What's Under the Flap? Creating a Word-Learning Picture Book with Flaps

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Abbie Thompson

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Psychology

ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0003-6149-9685

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-2024

Abstract

Reading is a vital part of children’s learning and development. While picture books are extremely popular, there is little research done on the effectiveness of learning from them, especially when they have tactile components such as flaps. The current research suggests that flaps could be detrimental to young children as they make the book seem like a toy and not something to learn from (Shinskey, 2021). While this may be true, it also could be that the additional cognitive load aspects and requirements to coordinate motor movements makes flaps detrimental to word learning.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of book flaps on children’s ability to learn, utilizing customized and controlled picture books with images of novel objects. Considerations in the making of flap books include size, color, texture, durability and important differences between conditions. As well as providing new experimental stimuli, this project will provide a broader understanding of children's books as both educational and entertaining and could impact the way we utilize and recommend books for different settings.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

My name is Melanie Piunti, and I am a junior psychology major at Valparaiso University. I plan to graduate in 2025 and pursue graduate school to become a pediatric occupational therapist. I am excited to be a part of Dr. Thompson’s lab as I am interested in understanding and empathizing with the ways that children learn, think, and develop.

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