Use screen time to your advantage with childhood literacy

It’s no secret that kids can spend hours on screens a day. From watching television to using cell phones and tablets, it adds up.

But what if parents could use that screentime to their child’s advantage when it comes to literacy skills?

Jenny Dean with the Fort Worth Public Library thinks it’s possible.

“The goal is to find a book that keeps them engaged. If they can find that in audiobooks or on tablets, then yes, that’s something that you can come back to again and again,” Dean said.

Dean currently serves on the “2 by 2” Texas Library Association Committee, which selects the top 20 books of the year for children ages two to second grade.

“I spend a lot of my free time looking at and reading children’s books and picture books. But we have to meet kids where they are. It’s about purposeful screentime. Have them on apps that are going to engage them. Apps that are going to aid them in their learning,” Dean said.

She said her favorite app right now is the Libby App. As long as you have a library card from a library, you can access all of their content.

“They’re comprehending, they’re building their imagination and so they can get on the Libby app and check out books for free, where they can listen or books, picture books so that they can scroll, they can have their tablet in front of them, but they’re scrolling and still reading and interacting with a book,” she said.

Dean also reminds parents and guardians not to discount audiobooks.

“I love audiobooks. Even if they are listening, this counts as reading minutes. If you don’t want them on the screens at all, you can go to Wonder Books. These are books that have a reading component where your child can follow along on the physical book while they listen to someone else read,” Dean said.

She said allowing your child 15 minutes a day to do what they want on their tablet and then the next 15 minutes is something to do with brain activity could make a world of difference. Especially if it is done daily.

The Fort Worth Public Library invites anyone to get a library card. If you don’t live in the Fort Worth Library system area, you can still get a library card for a nominal fee.