Kids who learn to tell stories in captivating and memorable ways will go far in life, no matter their chosen career. Interactive storytelling apps let children make decisions that affect the outcome of the stories they read. They teach kids the relationship between choices and consequences and show them how to organize and structure their stories, which boosts critical thinking.
Listening along while reading, called audio support or audio-assisted reading, enhances reading comprehension. Studies show it especially helps kids with learning disorders like dyslexia. But parents and teachers don’t always have the time to read to children as much as they’d like. The next best option would be to use text-to-speech applications or audiobooks. With these, kids can read and listen at their own pace.
Building vocabulary at a young age improves kids’ communication skills. They’ll get better at reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Reading and phonics apps can help children sound out and define new words they encounter. They’re accommodating in the kindergarten and early elementary school years, and kids can use these apps for independent learning.
Can’t be there for bedtime? Don’t miss out on bonding with your kids by reading to them. Do this live through video calling apps. If schedules don’t align, record yourself reading new or favorite stories to them. This works well when parents spend a lot of time away. For example, it’s a great idea for military families with a parent on deployment. Grandparents or beloved aunts, uncles, or older siblings can also join. Your family will cherish these recorded memories as the years pass.
Do you have a budding movie director, photographer, journalist, or artist on your hands? Get kids cameras or smartphones with them to film videos and take pictures. Practice role-playing and record scenes from books kids are reading. They can also report news or give video reviews to share with family and friends. Do you have a tablet? A young artist can use it to illustrate and animate a beloved tale, or a photographer could take photos and then storyboard their favorite book.
Creating a digital checklist of books to read can help you keep track of kids’ reading over time. Also, remember to store those recorded readings, mini movies, video reviews, and other media you and the kids created so everyone can access them. Remember to give credit for each production. You can also use tracking applications to turn your reading experience into a game. Dealing with reluctant readers? Assign points they can earn for reading books that can be traded for rewards or bragging rights. This will help you set reading goals for extra motivation.