We are living in an era of which technology is part of the essentials. Without any doubt, technology helps ease our daily lives – especially for busy moms and dads.
It eases our burdens and educates us on bringing up our kids.
However, when we rely too much on gadgets, it could bring about adverse effects and have long-term effects on our children.
For example, when kids stare at the screen for too long, it could affect their eyesight and cause problems such as nearsightedness and blurry vision.
It also causes inactivity among children, as they have a tendency to get glued to their tablet, PlayStation or smartphone.
So, what should we do to change this?
Why Do Kids Prefer Watching Movies To Reading Books?
Firstly, we need to understand the reasons for their dependency on technology. Why do kids love their screens so much?
Naturally, humans are attracted to things that ignite their senses. For example, television shows come with attractive sounds and interesting motion pictures. This alone will captivate and please their senses.
To compare, books are more bland and less exciting. Even if these books come with pictures, it is still not as fascinating as moving pictures in movies. That is why watching television can be much more interesting than reading books to the young ones.
Undeniably, some of these shows are educational, however, many are not.
How To Encourage Kids To Listen To Audiobooks?
As kids generally prefer alternative resources other than books, take this chance to encourage them to listen to audiobooks.
Before you start on the journey to convert them, make comparisons between audiobooks and screens. Show them its advantages and how it is much better and can be way more fun than staring at a screen all day.
The Advantages Of Audiobook Over Screens
1) You can relax and defocus your eyes
Listening to audiobooks does not require you to strain your eyes. This will help your eyes relax after a long day at school or play. Most of the voices on audiobooks are soothing and relaxing to the ear.
2) Your movements are more flexible
As you listen to audiobooks, your movements are not restricted. Your hands are free to perform other tasks, such as packing your school bag, or cleaning your room.
3) You can improve your listening skills
Good listening skills are essential to all of us. By listening to audiobooks, you will learn the right way to pronounce words.
Apart from that, you can learn the linguistic aspects of the language too. Such as its morphology, semantics, syntax and others. You will also be exposed to different accents and dialects of certain language.
These benefits of listening to audiobooks will help you understand a language better. And not just that, it might improve your verbal communication skills as well.
The Features Of Good Audiobooks For Kids
When you are searching for a suitable audiobook, these characteristics should be the ones that you prioritise:
#1. Rich with adjectives and adverbs
It should be packed with lots of adjectives and adverbs. Such audiobooks are more interesting and will boost their creativity.
#2. Interesting plot and storyline
Among the important features that you should look for in an audiobook are its plot and storyline.
It is crucial that your selection is based on their age. Based on their reading level, age and interest, pick a suitable audiobook with an interesting plot and storyline to capture their interest. They might ask for more!
#3. Audible and clear audio
As their vocabulary is not that extensive, choose an audiobook that is audible and clear enough for them.
Different to adults, when we hear an unclear audio, we can perceive and guess the words easier as we have heard them before.
#4. Enjoyable sound effects and background sounds
An audiobook with enjoyable sound effects and background sounds will make it more realistic. It can transport them to the place which is being described, or make them feel like they are the character itself.
Such audiobooks can enhance their creativity, especially when they try to fantasise and visualise things.
Where Can You Find Free Audiobooks For Kids?
There are plenty of applications and websites that produce audiobooks for kids. But if you are searching for free English content, how about giving these websites a go?
#1. OverDrive
#2. LibriVox
#3. Storynory
#4. Audible Stories
And others like Spotify.
With continuous effort and the right motivation, you will find that your kids will become more and more excited about each and every new audiobook they come across.
Be patient as this may be a whole new world for them. Enjoy the activity with them, with your own audiobook.
After all, children learn what they live.