what you think of the site!!
The castle is open and that means that books are available for download and purchase. If you have been window shopping today the wait is over. Now you can buy books, download free books, sign up for new book notifications and enjoy the fun games and activities our site has to offer.
Due to the overwhelming response in favor of the Kindle, an e reading device, Amazon recently introduced the Kindle 2. They have kept the same benefits of the orignal Kindle and added some new features to wow you!
So what does this mean? Most producers of electronic devices create updates and new generations of products. Apple for example introduces a newer version of their computers, iPods, and iPhones about every 8 months to a year. Why? Because change is good. Better technology, more advanced features and better products enrich a company’s relationship to both the market and the customer. Most of us have bought at least two iPods, and upgraded our phones every six months. Why? Becuase the market thrives on flux. Those who like the market and take part in it, i.e, consumers have a innate desire to experiment with novelty and value.
The great thing about the launch of the new Kindle is it proves the market for e-literature is growing. The fact that you can get a textbook when you want it for less than buying the book and download it in class because you forgot to get it a week ago, is remarkable. Buying ebooks opens a door to literature that is thought of as boring or old. If a 15 year old boy is asked to read War and Peace, he groans with dread.
But ask him to download the book and it becomes something he can understand. The use of technology encouages younger students to get involved in reading. It creates a bridge from “have to” to “want to” by virtue of its design.
You can read all about the new features on the Kindle 2 on Amazon’s site! Happy Reading!
In most elementary schools the utilization of computers is a fast growing tool to teach and introduce not only a different medium to children, but to aide in the learning of a technology that they will need for the rest of their education careers.
Technology use in schools is more than just learning how to access the Internet or typing skills it’s an understanding of the control of information children see, hear and learn. An understanding between the teacher, student and parents. Most children come into kindergarten with some knowledge of computers, even if it’s just observance of their parents using them. They know what they are and what they are used for. Being the little curious sponges that they are, when offered the chance to get to use them and behave like those they have seen use computers, it is an experience in of itself.
In Collected Research using computers with Kindergartners can be useful as well as frustrating; maintaining these guidelines can help your classroom, living room, or homeschooling environment become more relaxed and learning can take place.
Keep the lesson short and sweet. Something interactive, colorful or with music with help hold their attention.
Having programs that are open-ended and can be done as the student controls, with the pace being set by the student.
Computers are used within the classroom, not set in another room or area. Something like “Centers” or “destinations” can be more accepted by the class.
The ability for audio to be used, so that those still working on letters and sounds can participate as well.
The use of media, such as a web cam or video camera to add to the picture or program they are using. This way they become part of the exercise.
After creating something the option to print it out and further color or bring home to share with others.
Programs that offer recognition and sound technology to emphasize sounds of letters or word phrases that can be followed along with.
Some of the greatest use of technology in the classroom is the option to have stories read through headphones as well as being able to follow along on a computer. A bonus would be to use story time that can be changed along with the flow of the story by the child listening and clicking on different points to enhance their story.
A subscription to a site like Wizz-e would provide another resource for online learning and reading.
A must is teaching children at a very young age what is and what is not safe behavior online. What to look at for and what to do in case they are asked funny questions online, who they can talk to about it and the understanding that some people are not good friends online.
Technology is growing and if we step back to far we will fail our children in the right they have to get ahead. Technology is here to stay, we must educate the new generations to master it.
