Contribution of reading an e-book with a dictionary to word learning: Comparison between kindergarteners with and without SLI.

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficacy of e-book reading to \u200epromoting word learning among kindergarteners with specific language impairment \u200e\u200e(SLI) compared to those with typical language development (TLD). We also tested \u200ethe contribution of three types of dictionary support provided in the e-book. All \u200edictionary words were given a pictorial and auditory support while a third of them \u200ewere given a short definition, a third were defined using the story content, and a third \u200ewere given a combined definition. Twenty kindergarteners with SLI and 20 with TLD \u200ewere read the e-book with dictionary support 5 times. Each child was exposed to the \u200ethree types of dictionary support in each e-book reading. Receptive knowledge, word \u200edefinitions and use of target words were measured pre and post intervention. A \u200esignificant improvement in new word learning following the e-book reading was \u200efound in the children s receptive knowledge, word definitions and use of target \u200ewords. Nonetheless, children with TLD progressed in words use more than children \u200ewith SLI. The two groups progressed to a greater extent in explaining new words \u200efollowing the provision of a dictionary definition and following story context \u200edefinition. Children with SLI progressed in words use following the definition of a \u200edictionary. The combined definition was especially efficient for children in the two \u200egroups with had a low initial level of using new words. Combined definition was also \u200eefficient for explaining new words for TLD children with initially high language level. \u200eWe conclude that children with SLI like children with TLD can benefit from ebook \u200ereading and can learn new words at different levels when the e-book is well designed in \u200eassisting children with definitions of difficult words.\u200e.