Readioo boosts language development in Lidingö municipal preschools
Since autumn 2024, all municipal preschools in Lidingö have been using Readioo's products to strengthen children's language development. Lidingö was one of the first municipalities in Sweden to introduce the technology on a large scale. With the Readioo reading pen, children can playfully explore sounds by tapping on educational material such as books, puzzles and posters. This makes language development both engaging and accessible. Children can absorb the content at their own pace and on their own terms.
After just six months of use, positive results are visible, especially among children who otherwise have difficulty acquiring language through traditional methods.
A tool for everyone – but especially valuable for some
Two of the preschool teachers who have followed the work closely are Rosaline Hälleberg at Vasavägens preschool and Kristoffer Holmström at Bo preschool. They believe that Readioo creates new paths into written language and strengthens children's self-esteem.
– For some children, this type of tool can be absolutely crucial in awakening curiosity and interest in the written world and the all-important reading aloud. In addition, this type of tool can support children's language development and arouse interest in both books and reading, says Rosaline.
She particularly highlights the children who, for various reasons, need extra support. There are children who absorb new knowledge and develop regardless of the methods the teachers use. But there are also many children who require Rosaline and her colleagues to think twice. They usually say that they need to take out their toolbox and broaden the teaching base – that is, plan a varied teaching where each child can participate based on their own conditions, and where each child has the opportunity to succeed. For these children in particular, Readioo has opened new doors to the written language. She also highlights that the tool strengthens the children's self-esteem by making them feel like readers.
Kristoffer emphasizes how Readioo contributes to a more vibrant and interactive educational environment, where children are actively engaged in their learning.
– The educational material we put up on the walls can easily become something that just sits there. But Readioo's interactive posters and materials in addition to the books are alive in a completely different way. The children are given the opportunity to use the reading pen on their own initiative to explore. This creates participation and makes the learning environment more alive and interactive – on the child's own terms.
He has also seen that children with weaker verbal language skills gather around Readioo more often than around regular books. This enables social exploration – both in groups and in interaction with Readioo’s products. This shows that the tool can fulfill an important function for children who need alternative ways to approach language on their own. At the same time, it creates an arena for exploring books together.
Rosaline Hälleberg and Kristoffer Holmström outside Lidingö City Hall.
Readioo strengthens community and adapts to the child's pace
Another positive effect is that Readioo creates new encounters between children. Kristoffer says that children who might not otherwise gather around a book do so when Readioo is used – and that in itself is valuable. For children with autism or other special needs, the tool offers calm and independent learning. Repetition and discovery take place at the child's own pace, which has proven particularly valuable.
– We educators can sit by, provide support when needed, but still let the child control their own process, says Kristoffer.
From screen to cover – in line with the curriculum
Previously, children could be placed in front of a screen during breaks or quiet moments. But with the curriculum's increased focus on physical literature, Readioo has become a welcome alternative. It is often used when children need a moment to themselves, for example to recover or when they are sad.
A parent at a preschool in Lidingö contacted Readioo and said that her child, who often gets sad at school drop-off, usually gets to sit down with Readioo. It helps her turn her mood around and creates a safe start to the day.
Lidingö has a long-term investment in languages
The work with Readioo is part of a larger strategy within the municipality. Back in 2021, Ingela Landén, operations manager for Lidingö municipal preschools, started the initiative "Lidingö preschools speak languages". Together with development leaders and principal Ulrika Ardestam, among others, the initiative has involved several concrete efforts to strengthen children's language development.
After six months of using Readioo, representatives from each preschool were invited to a joint workshop with Readioo. There, they shared experiences and ideas on how to best integrate the material into the operation – a process that provided valuable feedback both to educators and to Readioo's further product development.
Teachers are looking forward to new material
Before spring, Readioo is launching new practice material specifically adapted for preschool. Among the new features is material developed together with a speech therapist that strengthens children's phonological awareness and ability to perceive letter sounds. In addition, books are being released that strengthen children's vocabulary with a focus on important themes such as the body, vehicles and food. Well-known and beloved stories about Bamse and Pino can now also be experienced in a completely new way by activating sounds from Readioo's reading pen.
The educators are looking forward to the new material and the opportunity to continue developing language work with Readioo – to meet the needs of more children and strengthen language development for everyone.
