Realistic Images Are Better For Kids Learning
If you have seen the sneak peeks or, even better, have our books, you will know that our Tamil children’s books are a little different from most Tamil children’s books out there. We have chosen realistic images on simple backgrounds in our books, as opposed to illustrations, we’ve kept it very simple and clean. Why, you may ask? Here’s why.
When teaching younger children new words, realistic images can help them connect with the real world more easily. The images provide a clear representation of actual objects, animals, and people, which can aid in object recognition and understanding. A study conducted on 15- and 18-month-olds suggested that when there is a high visual similarity between symbols and real things, children find it easier to transfer information. Therefore, using realistic illustrations in early picture books may enhance the educational impact for children.
Younger children, especially those in the early stages of cognitive development, find realistic images to be more relatable and easier to understand. Studies suggest that children typically begin developing the ability to distinguish betweenreality and fantasy around the age of 3 and beyond. Consequently, exposing younger children to realistic concepts and images proves beneficial, as it aligns with their evolving cognitive abilities, making it easier for them to grasp these concepts. This is not to say illustrated/picture books are all bad, any reading is helpful, and variety is good. As children grow older and their cognitive abilities advance, they may appreciate and understand more complex illustrations and concepts.
Our books are kept very simple and clean with only intended images, without extra patterns and interactive features. When children’s books have added features, such as lift-the-flap or other three-dimensional add-ons to increase a child’s interaction with a book, although entertaining, research suggests that they are not optimal for learning. Why? These features can divert attention away from connecting the book to the real world. For little ones who are just figuring out how pictures in books represent real things, adding extra features can be distracting and may hinder their ability to transfer what they have learned.
At Tamizhum Naanum Children’s Books, we put a lot of thought and work into our books to ensure we make Tamil exciting and easy for kids. Our books are designed to help them learn everyday Tamil words and speak Tamil with confidence. That is why we've chosen realistic pictures throughout our books – to give your little ones an extra boost in their Tamil learning adventure.
So go ahead and name and discuss what they see in our books (discuss the sounds or taste or movements). When possible, connect the learned words/knowledge from the book to real life to strengthen the connection between the two.
Happy Reading!
Tamizhum Naanum Children’s Books, Where Tamil comes to life, one page at a time!
Citations
Ganea, P. A., Pickard, M. B., & DeLoache, J. S. (2008). Transfer between picture books and the real world by very young children. Journal of cognition and development, 9(1), 46-66.
Strouse, G. A., Nyhout, A., & Ganea, P. A. (2018). The role of book features in young children's transfer of information from picture books to real-world contexts. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 50.
Tare, M., Chiong, C., Ganea, P., & DeLoache, J. (2010). Less is more: How manipulative features affect children's learning from picture books. Journal of applied developmental psychology, 31(5), 395-400.
Woolley, J. D., & Cox, V. (2007). Development of beliefs about storybook reality. Developmental science, 10(5), 681-693.