Parents
are being told to turn to iPads and Kindles to get boys interested in reading
amid fears that large numbers of children are shunning books at a young age. A
report from the National Literacy Trust found that children aged three to five
often read for longer and had a better grasp of vocabulary when accessing
touch-screen technology.
The
study found that tablet computers had a particular impact on groups that are
traditionally most resistant to reading, particularly boys and infants from
poor families. Researchers found that boys were more likely than girls to use
technology for educational activities and to read for a relatively prolonged
period.
The
study also found that more nine-in-10 three-to five-year-old now had access to
e-readers in the home and the number of nurseries and childminders using the
devices had almost doubled in the last 12 months from 22 to 41 per cent.
Touch-screen
technology “could be a vital new weapon to combat low literacy in key target
groups”, the study said. But the recommendations are likely to renew concerns
that exposure to screen-based entertainment at a young age risks damaging
children’s development.
An
essay by Aric Sigman, an independent lecturer in child health education, quoted
research that found over-exposure to video games had a similar effect on the
brain to cocaine and alcohol addiction, with extreme users showing signs of
depression, anxiety and social phobia. But Jonathan Douglas, the trust’s
director, said it was crucial “that we recognise the opportunities that
technology brings for engaging boys and poorer children in reading”.
Traditional books were still the
favoured reading method for all children to read but researchers suggested that
boys and infants from poor homes were increasingly shifting to technology such
as the iPad, Kindle, Samsung Galaxy and Microsoft Surface. In all, 29.5 per
cent of children from the poorest families admitted to reading stories using
touchscreen technology more than books, compared with only 17.4 per cent of
those from wealthy households. Some 43.2 per cent of poorer children used them
“more for educational activities than for entertainment”, it emerged.
In a
key conclusion, the study also linked screen use with vocabulary, adding:
“Children aged three to five have a wider vocabulary if they read stories in
both print form and on a touch-screen compared to those who don’t use
technology.” But in his essay, Dr Sigman said that “raising parental awareness
of the both excessive screen time and problematic, dependent screen use is
vital”.
Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true
or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a. According to the study,
tablets were especially motivating for kids who are not interested in reading.
b. Nearly half of nurseries and
childminders used these devices 12 months ago.
c. Reading books is still the
most popular way of reading.
d. Young people from well-off
families use tablets more than those from families with less money.
Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.
a. What, according to Aric
Sigman, are the effects of over-exposure to video games?
b. How do most young children do
their reading these days?
Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that
correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a. to keep away from (par.
1) b. extended (par.2) c. worries (par.4)
d. to interest (par.5) e. understanding
(par.7)
Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without
changing the meaning.
a. Parents
are being told to turn to iPads and Kindles to get boys interested in reading.
If parents want …... they should ……
b. Aric Sigman said that over-exposure to video
games had a similar effect on the brain to cocaine and alcohol addiction and
that extreme users showed signs of depression.
Aric Sigman said: “……………………………and ……………………………….. “.
c. Traditional
books were still the favoured reading method for all children to read but boys
and infants from poor homes were increasingly shifting to technology.
Although …………………………………………………………………,
Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the
following topic:
Why reading is important.
