Research

Improved Readability

A Humdinger Press produces high quality books that make children want to read. Six years ago one of our authors implemented printing techniques specifically designed to make reading much easier for challenged and reluctant readers. The feedback from parents, teachers, and librarians has been incredible.

Research into reading effectiveness has since proven the benefits of her earliest efforts. Reading research grew dramatically over the past few years and we have continued to employ new and innovative techniques as additional research becomes available.

Our New Techniques to Improve Readability

CHANGING FONTS
Traditional and more common serif fonts, such as Times New Roman or Courier are the standard used in most books today. Six years ago we chose Verdana, a san serif font because its improved typeface is much easier to read. Many studies now acknowledge that fact.  "Serifs" are the small finishing strokes on a character. Microsoft recommends Verdana as the standard for web text, for the very same reason.

LARGER FONTS
Research has also confirmed that a larger font, 12 pt. or larger, significantly improves reading comprehension and enjoyment of literature, for any age!

LARGER LINE SPACING
Increasing the separation between lines to 1½, improves readability and comprehension. An issue encountered with san serif fonts is the letters can become blurred with the text above and below. San serif characters are larger than their serif counterparts, which may create problems with blurring and eye tracking. Research validates that increasing the line spacing to 1½ or more improves readability.

BACKGROUND COLOR
Black text on white paper can be more difficult to read for someone with a reading disorder. Pastel colored backgrounds (such as you see here) have shown to increase comprehension and can diminish short attention spans for someone with learning differences.

COMPREHENSION
Important facts do not interfere with the flow of our stories. Clever sidebars appear where a fact is needed. Our sidebar standard is cutting edge. This method lets the reader enjoy the plot while allowing them to decide when to read the fact.

CONTENT VOCABULARY
Vocabulary words are defined on the pages where they appear. This method improves reading comprehension and builds the reader’s vocabulary. No more, “Look it up" in the dictionary or internet.

BREAKING UP SYLLABLES
Ex•traor•di•nar•i•ly long words are broken up into syllables the first time they appear in the story. This allows independent readers to pronounce the word on their own.

TEACHING GUIDES
Every book under the AHD Press umbrella is supported with outstanding curriculum and instructional guidelines. We pledge to support teachers, librarians, and schools with information that will assist students’ academic achievements.

CONCLUSION
Studies validate that people with reading differences may dramatically improve their reading enjoyment and comprehension when these research-based printing techniques are implemented. These innovations cost more to produce and are not widely offered by established publishing houses. A Humdinger Publishing is committed to helping children want to read, and will continue to adapt and improve as newer techniques evolve.

REFERENCES:
webaim.org
dyslexic.com
psychology.wichita.edu
iovs.org
alexpoole.info
wilsonweb.com
surl.org
blogs.msdn.com
webteacher.ws
blogs.msdn.com
webteacher.ws
thepickards.co.uk
indiana.edu
teachervision.fen.com
learn-spanish-faster.com
bilingualbooks.com