A recent study in the UK that found that children are often less likely to read if given a broad-use device for consuming ebooks was alarming to both parents and educators. Considering the obvious fact that children who don’t read will not make significant gains in reading ability, many felt that digital reading was contributing to a lowering of reading comprehension test results, due to the availability of other forms of entertainment to be had through the device.
One platform designed to combat that concern is the Storia ebook reading platform from Scholastic. Compatible with both PCs and internet-enabled devices, Storia offers select bookshelves for individual readers based on age and interest level, while also offering tools such as a reading timer and parent/teacher tracking options that follow how long the reader interacted with the digital text. Many of the books offered through the Storia platform also include instructional enhancements such as games, activities, vocabulary instruction, and more.
Today, Storia and Scholastic announced that the program has been awarded the 2013 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award as a top mobile app for children, a distinction given to the top mobile apps for children.
“The Parents’ Choice Awards have long been an authority in identifying quality, meaningful products for children. We are honored that Storia has been chosen as a Silver Honor winner this year,” said Deborah Forte, Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Media. “We designed this app to help parents and teachers find the books that interest their kids while helping kids develop a true love of reading, which is always our ultimate goal.”
The Storia program comes pre-loaded with five free ebooks for each age level, and the ability to purchase additional high-interest and ability level-guided ebooks from Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher of children’s content.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.