Television puts a child into what neurologists call the passive Alpha state. A child cannot learn from screens because programs are meant to sell products, not to teach. Much like the first news about tobacco and cholesterol, early studies now link overdoses of TV, video games and pop music with learning disabilities, attention deficiency, speech defects and aggressive behavior. Screen watching makes a child a follower and a consumer. Books exist because of the power of human ideas.
Readers are leaders and producers.
After a tiring day nothing is more restful than reading with a child on your lap. Reading aloud offers a world of privacy, dignity, and love to both of you. The sites listed below are outstanding resources for both parents and teachers. You will find lists of quality children's books, including those receiving the annual Newbery Medal for most distinguished children's book of the year, and the Caldecott Medal , which is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Several of the websites listed also include links to hundreds of outstanding children's authors' personal web pages.