Scholarly Findings Indicate that Enlarged Book Print Aids Young Readers' Comprehension
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In a groundbreaking study conducted by education nonprofit Project Tomorrow and Thorndike Press, a part of Cengage Group, large print format books have been found to significantly improve student reading outcomes. The study, which involved 1,500 students in grades 4-12 and 56 teachers and librarians across 13 U.S. schools, was conducted independently due to the potential of large format books to help increase reading scores.
The findings of the study suggest that large print books offer numerous benefits for students, particularly those with visual challenges or reading difficulties. By providing clearer, easier-to-read text, these books help increase motivation and create positive reading experiences.
One key advantage of large print books is their ability to reduce eye strain and improve focus, allowing students who struggle with standard print sizes to engage more effectively with texts and improve comprehension and retention. This is particularly beneficial for students with low vision, dyslexia, or other reading challenges.
In the classroom, large print books also assist in differentiated learning environments by enabling teachers to better accommodate diverse student needs. This promotes inclusivity and equitable learning outcomes, as teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.
The study found that 87% of teachers saw a positive impact on their students' reading success when they switched to large print books. Moreover, 71% of teachers reported that reading large print improved Lexile scores by 2 grade levels among their students who were reading at grade level. The impact was even more pronounced among students who were reading below grade level, with 59% of teachers reporting improved Lexile scores by 2 grade levels.
The study also highlighted that implementing large print books as a reading intervention is easy once the books are available. Teachers and librarians reported that no professional development is required for implementing large print books, making them an accessible solution for schools looking to improve student reading outcomes.
At Squires' school, the findings of the study resonate with the school's experience. Audiobooks remain popular among students, but demand for ebooks is low. Students prefer physical books for leisure reading over digital formats, and anecdotally, Squires finds ebooks with increased font size less appealing to students. In response to the study's findings, Squires has stopped purchasing ebooks due to low demand.
The study's findings are also supported by the experiences of students at O'Neill Middle School in Downers Grove, IL, where the vast majority of students prefer large print format books over traditional format.
In conclusion, the study by Project Tomorrow and Thorndike Press provides compelling evidence for the benefits of large print format books for improving student reading accessibility, increasing reading confidence, and supporting those with visual challenges or reading difficulties. The educational value of large print formats for improving student reading engagement and achievement is well recognized in educational and special needs contexts, as supported broadly by literacy research and specialized educational resources.
- Teachers at Squires' school, in response to the study's findings, have stopped purchasing digital ebooks due to low demand, suggesting a preference for physical books, even those in large print format.
- The study conducted by Project Tomorrow and Thorndike Press found that large print books could significantly improve student reading outcomes, particularly for those with visual challenges or reading difficulties, supporting digital education.
- In the classroom, large print books assist in differentiated learning environments by enabling teachers to better accommodate diverse student needs, promoting inclusivity and equitable learning outcomes, as part of professional development in education-and-self-development.
- At O'Neill Middle School in Downers Grove, IL, the majority of students prefer large print format books over traditional format, aligning with the study's findings on the benefits of large print books for reading accessibility.
- Google Classroom and other online education platforms may benefit from incorporating a large print option to support students who struggle with standard print sizes, enhancing the overall learning experience in digital education.
