USING TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S READING
Jenny McCann
Director at Bear Bookshop. 15 Years experience of teaching English, 8 years experience of being a working parent.
In today's tech-driven world, integrating technology into your child's reading routine can be really beneficial. Whether you're helping a reluctant reader or simply enhancing your child’s reading experience, there are plenty of fun and interactive tools available. Here are some of my favourite ways to use technology to support your child's reading journey:
1. Phonics Play Phonics Play offers simple, interactive games that make learning to read fun and engaging. I've used it with all three of my children while they were mastering basic phonics. The games provide quick feedback, helping kids learn how to blend consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words. It's a great way to practise blending without the pressure of reading a full book, or the distractions of pictures on a page!
2. Novel Effect Looking for a way to bring stories to life? The Novel Effect app adds sound effects and music as you read aloud. With a vast collection of picture books, it's an exciting way to make reading time magical and immersive for young readers.
3. Audiobooks Audiobooks are a fantastic alternative to screen time! Whether it's relaxing before bed or surviving long car journeys, audiobooks are perfect for reluctant readers and a great way to introduce more challenging stories. Plus, they foster imagination by letting children visualise the story in their own way.
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4. E-books For emerging readers, e-books are a wonderful choice. They often include animations and interactive features that keep children engaged. Plus, they’re portable and lightweight, making them a great option when you're on the go.
5. ChatGPT Need something to entertain them when you're out and about? I’ve used ChatGPT to generate short stories for my kids when we’re out and need some creative entertainment. The best part is that my kids love to suggest wild and imaginative-even crazy- ideas for the stories, which makes the experience even more fun and personalised!
6. YouTube YouTube is a treasure trove of reading resources. From thousands of audiobook readings to themed ambient music based on popular books, like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, YouTube can enhance reading time in creative and exciting ways.
By using these tech-savvy tools, you can make reading a fun and interactive experience for your child. Whether it's gamified phonics or magical read-aloud sessions, technology can transform how kids engage with books and build strong reading skills. And if you are looking for more ways to encourage your child to read more at home, take a look at my ten-step guide here?