This week I explored Epic! Books, a digital reading platform that gives students access to thousands of children’s books, audiobooks, and educational videos. In the screencast I created, I walked through some of its features and was pleased with how engaging and student-friendly the platform feels. Epic is more than just an e-library, it creates opportunities for choice, differentiation, and curiosity-driven learning.

Reflecting on its classroom applications brought back a memory from when I was an EA in an elementary school. I worked with a boy who didn’t enjoy reading and often avoided it, but when he began using Epic! he was excited by the read-aloud feature and the freedom to choose books that matched his interests. That moment reminded me how digital tools, when used intentionally, can spark joy and confidence in students who might otherwise disengage. It also showed me that features like text-to-speech and personalized recommendations aren’t just add-ons, they can be life-changing for certain learners.

At the same time, I know I need to be mindful of balance. Digital reading should complement print experiences, and I must consider screen time, equity of access, and privacy when using platforms like Epic! Still, I appreciate how Epic! ties into the bigger picture of digital citizenship and literacy. Students don’t just use the platform to read, they learn how to navigate digital spaces responsibly. For example, they practice making thoughtful choices about the texts they engage with, balance digital and print reading, and manage their screen time in healthy ways. By letting students explore genres, follow their interests, and practice searching for texts, it encourages them to make thoughtful choices about what and how they read.