Many parents likely agree that children are spending far too much time in front of their computer screens. Since the pandemic and virtual learning, the average time has jumped from 7.5 hours to 14.5 for kids ages 8 through 18, according to the CDC. Reports show that children are now discovering the joy of reading actual books and joining virtual book clubs.
In 2020, there was a surge in sales for printed books, particularly with young adult non-fiction, selling 2.5 million units in the first few months of the pandemic. Most recently J.K. Rowling’s new offering, “The Ikabog,” is moving quickly to the top of the NY Times’ Best Seller List. Perhaps for the first time since tablets came on the scene, kids are turning off their tablets and kicking back with a good old-fashioned paperback!
Leading education expert Tiffany Soyra, founder of Novel Education, has seen this firsthand. I had a chance to interview her to learn more.
1.) What are some factors that contribute to the rise in screen time?
“Besides the largest factor being a mandated quarantine that induced school closings and prohibited social gatherings, there are a lot of other associated factors like advanced technology, social media and even weather that is contributing to it. Then there are the human specific factors like sociodemographic and physical activity. Now, without the requirements of a commute to work or a P.E. class, people who are not usually physically active are indoors all day at a desk with a remote or laptop at their fingertips. Tv shows and video games are easily accessible and a way to stay socially connected during physically distant mandates. Talking about the newest show on Netflix is a way to bond. Groceries can be delivered to your door and games can be played in Zoom meet-ups. Screen time more than ever is a way to entertain. Parents who have to balance their child’s school schedule and work can use screen time as an easy distraction. This may increase depending on the factors such as whether they live in a home vs. apartment, have several children, or there is a single parent.”
2.) Why are books and book clubs making a comeback in 2021?
“Before quarantine, book clubs were a way people could connect and escape the world around them. It is no shock that now more than ever, this pursuit remains unchanged. In a time of anxiety and social isolation, book clubs do an extraordinary job at provoking a sense of community and conversation. They are a way to feel a part of something, to feel productive with your time, and feel a sense of fulfillment through continued learning. Plus they’re fun! - And offer an escape from the overwhelming news and bearings of our life today.
In school too, kids are often in guided reading groups. Educators know that reading in groups helps develop reading strategies that are used to decode and construct meaning. A lot of parents are concerned about their students falling behind, so book clubs offer that simulated experience.”
3.) How can parents balance digital and non-screen entertainment and education options for their kids?
"When balanced right with educational activities, screen time can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. Encourage no screen time when taking a break from school, when eating, or when driving somewhere. Sometimes kids need the structure of a screen time plan. For 2 hours a day, they are allowed to watch this show or play this game for an allotted time. Certainly they will try to fight it and bargain for more, but setting those restrictions can help them explore and develop their creativity towards other activities. It may take a routine to help influence that, but children are naturally curious so there are things you can do to maintain learning and entertainment almost anywhere and everywhere. You can turn everyday home routines into educational conversations. Have your children join you while cooking or folding laundry and engage them in topics about sorting, measurements, and counting. Start a chapter book series together, listen to podcasts, or start a family gratitude wall with post-it notes. If you’d like to use the screen, you can watch something with them to help them understand what they are seeing and help them apply it to the world around them. Your enthusiasm, your habits are felt by your children so use that to your advantage.”
About Tiffany Soyra & Novel Education
TIFFANY SORYA, Founder & Director Novel Education Group
Tiffany Sorya is the Founder and Director of Novel Education Group, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The 34-year-old is a renowned thought leader in the education industry and is widely recognized for spearheading a fundamental change in the way young people engage with education in the digital age. Tiffany graduated from Portland State University and, started tutoring students in math and science. In 2014, after seeing the positive impact of her individualized approach to learning, Tiffany founded Novel Education Group. Since then, she has pursued her love for academics by creating her own successful teaching philosophy that has transformed homeschooling and tutoring programs throughout Southern California. Novel Education Group continues to grow its list of high-end clientele globally, particularly in our current fast-paced digital age, successfully advancing Tiffany's uniquely innovative education philosophies.
NOVEL EDUCATION GROUP
Novel Education Group is an elite homeschooling, private tutoring and academic enrichment agency that provides a full- service, flexible, and customized curriculum for students from grades Kindergarten through Twelve. Novel Education Group’s clients include international business leaders, tech moguls, professional athletes, renowned artists, royals and celebrities, including Kylie and Kendal Jenner, Dr. Dre’s children Andre and Nicole, Ireland Baldwin, Los Angeles Supreme Court Judge Virginia Keeney, and Princess Nouf of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2014, Novel Education Group provides U.S. accredited courses anywhere in the world, allowing students to tailor their schooling experience to fit their individual goals. Students may enroll in full- time homeschool, pursue highly specialized interests, and complete enrichment programs with educators dedicated exclusively to each student. Novel Education Group, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, has also partnered with the renowned college consultancy, Command Education, and the top ranking online private school, Laurel Springs. www.noveleducationgroup.com
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