It is not unusual today to see children glued to their screens. In fact, 80% of parents with children 11 and under say their children watch videos on YouTube, according to a Pew Research Center 2020 poll. Half of these parents say their children watch videos every day – some even several times a day.
But staring at a screen for too long can have a negative impact on children’s wellbeing – even creating dependency. According to research, children show off less curiosity, self-control and emotional stability when their screen time exceeds one hour per day. They are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression and suffer from sleep disorders, obesity and reduced social skills. Even short, fast-paced videos have consequences, affecting it self-regulation and working memory of young children.
I believe it is necessary to explore how to use technology in a way that can positively impact children’s ability to think and communicate. Audiobooks present a compelling case.
Starting around three and a half years old, most children can understand simple stories and fairy tales. Audiobooks can be especially helpful during car rides, bedtime routines, and quiet playtime. For school-aged children, they can attract reluctant readers providing an alternative way to experience books. And most importantly, they can foster the intellectual development of children – much more than videos.
Here are five ways audiobooks can boost children’s learning:
It enhances imagination and intelligence
Unlike videos, which provide visual and auditory stimuli, audiobooks rely solely on listening. This encourages children to visualize the story in their minds, training them to use their voluntary imagination. In contrast, passive videos provide preformed images that do not require willful imagination.
Different involuntary imaginationoccurring spontaneously and involuntarily, as in a dream during sleep, voluntary imagination it is the deliberate attempt to create new images in the mind. People are not born with this ability. Probably, it should be actively developed during childhood through discussions and engagement with stories and fairy tales.
Research shows that voluntary imagination leads to improved problem solving skills. In fact, the training of the voluntary imagination is vital to spiritual development.
Develops listening skills and attention span
Listening to audiobooks requires children to focus and pay attention to spoken language, promoting developing listening skills. Unlike passive video consumption, where the visual element dominates the child’s attention, understanding an audiobook requires active listening. This can improve a child’s ability to concentrate and sustain attention for longer periods of time.
Expands vocabulary and language skills
Audiobooks are a valuable tool for child development vocabulary and strengthening language skills. Exposure to rich and varied language allows children to encounter new words and phrases in context, which helps to understanding and retention.
Compared to print books, audiobooks feature expressive narration, which can model proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm.
It encourages independent learning
Audiobooks can foster a sense of independence in young children as they create their own unique vision of the scenes and events described in a book. This can foster a habit of independent learning as children follow complex narratives, infer meaning and make connections between different parts of the story. This self-directed learning approach can improve self-esteem and study skills and lay a strong foundation for future academic success.
Maintains vision
Too much screen time can strain children’s eyes, leading to discomfort and potential long-term vision problems, including myopia. Audiobooks, on the other hand, eliminate the need for screens, giving children’s eyes a much-needed break.
Audiobooks are a powerful tool for improving a child’s cognitive and language development, and many are available for free at local libraries or on apps like LibriVox. As parents and educators seek to raise smarter, more well-rounded children, audiobooks can play an important role.
