By Dr. Steve Truch
We all wrestle with screen time, and for educators and parents, the challenge lies in striking a healthy balance. Many experts suggest limiting screen time to 1–2 hours per day at home; however, they suggest that this can be extended for school-related topics, provided it’s matched or exceeded by “real reading.” Such guidelines highlight the importance of fostering a love for reading outside of digital platforms.
Parents can play a crucial role by modelling good reading habits and making books easily accessible. Creating a dedicated “reading corner” and scheduling time for reading enjoyment can make a significant difference in a child’s development. And of course, educators have important roles to play as well.
Here are five tips that both teachers and families can use to encourage reading in a digital environment.
1. Understand the Effects
It’s important to be aware of the impact of too much screen time. Overexposure can affect sleep patterns, contribute to attention problems, and hinder healthy social interactions with peers. As such, the limits suggested above are extremely important to follow in order to mitigate these risks.
2. Use Screen Time to Your Advantage
There are definitely some benefits to screens, such as enhancing visual and spatial skills, and providing efficient and quick access to information that enriches the school’s curriculum. Digital formats can be a bridge, especially for reluctant readers.
For example, a student may be tackling a science topic for homework. Having instant access to an educational video can be incredibly helpful for the student’s comprehension. Pairing a digital resource with a corresponding physical book creates a powerful learning experience. Whether the student reads the book before or after watching the video, this combination provides an opportunity for meaningful and interactive discussions and questions between an educator and the student.
3. Offer the Freedom of Choice
Give students the freedom to read what interests them, as choice fuels motivation. The more options they have, the more likely they are to find something that piques their interest. Teachers and parents can expose kids to different kinds of books by choosing a variety of genres to read together in class or at home. Reading with students has many benefits, such as strengthening their oral language skills, expanding their vocabulary, fostering emotional connection, and creating opportunities for quality time.
4. Visit the Library
It’s important for students to see adults enjoying reading books. When children observe parents, teachers, and other role models immersed in a good book, it normalizes reading as a fun and valuable activity, rather than just a chore. Visiting the library or local bookstores together can further spark their curiosity, exposing students to a vast world of stories, knowledge, and diverse genres.
This hands-on experience helps children understand that reading isn’t just for school, but also vital to everyday life, whether for learning or relaxation. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to discover the appeal of physical books. There is nothing digital that can replace the tactile experience of, say, an illustrated storybook or a printed geographical map.
5. Check for Decoding and Comprehension Issues
Developing a fondness for reading depends almost entirely on the student being able to read words and remember them in the first place. If a student struggles with spelling and reading, these are “red flags” that should be explored. Early detection of spelling and reading issues can help overcome or remediate them and provide a strong foundation for enjoying books.
For educators, the focus should include teaching the English code and ensuring comprehension of the text. Strategies such as graphic organizers can be used to assist students with making predictions or inferences. Students can be taught story structure and summarize what they’ve read orally, in print, or by “acting out” a scene. They can also be taught to visualize the text.
To truly take pleasure in reading, students must be able to read the words almost immediately, and then understand their meaning and message. These two processes (decoding and comprehension) take years of development both at school and home. Reading real books enhances this progress, while also strengthening students’ cognitive skills and, ultimately, forming a pathway for their academic success.
Dr. Steve Truch, founder of The Reading Foundation, holds a PhD in learning theory from the University of Calgary. With over five decades of experience in education, he has authored numerous publications and was named among the university’s top 100 graduates in 2003 for his contributions to learning and student development.
