STUDYING FOR CHILDREN LITERATURE...!

 

Here are some elements you need to think about when reading: Keep them in mind for your final examination...Good luck!!! 

·         Character - the people, animals, and background of your story (yes, the background is a character even though it is not alive)

·         Conflict - the elements that work against the main character's goals

·         Plot - what happens in the story

·         Point of View - who is telling the story

·         Setting - the time and location where the story takes place

·         Theme - the controlling idea or central insight that the author is trying to get across

REMEMBER....  Folklore and fairy tales are subcategories of fantasy narrative. Folktales include the stories, myths, and proverbs of a people or “folk” as handed down by word  of mouth. Myths, fairy tales, and fables often fall into this classification.  Fairy  tales  are  stories about fairies or other magical creatures, usually for children. Most folk tales have a  a moral or instructional ending. They are told in such a way that children do not hesitate to retell the ending.

Regardless of the difficulties the practitioner can encounter, using literature is motivating to students. They are exposed to different themes which as a rule textbooks do not include. Therefore, it stimulates  the students giving them  the opportunity to be faced with structures and forms to understand cultural aspects.

According to Langer (1997), literature allows students to reflect on their lives, learning, and language. Literature can open "horizons of possibility, allowing students to question, interpret, connect, and explore" (p. 607). Literature among other text types is fertile with ideas to critically look at. Here, the role of the teacher is very significant in developing such higher-order thinking skills.

   

The use of multicultural children’s literature is a key ingredient in the early childhood programs.  Pattanik (2003) stated that designing a literature-based curriculum can help young children develop understanding and respect for other cultures. According to Pattanik Children’s literature is a critical component in an intercultural curriculum. 

                                                      Good luck...I hope you enjoyed this class...
                                                               Thanks very much indeed...!!! 
                                                                            MaryElen !