Technological ‘distractions’ throughout the years have made it increasingly difficult to encourage children to read. TV, computer games, tablets, phones, Xbox and many others are seen by children as a more exciting past time than picking up a book. However, there can be benefits to using this technology as an educational tool. Here are 6 reasons why we believe online reading games will benefit children:
1. Motivating
Online games provide children with a fun and exciting experience. With such a variety of reading games, every child’s needs and interests are catered for. With their interactive element, online reading games can keep your child entertained for hours, while they are learning essential skills.
2. Designed by literacy experts
Most online reading games have been carefully designed by experienced educators and literacy experts to include the stages of reading development, as well as the skills and strategies needed to improve fluency. However, we would recommend you supervise your child’s choice of games before they begin.
3. Learning skills and strategies
Many games teach a variety of skills and strategies that contribute to the 5 components of reading. These components are phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. With the motivation of having fun while they play, your children will be developing and improving these skills.
4. Rewards systems
With so many different and fun reward systems, online reading games keep children captivated for hours. Meaning that while they are having fun and enjoying their game, they are improving their reading abilities and developing new skills.
5. Technological fluency
Learning how to use and navigate applications and the internet is an essential tool for any individual in this day and age. We are living in a society dominated by technology and so it is important to understand how to use it. Therefore, these online educational games improve reading skills, as well as a child’s ability to use technology.
6. Improving memory capacity
Most games require memorization and so while playing online reading games children are improving their memory capacity. This includes memorizing vocabulary, steps to solving games, sequences and many others. Memorization is a foundational skill.
Limiting screen time doesn’t have to be a painful, ‘police-parenting’ experience anymore. As Mary Poppins says ‘In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. You find the fun and – SNAP – the job’s a game!’.
