In today’s digital age, parents often wonder: are eBooks or physical books better for children’s learning outcomes? At Abracadabra Books, we’re passionate about creating non-fiction books that spark curiosity and foster deep learning, and we know that choosing the right format can make a big difference in how children engage with and retain information.
In this blog post, we’ll compare eBooks and physical books based on research-backed learning outcomes and show you how our physical book collections, like Window to the World and National Parks, can be powerful tools to boost your child’s curiosity and knowledge.
1. Reading Comprehension
- eBooks: Studies show that while eBooks with interactive features can be engaging, they often lead to lower reading comprehension. The distractions caused by multimedia elements and screen fatigue can prevent children from deeply engaging with the text.
- Physical Books: Children who read physical books tend to have better comprehension and focus. At Abracadabra Books, our National Parks series allows young readers to dive deep into nature’s wonders with rich imagery and easy-to-understand facts, supporting comprehension without distractions.
2. Engagement
- eBooks: Interactive eBooks can initially capture a child’s attention, but the engagement is often superficial.
- Physical Books: Our series, like Biomes, promote sustained, focused reading, helping children connect deeply with the material. Research shows that physical books encourage long-term engagement, as there’s a tactile connection that eBooks simply can’t replicate.
3. Attention Span
- eBooks: The fast-paced digital environment can reduce a child’s attention span, with easy access to other apps or media being a significant distraction.
- Physical Books: Physical books are proven to promote longer attention spans. Our Window to the World box set, for example, draws children into each topic, holding their attention with beautifully designed pages and engaging content.
4. Vocabulary Development
- eBooks: While eBooks offer dictionary tools, many children underutilize these features.
- Physical Books: Vocabulary development is often stronger with physical books as children naturally absorb new words from the context of the story. Our Abracadabra non-fiction books introduce advanced concepts in a way that is simple and fun, making it easy for kids to learn new words.
5. Retention of Information
- eBooks: Studies show that retention is often lower with eBooks, as children tend to skim and lose focus.
- Physical Books: Physical books provide a more immersive learning experience. Research shows children retain up to 30% more information from printed books. With our National Parks series, your child can explore iconic parks, absorbing facts they’re likely to remember long-term.
6. Sensory Experience
- eBooks: While eBooks are convenient, they lack the tactile and sensory engagement of physical books.
- Physical Books: The act of turning pages and physically handling a book enhances the learning experience. Children remember more when they can touch and see the pages. Our Window to the World series makes learning a multi-sensory experience, creating memorable reading sessions for young learners.
7. Parental Interaction
- eBooks: Parents tend to engage less during eBook reading sessions, focusing more on the technology than the story.
- Physical Books: Physical books encourage more parent-child interaction, which is key to learning development. Sharing books like Biomes together can help children learn to ask questions, enhancing their curiosity and deepening their understanding of the world around them.
Why Physical Books are the Best Choice for Your Child’s Learning
At Abracadabra Books, we understand that non-fiction books shouldn’t just be fact dumps. They should engage your child’s natural curiosity, build their knowledge, and create a love of reading. Our physical books, designed with high-quality visuals and simple explanations, provide the best learning experience for kids between 4-12 years old. Whether it’s exploring the rainforests in Biomes or taking a journey through National Parks, our books help children retain knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.