TRANSCRIPT:
For South Carolina Public Radio, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris from the College of Charleston. This is Teachable Moments, a minute of education for students and parents.
AI tools are increasingly being used to read aloud to children, becoming part of daily routines at home and in school. For busy families, it’s easy to see the appeal, but experts warn that something gets lost when a machine takes over story time.
Reading with a child fosters warmth, attention, and physical connection that builds language and security.
Researchers studying AI in early‑childhood education emphasize that while digital tools can support learning, they can’t replace the one‑on‑one interactions children need. We don’t have all the answers yet, but we do know this — even on the busiest days, making time to connect with children through stories matters.
For the College of Charleston, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris.