SPONSORED CONTENT
READING THE CLASSICS IN THE
DIGITAL AGE
HOW CLASSIC LITERATURE COMBATS
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SCREEN OVERLOAD
BY WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
nce upon a time in a land far, far
away, a tired young girl climbs into
her bed with her favorite, dog-eared
copy of “Little Women,” excitedly
turning to the chapter where Jo wishes
she were a boy and could go ﬁ ght in
the war with her father. This young
girl barely gets to chapter three, but
she falls asleep with the beloved book
beside her. Tomorrow, she will carry the
book around with her like an old friend.

This does sound much like an old fairy
tale, doesn’t it? With today’s video
games, iPads, smartphones, social
media, computers and Netﬂ ix, the
days of voracious reading seem to be
long gone. In fact, a recent multi-year
study by the American Psychological
Association shows that high school-
aged teens spend more time texting
and on social media than reading.

Many of the teens polled reported that
they are spending four hours a day or
more texting, on the Internet or on
social media. Conversely, teens say
that they are only reading for about 19
minutes a day, which is signiﬁ cantly less
time than teens spent reading in the
previous generation.

More time on screens means that
children are growing up with a number
of signiﬁ cant challenges, like moody
behavior, less focus on academics
and — perhaps especially disturbing
— an overall lack of empathy for
others. It’s not realistic to think that
the distractions of screen devices
are going to disappear, so parents
and teachers are searching for ways
to combat the ill effects of too much
26 November 2018
washingtonFAMILY.com time in front of screens. One answer?
Reading — especially classic works of
literature — is the perfect antidote
to many of the negative effects of
screens, and it is an activity that can
have immediate beneﬁ ts.

In reading classic literature, rich in
stories of compelling characters facing
and surmounting difﬁ cult challenges,
children will discover and explore their
own humanity, and the empathy they
have been lacking will be reignited.

Other beneﬁ ts include an expanded
vocabulary, a better understanding of
historical and cultural references and
improved social skills. In addition, a
regular diet of high-quality literature
such as classic books can improve
students’ writing in all subjects. Reading
is also a very inexpensive pleasure, and
it is something families can do together.

Contemporary authors have much to
offer students today. However, reading
classic literature can provide lifelong
advantages. What sets classic books
apart from current picks?
• A classic book is one that has
endured the passage of time and
continues to speak to modern readers.

• It has a historical impact and
furthers knowledge of a particular time,
people or place.

• It has a moral/emotional message
that is often provocative, even
transformative. • It has questions that may never
be ﬁ nally answered, but challenge the
reader to ponder deeply.

• Often, the complexities and
subtleties of a classic work mean that
a reader has a different response or
understanding every time it is read, and
it begs to be reread.

Of course, contemporary literature may
contain some of these elements, but
true classics are books that involve the
reader in a great literary conversation
among curious and thoughtful minds
down through the years. This is a deeply
meaningful relationship that today’s
children deserve and need to be a
part of. Literature today has only been
informed by and made great because of
the classics.

The words and stories found in classics
are challenging, and this is why they
should be savored. They have the
power to expand horizons and awaken
the child to the reality of worlds very
different from his own, far away or
long ago. Children feel both enriched
and accomplished after tackling such
compelling works, which stimulate
understanding and empathy that cannot
be gleaned from any video game.

Perhaps carrying around well-loved
books written long ago won’t be as
common as it once was, but then again,
old things often become new again …
just like the classics.

Westminster School provides a unique
preschool-middle school education
based on a classical curriculum,
accelerated academics enhanced by
the arts and an emphasis on personal
responsibility and good character.

Students enjoy small classes taught by
teachers who specialize in their ﬁ eld.

ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ ARCHV
O

• Preschool – Grade 6
• Before-Care & After-Care
• Pinecrest Pavilion Summer
Camp for Ages 4-12
• •
• •
Differentiated Instruction
Small Classes
Challenging Academics
Positive Social & Emotional Development
New Lower School Building Now Open!
703.354.3446 Annandale, Virginia pinecrestschool.org
Th e Winchester
School Established 1970
Pre-K • Kindergarten • First & Second Grades
Summer Programs
Challenging Academics, Stimulating Art and Music Classes
Daily Spanish, Experienced Teachers
Warm and Encouraging Environment
Call for an Appointment
301-598-2266 Open 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
3223 Bel Pre Road Silver Spring, MD 20906
Healthy Smile...

Healthy Child
pediatric dental care
John Han, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Fernanda Fontes, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Jenny Ha, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Harold Fleming, DDS
Orthodontist Dr. Han voted one of the
Top Dentists in Northern VA
Magazine & VA Living Magazine.

• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
Sedations Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide
Emergency Care
Digital X-ray & Technology
Free Orthodontic Consultation
Sealants White Fillings
School Exams
Kid PDC
s C
Fluoride Treatment
Firs ome
Early Orthodontics
t Cleanings
Check up exams
* No Referrals Required
Accepting all major insurances
and Smiles for Children
“See The Look Of Surprise And Wonder In Your Child’s Eyes!”
Mister Barry's Magic Show
www.mypdcdentists.com Pediatric Dental Care
Fairfax office:
9901 Fairfax Boulevard,
Fairfax, VA 22030.

Springfield office:
6120 Brandon Ave. Suite 114,
Springfield, VA 22150
“My 7 year old is still talking about her best birthday ever. She and
her friends have been practicing the magic tricks they learned.”
M.S. Reston, VA
washingtonFAMILY.com November 2018
27