Texting helps develop, not damage, kids’ spelling abilities
January 20th, 2010 - 1:46 pm ICT by ANILondon, January 20 (ANI): Worried parents can let out a sigh of relief, for academics have claimed that text messaging, far from destroying kids’ writing skills, could be a sign of superior literacy.
Researchers at Coventry University examined the effect of texting on 8 to 12-year-olds and found that regular texters often possess sophisticated literacy skills.
Clare Wood, Reader in Developmental Psychology at the university, claim kids familiar with text speak had a high level of phonological awareness, an early developing skill that refers to the ability to detect, isolate and manipulate patterns of sound in speech.
“We were surprised to learn that … textism use was actually driving the development of phonological awareness and reading skill in children. Texting also appears to be a valuable form of contact with written English for many children, which enables them to practise reading and spelling on a daily basis,” Times Online quoted Woods as saying.
“With further research, we hope to instil a change in attitude in teachers and parents - recognising the potential to use text-based exercises to engage children in phonological awareness activities. If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it,” Woods added.
The study was funded by the British Academy. (ANI)
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