The first school half term has flown by! Routines are established, teachers and children are getting familiar with each other, and focused learning is taking place. An exciting milestone for many new school starters is taking home their first reading book to share and practice.
However, some of our Reading Chest members have reported a concerning trend: their schools have stopped sending home physical reading books and have switched to providing links to online eBooks instead.
Why Are Schools Moving to eBooks?
Sadly, this shift to eBooks isn’t because it’s a better way of learning to read. The decision is driven by budget pressures and a lack of resources. It’s much cheaper for schools to subscribe to an eBook service than to purchase physical books for children to take home. There are some logistical advantages too: eBooks don’t get lost or damaged, and teachers can easily track what’s being read. But does this really serve children well during their critical early reading journey?
The Downsides of eBooks for Early Readers
While eBooks offer convenience, the disadvantages for children learning to read in this way far outweigh the benefits. Reading should be an enjoyable and engaging experience if we want children to become lifelong readers. Many children look forward to proudly bringing home their first book, taking it out of their book bag, and sharing it with a loved one. The experience of clicking a link to an eBook and reading from a screen doesn’t compare to the magic of holding a physical book and turning its pages.
Reading is about more than just sounding out words on a screen—it’s about the entire experience, from looking at the front cover to reading the blurb and physically interacting with the book. Moreover, not all families have the right devices to access eBooks, or they may only have one device to share between siblings, which can lead to additional challenges.
The Power of Physical Books in Learning
Physical books play an essential role in making the reading journey enjoyable for children. At Reading Chest, we’re committed to complementing the learning that takes place in schools by providing physical books that children can engage with at home. We believe that keeping reading fun is key to helping children develop a lifelong love of reading.
Reading for the Future
Developing a love of reading from a young age is crucial to children’s education and learning. Physical books, with all their tangible qualities, remain a vital part of that process. Reading Chest will continue to support children by delivering real books to their homes, ensuring that their reading journey is an enjoyable and enriching experience.