The document discusses technology use among under-5s and its potential impact on early reading development. It notes that 80% of brain development occurs by age 3 and key reading skills develop at a young age. Over half of 2-3 year olds regularly use tablets or smartphones, and 23% of UK babies have an online presence before birth. While some research warns against excessive screen time for young children, mobile technology may also help reduce isolation for new parents. Quality digital content that is interactive and age-appropriate could potentially support early reading if designed well. More research is still needed, but educating parents on positive and negative technology impacts will be important.

1. Emily Guille-Marrett
w: ReadingFairy.com
e: hello@readingfairy.com
t: @ReadingFairyLtd
f: /ReadingFairy
The iTot
Generation:
Technology,
Reading and
Under 5s
Saturday, 14 June 14

2. Why the focus on Under 5s?
80% of our
brains are
fully
developed by
3-years-old
Crucial
building
blocks for
learning to
read develop
now
50% of a
child’s
learning
happens in
the first 4
years
Saturday, 14 June 14

3. 50% of 2 to 3
year olds
have regular
access to a
tablet or
smartphone
8 out of 10
babies
worldwide
have some
sort of online
presence
23% of UK
babies have
an online
presence
before they
are even born
What’s the digital landscape for Under 5s?
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4. Saturday, 14 June 14

5. Is technology a bad thing for
early reading?
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6. Research and Media Highlights
• The AAP – No screens for Under 5s
• Baby Einstein Videos – Full refunds 2009
• Screen saturation and child development –
Sue Palmer Toxic Childhood
• Concerns about children’s concentration –
Professor Susan Greenfield
• Children’s Online Safety – Tanya Byron
Saturday, 14 June 14

7. Research and Media Highlights
•Mobile technology and parenting:
–87% of UK mothers have a
smartphone
–74% of mothers use smartphones for
social networking
–3 out of 5 mothers say smartphones
reduce isolation of new motherhood
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8. Can new technology be positive for
early reading?
Reading Fairy at GEEK 2014
READ OUR GUEST BLOG FOR NOSY CROW http://
nosycrow.com/blog/nosy-crow-apps-at-geek2014
Saturday, 14 June 14

9. “We have an atavistic need for story…we are
hardwired for story.” Kate Wilson, Nosy Crow
•Telling Traditional Stories
•Reading Traditional Stories
•Fractured Fairytales
•Playing Traditional Stories
Reading Fairy’s recent project for
GEEK 2014 supported by Nosy
Crow
Saturday, 14 June 14

10. What does good on screen
reading look like for children?
•On screen reading has to be competitive
with other media
•High levels of graphics & interactivity
•Age appropriate – Content & Cognitive
•Quality writing – collaborative process
•Empowerment through participation
•Often multi-platform – particularly for
older children
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11. Conclusion
Parents and the home
environment are essential to
the early teaching of reading.
Source: DfE, UK Government
We need more
research. And we
need to help
parents find quality
digital content.
We need to educate
parents and educators
about the positive and
negative aspects new
technology has on kids’
reading and learning.
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12. Conclusion - A bright future
We must ensure that
the iTot generation
nurtures a love of
reading AND is
equipped for the
workforce of the
future.
Reading for
pleasure is critical for
learning to read and future
academic success.
Source: DFE, UK Government
Saturday, 14 June 14

13. Emily Guille-Marrett
w: ReadingFairy.com
e: hello@readingfairy.com
t: @ReadingFairyLtd
f: /ReadingFairy
Please contact me for any
references from stats in the
presentation.
Saturday, 14 June 14