Digital vs. Print: How to Support Your Struggling Reader with the Right Tools

What is best: Digital reading tools or printed text?

As an educational therapist passionate about helping young readers thrive, I often get questions about the best ways to support children’s literacy at home. This post explores the growing research around the impact of digital vs. print mediums on reading skills development. It also highlights handy resources and some of the best assistive technologies to enhance learning.

Digital vs. Print: Which Medium is Best for Literacy?

As digital media has surged over the past few decades, what does research indicate about the distinctions between print and digital in regards to literacy development? In the modern era, grasping how various reading mediums affect literacy is essential. Studies indicate that the format—whether digital or print—can greatly affect reading habits and understanding of what is read. Here is what you should know as a parent/caregiver.

Digital Media Encourages Skimming and Multitasking

Digital content often leads readers to skim rather than engage deeply (cummon, you're doing it right now, aren't you?!).

This is partly due to the vast amount of information available and the way we interact with screens (expecting instant results/gratification). While this approach may work for scanning headlines, it can hinder deep comprehension and critical thinking.

Psychology Today notes that 90% of students are more likely to multitask while reading independently on digital devices. With games and the internet just a click away, digital reading often leads to distractions. However, the format matters and not all online sources are created equal —an e-reader is usually less distracting than an online document filled with ads and links.

Research points to the idea that reading digital media decreases the reader's ability to comprehend or deeply understand the material. It's also harder to follow along with one's finger or use physical strategies for solving tricky words. Both the skimming and multitasking effects of digital media contribute to this lower level of understanding and the ability to think critically. Sidenote: Tech tools that focus more on developing decoding skills (like reading.com, EBLI Space app, or Lexia) do have a positive impact on readers.

Print Media Promotes Focus

Print materials tend to support a more immersive reading experience. Readers often engage more fully with the text, leading to better comprehension and retention. An extensive study of more than 170,000 students concluded digital-based reading “could prevent readers from fully benefiting from their reading comprehension abilities and keep children from developing these skills in the first place."

A recent study also demonstrated that young adult readers have better comprehension, including sequencing of details and various aspects of understanding, when using print media. On the flip side, many readers believe digital media helps them learn more. Students believe that they're better on digital because they say they're faster and they equate speed with doing better.

Balancing Both Mediums

While digital tools offer greater accessibility and interactive features, it’s important to complement them with print resources. Encourage your child to read physical books for focused literacy development while using digital platforms for supplemental learning and engagement.

What’s the big take-away: Limited use of these tools is probably helping readers; however, it is not always necessary to use tech tools for children to learn to read. These tools should not replace teacher-led instruction. PLUS, If you are going to use tech tools, make sure they are clearly aligned with research on literacy!

Enhancing Reading Comprehension with ReadWorks

If you’re looking for engaging reading materials for your child, consider ReadWorks, an excellent resource offering free, research-based passages for grades K-12. Their curated nonfiction and fiction texts come with supports like audio read-alouds, question sets, and vocabulary activities. Simply click the "print" icon to print out their passages.

Explore their collection of passages about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to celebrate the upcoming holiday and teach your child about his legacy and the Civil Rights Movement:

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade

• Martin’s Dream

  Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream with this decodable text. Includes an audio read-aloud option.

• Martin Luther King Jr.

  Try the audio read-aloud protocol with this passage.

• A Great Leader

  This passage has been updated with human voice audio!

4th - 7th Grade

• Important People in the Civil Rights Movement

  Learn about key figures in the fight for equality, paired with thought-provoking questions.

• The King Holiday

  Practice main idea and comprehension skills.

• Perspectives of Prominent African Americans

  Includes excerpts from King’s famous “Letter from Birmingham City Jail.”

  
  

Explore all K-12 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Passages here.

My Top Assistive Technologies for Struggling Readers

Assistive technology can definitely be transformative for children with reading challenges. We mustn't ignore its important role. Here are my top recommendations that will not take away from reading development and can very well enhance it.:

1. Learning Ally is an extensive audiobook library tailored to children with dyslexia or visual impairments. I’m happy to assist families with the membership application process.

2. Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) combines typing skills with phonics-based learning. Perfect for children who struggle with traditional reading approaches.Learn more here.

3. Text-to-Speech Tools apps like Voice Dream Reader or built-in features on tablets make reading accessible by reading text aloud.

4. Graphic Organizers tools like Inspiration Maps help children structure their thoughts, reducing frustration and improving comprehension.

5. Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts like OpenDyslexic can make text easier to read for children with processing difficulties.

With the right balance of resources, your child can build confidence and flourishing literacy skills. If you’d like guidance on these tools or have questions, I’d love to help!

Happy reading,

Alyssa