Tablets have been growing in popularity the past couple of years. From Nooks, to Kindles, to iPads, children are seeing more of these options advertised on TV and they’re finding their way on Christmas lists everywhere. While some parents may feel like it’s a huge expense, others are finding these electronics to be of a huge educational benefit, allowing their children to not only play games but read their favorite stories. Growing up, I obviously got the traditional books, paperback or hardcover. I loved to read and learn, but didn’t have half of these new developments.
Amazon recently acquired Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books, making a leap to target children as well as their parents. However, child development experts are wondering if eReaders and tablets are for children, or are traditional the better option. The Washington Post weighs the benefits of both traditional books and eBooks.
[Traditional books] can vary in shape and size and texture “” consider how much fun it is to touch-and-feel fuzzy books together or lift the flap to find out who is hiding behind the door or jump to the last page to see if you guessed the story’s ending.
[eBooks] already present other types of exploration and experiences that traditional books typically do not, for example, in the form of animated illustrations and recorded narration.
What do you think? Are eBooks better or do traditional books have your vote?