The incredible ‘trick’ based on science being used to encourage children to read more books
Researchers from the University of Stavanger found that a bizarre ‘retro’ teaching method is helping to boost interest in reading.
For some time, scientists have known that the sense of smell can help to create deep, emotive connections in our brain. Like Proust’s madeleine cakes, smells are incredibly invocative and may even prove to be an effective classroom tool for teachers.
Researchers from the University of Stavanger conducted a study into the use of smell to boost reading in children and found that the sense of smell can help to forge mental connections and encourage interest. The study, entitled ‘Parent–child shared reading of scratch-and-sniff books: the communicative affordance of olfaction‘, analyses the effect that an ’olfactory book’ can have on verbal engagement within families with young readers.
The study looked at ten families in Norway with children aged between three and five, the age at which much of the key reading development is done. They discovered that children’s books with smell stimuli can help to engage children, pushing them into thinking about similarities between the visual components of the book and the scents connected. Much as picture books offer added stimuli for young readers, the ‘scratch and sniff’ versions add another factor into the mix.
Are scratch and sniff books the future?
The findings of the study are positive for those looking to find new ways to encourage children to engage with literature. Researchers in the University of Stavanger study report that “smell fulfils three linguistic metafunctions during adult–child shared book reading sessions with olfactory storybooks".
However those findings are not yet widely accepted. Critics have pointed out that smell-enhanced objects can cause sensory overload, distracting from the words on the page rather than adding to them. This is a particular concern when odours are released alongside other forms of stimuli, like moving pictures of sound.
Like most things, the optimum situation will be a delicate balance and may vary significantly between children. Nevertheless, the Stavanger results do indicate that there’s potential for a novel new way to get children enthused about reading.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names