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From: DEBORAH CHURCHMAN <CHURCHMAN>
Date: Mon, 02 Nov 1998 08:49:39 -0500
Eliza,
Thanks so much for the citation--I'll search it out. I agree that nonlinear is a trend in publishing; I just can't figure out what's pushing it. That is, do kids actually prefer nonlinear, or is this just a fad?
Take, for example, a random page on one of the Eyewitness books. Each spread has a topic announced by a bold headline, followed by a descriptive paragraph or two in large type. A number of photos and drawings are grouped around the spread, each one accompanied by a short caption in smaller type. The photos and drawings all fit under the categorical heading for the spread, more or less. This is a spread with hierarchy; it has a topic and facts supporting the topic. But it's fairly nonlinear, inasmuch as the supporting details can be read in any order.
Now, contrast this with some of the gee-whiz-type spreads found in magazines such as 3-2-1 Contact, which contain 4-5 humorous drawings illustrated an interesting (gee whiz!) fact. The facts are unrelated and do not describe a central topic. This is a page without any hierarchy; it can be read in any order.
I'm trying to figure out which of these two types kids prefer. Perhaps it's not an either/or situation--maybe kids are comfortable with both kinds of spreads. I'm also trying to figure out if kids still like, respond to, learn from, and/or need linear texts. Would appreciate any help that anyone can provide. Perhaps I should be looking at sites that have to do with reading?
Debby
Received on Mon 02 Nov 1998 07:49:39 AM CST
Date: Mon, 02 Nov 1998 08:49:39 -0500
Eliza,
Thanks so much for the citation--I'll search it out. I agree that nonlinear is a trend in publishing; I just can't figure out what's pushing it. That is, do kids actually prefer nonlinear, or is this just a fad?
Take, for example, a random page on one of the Eyewitness books. Each spread has a topic announced by a bold headline, followed by a descriptive paragraph or two in large type. A number of photos and drawings are grouped around the spread, each one accompanied by a short caption in smaller type. The photos and drawings all fit under the categorical heading for the spread, more or less. This is a spread with hierarchy; it has a topic and facts supporting the topic. But it's fairly nonlinear, inasmuch as the supporting details can be read in any order.
Now, contrast this with some of the gee-whiz-type spreads found in magazines such as 3-2-1 Contact, which contain 4-5 humorous drawings illustrated an interesting (gee whiz!) fact. The facts are unrelated and do not describe a central topic. This is a page without any hierarchy; it can be read in any order.
I'm trying to figure out which of these two types kids prefer. Perhaps it's not an either/or situation--maybe kids are comfortable with both kinds of spreads. I'm also trying to figure out if kids still like, respond to, learn from, and/or need linear texts. Would appreciate any help that anyone can provide. Perhaps I should be looking at sites that have to do with reading?
Debby
Received on Mon 02 Nov 1998 07:49:39 AM CST
