Television Versus Reading

Television is one of the greatest inventions of modern times, or is it? Has it simply become a tool to baby sit our children, when we think it is educating them? Many would say that television is doing more harm than good, especially when you could pick up a good book and enjoy quality time with your child.

The age of media has become a way of life for most Americans and their children. But, we may have been tricked into thinking that we are providing quality education through placing our children in front of the tube. But think about it, what are kids actually learning? Do they actually learn their colors, or letters watching, "educational," programming? It has been a proven fact that human beings learn best by using all of their senses, not by simply watching a program. With television, the application and practice portion of education is missing.

Now think about the times you have read a book with your young child. What steps are occurring? First they are hearing you read the words to them. The book is delivered from a familiar voice, usually in a familiar comfortable environment. Second they are seeing the words as they are spoken. Third you usually talk about books as you read them aloud. This allows times for interaction and application of the materials. If reading to your young toddler it is very common for a parent to turn a page, point to a picture prior to reading the page, and ask the toddler, "what is that?". This is a form of application and practice that the child is experiencing.

When comparing the two, reading to your child wins hands down. Television is alright for entertainment, but not as a source of education.