PSY353SP2024

Looking for a way to help young children view the world in an inclusive and "just" way? If so, you are in the right place! This website features unique children's books and thoughtful discussion guides with just this purpose built into their design. The stories here invite readers into worlds where interests and diversity lead, whether the context be playing outside, playing make-believe, going to school, moving to a new state, or getting involved in the world of sport. Each story-site linked below offers you (a) a sweet story children are sure to find intriguing; and (b) a bit of a deep-dive explanation for why the story was written, what social issue the story aims to address, and how to discuss the story and issues it represents with children in naturalistic ways. Words and images hold power and the aim of this site is to help you wield that power well, in the interest of promoting a more socially just society. Ripples made in moments will eventually make waves, and with collective efforts, we can make a difference.

~ Dr. Erica Kleinknecht, May 2024

[Emeri's Adventures]

Penny & Me

[Let's Play at the Park]

[We Like What We Like!]

[The Fair Play Field]

[No Dream Too Big]

Big Step: My First Day at Kindergarten

The Butterfly Effect Collective Philosophy

Humans of all ages seek meaning - it’s a natural tendency. As children are immersed in their local cultures, they extract meanings from what they see, hear, and experience. Practices rooted in narrative -- conversations, stories, and media -- facilitate this meaning-making process: Narrative is a pathway for internalization, taking what’s outside, transforming it, and representing it inside our heads. Children are not born racist, sexist, nor ableist, but as they seek meaning in their lives, “meanings” that reflect such discriminatory perspectives can take root from explicit and implicit messaging. However with a little knowledge about tipping points and the power of specific linguistic cues, meanings that reflect appreciation for all the beautiful diversity of humankind can easily take root instead. Ripples made in moments will eventually make waves. That's the intent of this site: To share tips and tools from an uncommon source: Cognitive Developmental Psychology. Serious social issues have many causes and thus require multiple kinds of solutions. Attention paid to the power of language and narrative practices is one of many ways in which we can work towards building a more socially just society.

Professor Erica Kleinknecht teaches a variety of classes in Cognitive and Developmental Science at Pacific University Oregon. She invites all of her students to learn with purpose. If you would like to see other "Authentic Learning" project sites, please click here.