New research out of Northern Arizona University, USA, found that traditional toys and books work better than electronic-made tools when it comes to language learning.
Researchers found out that old-fashioned toys and books are better for language learning compared to electronic-made items.
The new study was published “Association of the type of toy used during play with the quantity and quality of parent-infant communication,” published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
The experiment considered 26 toddlers aged 10 to 16 months old. These toddlers were given three different sets of toys and books (which were both traditional and electronic) to play with.
The traditional toys included wooden puzzles, shape-sorters, and rubber blocks. It was deduced that, as compared to modern electronic tools which produce lights, words, and songs, traditional books and toys really work better.
The researchers found that the use of traditional toys is more effective for facilitating language and encouraging “a rich communicative interaction between parents and infants”.
Quantity and quality of language
The researchers recorded the sound in the home and then analyzed the recordings afterwards.
Upon investigation, they found out a decrease in the quality and quantity of language in both children and parents when using digital tools.
It also resulted to fewer adults’ words, fewer parental responses, less content-specific language, and less back-and-forth conversation.
In conclusion, the researchers said that traditional books and toys are effective for facilitating language and encourage “a rich communicative interaction between parents and infants.”
They further suggested that electronic toys should be discouraged since they are more expensive.
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