“Don’t tell me what’s correct! I’ve seen all the movies in this series many times.”
This was one of my student’s during an animated discussion in the class about some details from Harry Potter.
I gave the kid a look which would’ve got Gryffindor House 50 points from Professor McGonagall.
Unable to resist, I asked her if she had read the books. “Of course not, I don’t have time to waste!”
Seriously? Reading Harry Potter is a waste of time??
For that matter since when has reading anything become a waste of time?
I guess most kids feel that way since watching a series is easier than picking up a book.
Globally, according to a study by UNICEF, only a third of 10 year olds are able to read and understand a simple story. Also reading is declining significantly across all regions, raising concerns among the educators.
Keep reading the story to see how combining reading and watching can become a powerful approach to make learning enjoyable and increasing comprehension in the kids.
Encouraging Reading Through Adaptations of Series and Books
Forget Harry Potter, there’re a whole lot of series like Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, Sherlock Holmes, or books like Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which have been recreated on the screen.
Even kids stories like Dora the Explorer, Noddy, Matilda, Mary Poppins, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Cinderella, have been made into animated or live action movies or series.
You can get your child to watch them to build their interest. Once hooked, you can introduce them to the books. This will spark their interest in reading, especially if the characters or storyline is of their liking.
If you pick the book versions of their favourite shows to develop their reading habits, it’s half the battle won.
Read First To Unlock The Magic When You Watch
With the older kids, make some kind of agreement where they must read before watching.
The reason for this is reading will enhance their imagination. They’ll be able to visualise the story in their own way instead of getting trapped in the prefabricated visuals on the screen. It’ll make them creative thinkers, giving a free rein to their wild imaginations.
Another benefit is improved comprehension; not just the language but of the nuances of the characters and situations. It provides greater depth which makes understanding the complex characters, their motivation, personality development and story progression more engaging.
The reader thus become a part of the story as it moves ahead.
Their vocabulary grows with each book they read. They learn new words and expressions.
What Helps Build Skills – Read First or Watch First
Comparing the two is difficult.
Reading develops focus, patience, deeper comprehension, language development and creative thinking.
Watching helps visualise complex scenes, creates images, captivates attention visually. This form of learning is something a visual learner will appreciate more than a reader.
Reading will provide more choices without getting restricted to the few movies or series. If they like a specific genre, they will have more books to choose from.
The flip side of focusing only on watching is that there’s a chance the child may end up trying to imitate their favourite characters, or speak and behave like them. This can be both good and bad.
I remember when my younger one used to watch Doraemon, she turned into a whiny kid, ready to cry at the drop of a hat, and used to speak in the most irritating tone. The change was so gradual that I noticed it too late. Regret that slip up.
A balance needs to be maintained between the two methods. Both have their own strengths but using them together will ensure the best results.
Unlocking The Full Story Experience With The Book & Screen Combo
How are you going to do that?
For the younger kids, let them watch first to build up interest and curiosity. Then introduce them to the picture books or large print books. They will get to explore the story further in the book.
For the older children let them read first then watch. If you’ve read the book, even better. You can discuss the characters or story with them.
It will also give them a chance to understand the story better when they watch it later as they’ll know the details which weren’t shown on the screen (that’s one of the limitations of watching).
Also, they get to see someone else’s interpretation and vision on screen. This can help them think, analyse and formulate their own ideas with more confidence and clarity.
It can also turn into an amazing conversation starter for them when interacting with other kids, or even grown-ups.
In short
Each technique has its own plus and minus.
A combination of both can provide the much needed boost to literacy, enhance their creative and analytical thinking as they work on their comprehension skills, and help them form constructive habits.
Reading will also productively engage and distract them, reducing their screen time. An apt antidote for digital detox.
Try both methods. Find the perfect balance for your child and let them flourish in the world of fascinating characters, amazing situations and incredible stories!
