Moms Inspire Learning: Be the Acorn

"The internet cannot and should not replace a good school or public library for reference and research. They should coexist compatibly." ~excerpt from page 152 of The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease

It makes sense, doesn't it? Why, then, are so many individuals trying to do everything they can to convince everyone that the Internet can stand alone, at the expense of real books and libraries?

All across Twitter, I hear constant echoes that advanced technology can save education. They make it seem as if students should be sitting in front of a computer all day. That way, they can communicate with everyone that's NOT actually in the room.

I beg to differ.

While I have to admit that the internet can open up windows of opportunities, it is books-in-print and libraries that can open the actual doors of reading and leading.

Here are a few reasons why books will always be the best educational technology ever created:

They do not require a battery or an outlet to work.

They allow readers the opportunity to focus on one thing, without distractions.

They help people of all ages to lengthen attention span, especially when adults read aloud to children (see pages 34 and 35 of handbook)

They require people to think critically about themselves and the world around them, and to use the imagination.

They help people to connect the dots of learning, and can be used as springboards to many different subjects and methods of learning (including the internet).

They don't strain your eyes.

You can refer back to favorite excerpts by marking the spots with sticky notes. You can write down your thoughts on them, too!

You can take them anywhere.

Books can take readers to places they may never have the opportunity to visit in their lifetimes.

You can borrow many of them via the public or school library - for free!

Here are a few reasons why the world needs public and school libraries:

Some people still do not have access to the internet.

Some people cannot afford to buy books. And who buys every book they read, anyway?

There are so many books and web sites, and people have to learn how to sort through them. Librarians are trained to help people of all ages to seek out reading materials to read for fun OR research. All you have to do is ask.

School librarians can help teachers and students discover great books to go along with the curriculum, and can help instill a love of reading and learning in anyone who's willing to listen.

By providing access to a variety of reading materials all in one spot, libraries open up a whole new world to patrons.

Libraries are still our best hope in creating a fully literate society. We need all world citizens to be able to communicate through the spoken and written word.