Fast forward a few decades. (Okay, maybe four. And a half. Oh, please don't make me confess my age!) Now my husband and I are the grandparents providing laps for story time. Like my grandma did with me, we snuggle with our grandkids, giggle, and make memories galore. We choose from stacks of treasured children's books, but like many other areas of our lives, a new element has joined the scene: technology.
Thanks to touchscreens, my grandchildren can interact with stories in a whole new way. Take the iPad version of the children's classic Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, for example. Trilogy Studios designed this app with three modes to choose from. Want to read it like a traditional book? Choose the Read Alone mode. Prefer an audio version? Choose Read to Me.
Our grandson enjoying the Harold and the Purple Crayon iPad app
But if you want to experience the latest in children's book technology, select Touch Tale mode. It allows readers to help the character Harold draw the story’s pictures as the tale progresses. Don't want to drag out messy art supplies? No problem. A fingertip against the screen will do.
Will such interaction help children become better readers? I have no idea. Will it encourage them to love books in adulthood? Only time will tell. But whether kids become life-long readers as a result of apps like this or not, I know two things:
1. Traditional books will always be part of story time in our home.
2. The interactive feature of the iPad app keeps my grandkids engaged for extended periods of time, which brings more snuggles, more giggles, and more time for making memories. I can't complain about that.
Have you included technology in story time with your children or grandchildren? Will interactive book apps make traditional books more or less appealing to kids? Sound off below, my friends. I'd love to know what you think!
And don't forget, my Wee Are Readers Photo Parade is coming next week. You still have time to send in pics for your chance to win a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winner's choice). See contest details here.
