As an avid reader, one of my greatest challenges as a teacher and librarian is to win over those who say, “I hate reading.” I understand that in this day and age, there are so many things that are vying for a person's attention. Gaming, TikTok, sports, and the like offer instant entertainment value. While when I was growing up in a rural area of PEI, this type of tech and organized sport did not exist. What I did have were wonderful teachers and librarians who gave me access to books and helped guide me with great mentor texts.
I have noticed that students who dislike reading sometimes have difficulty reading. They like to be read to but struggle to pick up a book themselves. This generally comes to a head when other students have moved on to reading chapter books, and they are not academically ready to do so. The lack of availability of high-interest, low-vocabulary books further complicates the issue. Students want to fit in, and not stand apart from their peers, but books that allow them to do that generally are in short supply.
Thanks to technology like “Epic Books” and “Raz Kids” that allow all my students to read and listen to text online, reading on the Chromebook has been an equalizer that everyone can benefit from. Stanfel states, "Digital libraries and platforms provide a vast array of resources that cater to different reading levels and interests.” (Stanfel, 2024). Epic Books is a digital library of recent popular book releases for students, while Raz-kids provides a variety of original fiction and non-fiction titles. Epic does have a free school account, which can be accessed during school hours, however, Raz-kids does require a paid teacher subscription that allows the registration of 36 students. Some of the texts on Epic are also available in audiobooks, while Raz-kids has the ability to read aloud and highlight text as it is read or for the student to read independently.
Audiobooks help those who struggle because “Listening to well-narrated stories enhances auditory processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Audiobooks provide an alternative way for individuals to consume literature, especially those struggling with traditional text-based formats. Both platforms allow students to try out many different types of books and offer many other features, such as “audio narration, interactive quizzes, and engaging visuals. These elements capture the reader’s attention and provide a multisensory experience that enhances comprehension.” (Stanfel, 2024). Epic and Raz-kids also incentivize students to earn badges or stars while they read. “Through engaging activities, challenges, and rewards, these games create an immersive learning environment that motivates children to read more. By transforming reading into a game, educators and parents can tap into the natural inclination of individuals to learn through play.”(Stanfel, 2024).
One final advantage I have noticed is that because students mostly prefer to wear headphones while they read on the Chromebook, they are less likely to be distracted by noise around them. This is a strategy that I have used in other subjects with students who have trouble focusing. They tend to be able to work independently for greater lengths of time. They are also more likely to use the Chromebook to access other technology they may need because using a Chromebook in class has been normalized for everyone.
References
Epic - Kids’ Digital Library. (2023, September 12). Unleash your kid’s imagination with epic. YouTube. https://youtu.be/t_-Je4-hN84?si=-CZ-gnfZ3LP3hiEx
Learning A-Z. (2019, March 14). Raz-Kids Overview. YouTube. https://youtu.be/EDzDTeoCbk4?si=H46a87pPtrZoVWbt
Stanfel, A. (2024, March). Beyond the Page: Tech-infused Strategies for Building Strong Reading Foundations. Value-Driven Playground Equipment for Commercial, Preschool and Churches | Turn-key Solutions. https://www.creativesystems.com/beyond-the-page-tech-infused-strategies-for-building-strong-reading-foundations/
I appreciate the connections to your personal context here. I also appreciate your detailed descriptions of these practical tools. The embedded videos and inclusion of academic references further enhance your discussion. I agree that tools such as those mentioned help with access and engagement. Have you considered the difference between reading online and reading print text? There is an interesting discussion in the research. As with all things - balance is the key.
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