Print wins over digital for preschoolers learning to read, study finds

Here is the study: Measurement invariance of the home literacy environment for preschoolers with and without speech and/or language impairment

• Simple hands-on activities, such as writing letters and pointing out words in daily life, are the most effective way to build early reading skills, according to a study by the Michigan State University in the U.S.
• Both children with and without speech and/or language impairments experienced literacy gains from print-related activities; however, only children with typical learning development experienced benefits from shared book reading.
• All children who spent more time on literacy games, both digital and analog, scored lower on early reading assessments.
• The findings challenge the idea that more exposure to learning games always helps, raising important questions for parents, educators and developers about which strategies best support early literacy.

"This research shows that both content and mode of delivery are important when considering how to strengthen children’s early literacy skills. Focusing on print directly, via meaningful interactions with caregivers, was most helpful for children in our work. Literacy games and digital media cannot replace the role of caregivers in helping children to learn these skills. This is particularly important for children who have speech and/or language impairment, as they might need more time and opportunities to understand how print works."