Children's eBooks

     When I began teaching at my current school, I was introduced to Scholastic Literacy Pro and Epic. There were two programs that allowed students to have access to ebooks. In addition to my in-person classroom library, I started using both of these programs during my instruction. When the district failed to provide copies of the text, A River of Words, I found the e-book version. I was able to assign it to my students so that they could re-read the text after our whole class reading. I used the online library as a tool for research projects and an exploratory introduction to units. And finally, I instituted a daily 20 minute independent reading block where students were able to engage with texts that interested them.

    All of the e-book platforms that I have used in my classroom have come with a long list of pros and cons. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on the one I use more frequently: Epic. As far as educational programs go, this one has the least amount of issues. Students are able to use their single sign on QR code to access the program. It is free to use during school hours. And it offers a pretty wide variety of picture books, audiobooks, and "Read to Me" books which are texts that are read to students as each word is highlighted. I have found that this program helps encourage all of my students to read (even the ones who swear up and down that they'll hate reading forever). One of the few issues I have with Epic is that they are missing many of the more popular books that my students are looking for: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dogman, and Dr. Seuss books. This program is also only available for students during school hours (7AM-3PM). Because instruction time goes until 3:15 PM, students are sometimes kicked off the program in the middle of their books. All-in-all, I think it is a strong choice for an online classroom library as long as it is supplemented with other books students might be interested in,

    When planning instruction with e-books, it is important to think about the task being completed and how an e-book might impact the learning being done. For example, if I am running a small group focused on decodable words, I would choose a paper text over an ebook. However, if I was planning a research project where students are expected to find information independently, I might consider using an ebook program that reads to students, has an online dictionary for unknown words, or has an audio option. I have also found that ebook programs work best as a tool for independent reading in my classroom. When students are finished with their assignments, they are expected to find a book from the classroom library or on Epic. This gives them an independent activity that everyone is able to complete. Most students are engaged in books that they are interested in. And finally, I have found that books provide a welcome escape from the stress of life. Classrooms can be loud, overstimulating environments. Giving a student time to put a pair of headphones on and put themselves into a separate world for even 20 minutes could make a huge difference. I remember fondly the days where I would bring the latest book I was reading to every class in high school so that I could escape into that world for even 10 minutes.

    When thinking about how best to approach ebooks in the classroom logistically, I consider my own experience with ebooks. I read on my kindle (or on my phone if I am unexpectedly provided with the opportunity to read). I find that the controls on a touch screen device are often easier when reading. They mimic a paper book in more ways that a chromebook does. When it comes down to it, teachers are at the mercy of whatever 1:1 device that their district has provided. If given the choice, I would like students to be provided with an e-reader tablet. The controls would be easier managed than a computer and there would be less of a chance that students would download other apps/open other tabs while they are supposed to be reading. I currently use chromebooks in my classroom and find that students have an easy enough time navigating ebook programs on them. Additionally, I have also used Apple books on my projector and have found this to be an effective as well. Ebook technology has vastly improved since my adolescence and I hope that this provides more opportunities for students to get books they like in their hands.

Comments

  1. Julie ArnettJanuary 15, 2025 at 5:25 PM

    I really enjoyed reading your post! It’s great to hear about your experience using Epic in the classroom, as I’ve also incorporated it into my teaching. I agree with everything you mentioned about the platform—it’s such a powerful tool for encouraging students to read, especially with the wide range of picture books, audiobooks, and “Read to Me” options available. Like you, I’ve found that even the students who claim they "hate reading" are often drawn into the books on Epic, and it’s amazing to see them engage with texts that actually interest them.

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  2. MiahJanuary 21, 2025 at 3:29 PM

    Hey Anna! I also looked into Epic for my blog post! I've never used it before but I think it looks great for classroom use. I'm glad to hear that using it in the classroom has worked out successfully for you. I for sure plan to use it in the future.

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