Why We Chose a Screen-Free Approach to Teaching Reading, Writing, and Spelling

Recent research suggests that when it comes to teaching young children, more technology isn't always better. Here's why Dash Into Learning has always believed that the best tools for learning to read are real books, meaningful conversations, and time spent together.

Are More Screens Really Helping Children Learn?

Technology has transformed education over the past decade. Tablets, educational apps, and online programs are now common in many elementary classrooms.

While technology certainly has its place, research is increasingly asking an important question:

When it comes to teaching young children to read, write, and spell, are more screens actually leading to better outcomes?

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open followed more than 3,300 elementary-aged children and found that higher amounts of screen time were associated with lower reading and math achievement on standardized tests.

The researchers were careful to note that this was an observational study, meaning it found an association rather than proving that screens directly caused lower achievement. Even so, the findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that limiting unnecessary screen exposure during the early years may support stronger academic success.

For homeschool families, that's encouraging.

It reinforces something many parents have instinctively believed all along: children don't need more screens to become strong readers.

Reading Is a Language Skill—Not a Technology Skill

At Dash Into Learning, our philosophy has always been simple.

Children learn to read by reading.

They learn through explicit phonics instruction, carefully sequenced decodable books, reading aloud, repeated practice, and meaningful conversations and read-alouds with a caring adult.

Those experiences simply can't be replaced by tapping a screen.

Learning to read isn't about becoming proficient with technology. It's about building a deep understanding of how spoken language connects to print.

That's why our curriculum is intentionally screen-free.

Instead of asking children to stare at another device, we invite them to hold real books, sound out real words, and experience the joy of becoming independent readers.

Why Handwriting Still Matters

Writing by hand is about much more than neat penmanship.

As children form letters and words with a pencil, they strengthen the connections between sounds, letters, spelling, and memory.

That's why handwriting is woven throughout every Dash Into Learning language arts program.

Rather than simply selecting answers on a screen, children actively participate in the learning process by writing, reading, and thinking.

These small moments of practice build confidence that lasts.

Spelling Grows Out of Strong Reading Instruction

Many digital spelling programs rely on games, animations, or repeated quizzes.

While those activities may keep children entertained, lasting spelling success comes from understanding how words work.

Our spelling curriculum is built on explicit phonics instruction, spelling patterns, word families, and dictation.

As children become stronger readers, they naturally become stronger spellers as well.

Reading and spelling are not separate subjects—they reinforce one another every day.

Homeschool Families Have a Unique Opportunity

One of the greatest strengths of homeschooling is the ability to slow down.

Instead of feeling pressure to use the newest educational app or online platform, homeschool parents can create an environment where children spend more time:

• Reading real books

• Writing with pencils

• Talking with parents

• Building fluency aloud

• Exploring stories together

These everyday experiences help develop not only literacy skills, but also attention, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning.

Screen-Free Doesn't Mean Anti-Technology

We aren't against technology. Technology is an incredible tool for communication, creativity, and learning. But foundational literacy is different.

The skills children need to become confident readers are built through interaction, repetition, conversation, and meaningful practice—not simply through more screen time.

Technology should support learning, not replace the human relationships that make learning meaningful.

Why Dash Into Learning Will Always Be Screen-Free

From the very beginning, Dash Into Learning has been committed to helping children become confident readers through proven instruction—not flashy technology.

Our programs are intentionally designed to be:

• Screen-free

• Based on explicit phonics instruction

• Aligned with the Science of Reading

• Filled with engaging decodable books children connect with emotionally

• Easy for parents to teach

• Enjoyable for children to use

Because when it comes to learning to read, sometimes the most effective tools are also the simplest:

A great book.

A sharpened pencil.

A parent beside their child.

And time spent learning together.

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References

Madigan, S., et al. (2025). Screen Time and Standardized Academic Achievement Tests in Elementary School. JAMA Network Open.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Media and Young Minds.