EAST LANSING, Mich. – A groundbreaking study from Michigan State University (MSU) has unveiled that traditional print activities significantly outperform digital tools in fostering early literacy skills among preschoolers. This revelation challenges the prevailing notion that digital learning games are the key to early childhood education.
According to the study, simple, hands-on activities such as writing letters and identifying words in daily life are the most effective methods for developing early reading skills. The research highlights that while children with typical learning development benefit from shared book reading, those with speech and/or language impairments do not experience the same advantages.
Study Background and Methodology
The research, published in the Journal of Research in Reading, was conducted by MSU professors Lori Skibbe and Ryan Bowles, along with former postdoctoral researcher Nick Waters. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institutes of Health. It focused on understanding how different home literacy activities impact early reading skills.
The researchers identified three common literacy activities: print-focused activities, shared book reading, and literacy games. The study involved over 1,000 children aged 3 to 6 from diverse backgrounds across a Midwestern state, including more than 200 children with speech and/or language impairments.
Parents were surveyed about their engagement in various literacy activities at home, such as writing letters, reading books, and using educational games or apps. The children’s literacy development was assessed based on three foundational skills: letter-name knowledge, letter-sound knowledge, and phonological awareness.
Key Findings and Implications
The findings were revealing. Print-focused activities consistently led to stronger early literacy skills across all children. In contrast, children who spent more time on literacy games scored lower on reading assessments, regardless of their developmental background. Shared book reading was found to be a significant predictor of literacy success only for children without speech and/or language impairments.
“Heavier use of games was associated with worse literacy outcomes, regardless of a child’s developmental background.”
The study challenges the assumption that more exposure to learning tools automatically leads to better results. Instead, it underscores the importance of intentional, hands-on approaches. Digital learning tools should be viewed as supplementary rather than primary educational resources.
What Parents Should Know About Games
There are several reasons why some games may not be effective. Many prioritize entertainment over education, using flashy visuals and sounds that can distract from learning. Even high-quality games often lack the personal, hands-on instruction necessary for developing key skills, especially for children with speech and/or language challenges.
Teaching early reading skills does not require expensive tools or programs. Everyday interactions offer the most valuable learning opportunities. Parents can encourage literacy by:
- Spotting letters together on street signs, food packaging, or menus.
- Encouraging writing by having children write their names, draw letters, or label pictures.
- Making reading interactive by pointing to words, discussing letter sounds, and asking questions while reading books.
Parents should be cautious about introducing games, particularly when children are struggling. Digital tools should be thoughtfully integrated to supplement learning, with a focus on print-focused routines, especially for children with learning impairments.
The Path Forward
This study presents a significant shift in understanding early literacy development. As digital tools become increasingly prevalent, educators and parents must critically assess their role in education. The findings advocate for a balanced approach, where digital tools complement rather than replace traditional methods.
By prioritizing print-focused activities, parents and educators can better support children’s literacy development, ensuring a strong foundation for future learning.
By Madeline Strauss
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