Children’s Literature
Daje’ Mccain
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Course Code: ECE355- Children’s Literature
Julia Black
August 3, 2026
Considerations
When it comes to children’s literature, it is very important to think carefully about the books that are being selected because the book will have an influence on the child’s learning experiences which is why it is super important to know what to look for. One consideration I believe will help children learn and make connections would be selecting a book that the student’s have shown interest in or feel they will be interested in based on previous conversations. When a book is selected based on the children’s interest they will become more engaged in the book and learning materials. Selecting books based on children’s interest increase motivation, participation, and comprehension (Vukelich et al., 2023). Another great consideration when it comes to children literature would be diversity. When children see themselves in books, posters, and even tv screens that instantly make real life connections and it also increases their engagement and classroom participation. Diverse literature promotes empathy, respect, and inclusion. (NAEYC, 2020). In a learning environment it is important to make sure that each child feels included. Bishop (1990) describes children’s books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors’ emphasizing that books should both reflect children’s identities and broaden their perspectives.
Strategies
Now that two considerations about children literature books have been made based on diversity and children interest, it is important to find the best strategies for the books and plan activities that are meaningful but also the children can make connections. I would first do a interactive read a loud as a full class to basically give the children a idea of the book. Throughout the book I will ask questions like “What do you see?” “Where are other places you may see (whatever it was the child said)?” I will introduce new vocabulary word with the meaning as well as an additional picture to make connections with the word. Children learn very well when they are able to interact with the story. Interactive read aloud encourage predication, vocabulary development, and discussion (Vukelich et al., 2023). Once I read the book as a whole, I will then do a small group learning activity with children that may need a little extra assistance. Small group is important because it allows the teacher focus on areas that the child may struggle in. Small group is also for children that ay thrive better in a smaller learning group. Small group instruction provides opportunities to differentiate learning and support student based on their individual needs (Morrow, 2021). Children’s literature all around is very important and can spread across all learning areas such as math, science, social studies, art and social emotional learning. Each book will be meant for learning rather is a book about counting, caterpillars, apples, emotions etc, each book will be there for the children to make connections throughout the classroom and not just in group reading.
Genres
Different genres are important when it comes to children’s literature because genres allow children to learn about real things but it also allows them to expand their imagination with books and things that are not real. For example, the children may read a book about hand washing and the proper ways to wash hand which would be real life. On the other hand, the children will read a book about animals but in the book, the animals are talking and we all know that animals can’t talk so this would be the not so real book. Fiction encourages imagination, informational text build background knowledge, poetry develops phonological awareness, and traditional literature introduces cultural traditions (Morrow, 2021: Vukelich et al., 2023). Providing different books about traditions and cultural are important because the children can see themselves in the books, they see family traditions and the books and they may even say I see mommy or daddy in the book even though we as the adults know it’s not their parents. Technology is a tool that is being used in schools more than actual books but technology is a way that children are making connections to everything. Technology would be considered as e books which are mainly kept in a digital learning library with many materials. Technology when it comes to children literature isn’t a bad thing when it is used right. Some great ways to use technology for children literature would be interactive stories that requires the child to click or answer questions in order to go to the next page. Another great thing would be an auto reading book that will read the book a loud and the child can listen or listen and follow along with their finger. Teachers should carefully evaluate books for developmental appropriateness, literary quality, diversity and authenticity (Vukelich et al., 2023).
Families play a major role in the developmental stages of their child’s life. Im sure most people have heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” and that is very much true which is why working together with families is very important. Families can support their children in literature by reading with them daily. Reading with a child daily can go a long way, not only are you bonding with the children but you are watching the learn right before your eyes. While reading with you child ask them questions while they read. “What do you see?” “How do you think they feel?” Then make it personal “How do you feel when…” “If this didn’t happen, what do you think would have happened?” This allows connection and conversations. If there is something in the book that you know you and the child have done, you can say “Remember when we flew the kite at the beach?” This will also allow the child to make those personal connections. While you or the child is reading do not be afraid to ask or answer questions. Also, be sure to answer appropriate questions that the child may ask based on the book. Another great thing would be going on walk after you read especially if you are reading books about science or nature because then you can make those connections in real life. I would also say create small fun activities after reading the books to see if the child understood the reading information.
Conclusion
Throughout this course I have learned many things but when it comes to children’s literature, I believe that children will learn better through books that concludes diversity and the children’s interest. Each child deserves to feel included and to see themselves in books but also showing empathy to people that do not look like them. I will continue to partner with families, integrating technology appropriately, and using quality literature to help children become confident, compassionate, and lifelong readers. (Vukelich et al., 2023).
References
Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 6(3), ix-xi.
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2020). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children birth through age 8.
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statement/dap
Vukelich, C., Christie, J., & Enz, B. (2023). Helping young children learn language and literacy (6th ed.). Pearson.