In theorising the work, Kucirkova, Littleton & Cremin (2016) argue that there are six key characteristics that are crucial to consider in relation to reading for pleasure with digital books. Drawing on Anna Craft’s (2010) conceptualisation of twenty-first century childhoods and discussions with teachers and children at primary schools, the authors considered the key ways in which digital books can support what Craft labelled the “4Ps”, that is the pluralities, possibilities, playfulness and participation options in the 21st century.
The analysis identified six key facets of digital book in relation to reading for pleasure:
- affective
- creative
- interactive
- shared
- sustained
- personalised reading engagements.
These facets are not unique to digital interactive books- many printed/physical books and audio books have these characteristics too. However, the advent of storybooks and e-books available for new reading devices (such as Kindle and iPads), have brought these characteristics to the fore.
Further details of the ideas underpinning this work, the research findings and the practical guides are available in the following papers:
Kucirkova, Littleton & Cremin, 2016, Young children’s reading for pleasure with digital books: six key facets of engagement
Kucirkova & Sakr, 2015: Child-Father creative text-making at home with crayons, iPad, collage & PC
Kucirkova, Sheehy & Messer, 2015, A Vygotskian perspective on parent-child talk during iPad story sharing
Recommended reading
The Reading for Pleasure Tree
Find out how the University of Cambridge Primary School have used our research to support reading throughout the school. This research-informed approach has been praised by Ofsted in their recent inspection report. In this account by Aimee Durning their approach is represented as a nurturing Reading for Pleasure Tree.
researchrichpedagogies.org
Joy of reading
In this blog Simon Smith explores how teachers can build community through shared reading. He argues whole class reading can build a sense of ‘belonging, a shared history and experience’. He ends with 7 great tips for reading aloud to your class.
smithsmm.wordpress.com
Reflections on OU/UKLA RfP Cambridge conference
In her recent blog school governor and adult literacy professional Kerry Scattergood reflects on what she has gained from attending our recent OU/UKLA RfP conference in Cambridge. In her latest posting she outlines the impact on her support for adults, while in her previous post she suggests how the insights from the research can also be taken forward in schools.
everydayliteracyproject.wordpress.com