Screen Free Reading.
While reading this on a screen, one might consider the ironic nature of a post about device free reading ideas for children. I’ll aim to print a few copies and scatter them at bus stops… but until then, please read on.
When children are in the phase of learning to read (and later reading to learn), parents are regularly on the hunt for material. Countless times I have overhead adults asking librarians or bookstore owners, “but is it also available offline?”. We love the digital age and all it provides, but families are still craving the old fashioned favourites. So, what to do?
Places to search for screen free reading material are not too far away, I’m here to help.
At the shops. Supermarkets often have labels and signs all over the place. If you have the energy, let your child guide the grocery hunt. Give them a list to read (consider easy/hard words, just the first letter/sound is great reading practice). This real life activity is just as good, if not better, than doing a Reader each night.
Kid friendly magazines. The InMag is one of my latest favourite editions, printed on delightful paper in glorious colours. It has all the things parents and teachers wish for as it is ad-free, kid created content, linked to the Australian curriculum and founded by two very passionate teachers. Your local library will have many other magazines in the children’s section which are excellent to borrow, titles like National Geographic have printed versions aimed just for kids.
Maps are gold. There is an enduring need to skill oneself in map reading. Certainly the type of maps available are changing, street directories are now almost never found in the glove box of cars. Nevertheless, the places you go with your kids (even if you know how to direct yourself there, play ignorant for the sake of their independence) inevitably have maps available. Print it out before you go, or keep a screenshot of your local street map in the car for them to match street signs they see. Point out the features of the map too (heading, key, scale, compass, etc.), as this is valuable reading comprehension practice.
Kids book clubs are brilliant. I first encountered this idea at Escape Hatch Books with “that is such a perfect idea!” escaping from my hatch as I spoke with the owner about the monthly clubs she hosts. Socialising plus reading is exactly the recipe some children adore. Particularly at the early stage when the enjoyment of reading is such a gift to give. Many independent book stores are now playing host to youth book clubs, guided by a bibliophile, which connect kids via a common text. Larger bookstores such as Readings (monthly meetings, ages 8-14) and Dymocks (Lit Club 4 Kids) offer similar spaces for children to chat about their latest reads, so get in touch to find out more. Finally, for any creative and charismatic folk, the incomparable Megan Daley has an eBook aimed at adults who want to start their own kids book club which has everything you’ll need to begin. The irony returns… a smirk appears.
Intentional and authentic reading practice can happen outside the pages of a book or beyond a swipe of the glass. When a page bound edition is desired, think outside the box and try other reading materials (pamphlets, magazines, board game instructions). Before you know it your child will be discovering their own screen-free reading sources and the path you showed them will have been worth the extra effort.
Device down now please.
