Karin Gifvas: Readioo – a support in children's language development
Creating a fun and engaging path into the world of reading is crucial for children’s language development. Readioo, with its interactive books, gives children just that. By actively participating in the reading – tapping on words, listening and talking about the text – children get a joyful introduction to language that helps them understand the connection between sounds and letters. This active participation strengthens their phonological awareness and builds a rich vocabulary, which is an important foundation for being able to read and write in the future (Whitehurst et al., 1988). Readioo makes learning fun and stimulating, which is a prerequisite for children to want and be able to develop their reading skills.
Why is Readioo such a good educational tool?
It is precisely by encouraging children’s active participation that Readioo stands out as an educational tool . Research shows that children who are actively engaged in reading develop better language comprehension and a richer vocabulary (Hart & Risley, 1995). Readioo’s books are designed to be both educational and imaginative, allowing children to not only learn words, but also gain a deeper understanding of language and its function.
Early training in language sounds in preschool – a prerequisite for learning to read
The importance of preschool in children's language development is invaluable. Research shows that children who receive early training in language sounds and letters have a better foundation for learning to read and write later in school (Cabander, 2021). According to national tests, many Swedish children today have difficulty reaching the lower requirements in Swedish in grade three, which makes it even more important to implement efforts already in preschool to strengthen their language development.
Phonological training as a key to success
Research has shown that phonological training – which focuses on the sounds in words – is a highly effective method for supporting children’s learning to read. This type of training has been shown to have positive effects on children’s reading and writing skills, especially when the exercises are carried out in small groups and with engaging activities (Cabander, 2021).
Alphabet knowledge and play
Research also confirms that children can understand the connection between letters and sounds as early as preschool age. Through playful exercises, where letters are linked to sounds, children get a good foundation for further reading learning when they start school (Goswami, 2001). This means that preschool educators can create a good starting point for children's continued learning.
Preschool curriculum and language development
The preschool curriculum encourages children's interest in written language and understanding of symbols. To best support this development, we need clearer guidelines that link research-based methods to preschool pedagogical work, providing a structured path for children's language development (Dickinson & Tabors, 2001).
So why is Readioo the perfect tool to support this development?
By using Readioo, preschool educators gain a powerful tool to actively stimulate children’s phonological awareness and vocabulary, which research has shown to be crucial for learning to read. Readioo creates an interactive and engaging environment where children not only receive a playful introduction to letters and sounds, but also have the opportunity to actively participate in reading, which strengthens their understanding of written language and sounds (Cabander, 2021). By combining play and learning in a fun way, Readioo creates the best conditions for a strong linguistic foundation – just as research recommends.
Karin Gifvas is a preschool, primary school and special education teacher with deep expertise in reading, language and writing development. With extensive experience working with digital services and products, she has a strong focus on creating accessible and inspiring learning environments. Through her work, she strives to give all children the best conditions to develop a rich language, a strong desire to read and a curiosity for learning.
References
Cabander, S. (2021). Phonological training and its effect on children's reading ability.
Whitehurst, GJ, et al. (1988). Accelerating Language Development Through Picture Book Reading. Developmental Psychology , 24(4), 552–559.
Hart, B., & Risley, TR (1995). Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children . Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Goswami, U. (2001). Early Phonological Development and the Acquisition of Literacy. In SB Neuman & DK Dickinson (Eds.), Handbook of Early Literacy Research (pp. 111–125). Guilford Press.
Dickinson, DK, & Tabors, PO (2001). Beginning Literacy with Language: Young Children Learning at Home and School . Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
