Why is Children’s Literature Important?
Did you know that the impressions and messages included in stories can last a lifetime (Santron, 2006)? Children’s literature refers to any written material that informs and entertains all readers within different genres. Children’s literature primary purpose is towards young readers but can definitely be read by adults too. It is unbelievable the power that children’s literature have on students. Literature is a powerful weapon for helping children comprehend their homes, communities, and the world (Santron, 2006, p.1). It is a way to transport from one perspective to a variety of perspectives. In general, when selecting good children’s book it is important to consider the story, characters, themes, settings, and illustrations in addition to the text (Santron, 2006).
Why Does Multicultural Literature Matter?
Multicultural literature matters because it prepares children for a diverse society. It is important for children to see the world and themselves fairly through the books they read and a way to do so is by reading multicultural books. Teaching intercultural sensitive through multicultural literature can prepare students with skills that will provide opportunities to act and respond to people of diverse cultures in a more sensitive and respectful manner (DoBrooka, 2012).Through multicultural literature children see themselves in books and they make personal connection in which gives them a sense that they matter(DoBrooka. 2012). Multicultural literature helps children to develop better understanding and attitudes to approach today’s diverse society (Micklos, 2002). Children learn to respect, understand, and embrace differences through multicultural literature.
Using Children’s Literature to Talk about Multiculturalism
Children’s literature can effectively be incorporated when teaching about multiculturalism. There are books about diversity that teach children to be tolerant towards diversity and knowledgeable about other cultures. It is vital in today’s diverse society for children to understand and know about different cultures because schools in the United States and the nation itself is becoming more culturally diverse, especially in Texas. In order for the children to be able to respectfully communicate with people from diverse cultures they need to be aware of diversity. By integrating multicultural literature in the classroom the teacher is allowing students to have a boarder of perspectives, awareness of diversity, and less stereotyping (Iwai, 2015).
When learning about different cultures through children’s literature the students can find commonalities and differences that exists among other cultures and their own. Multicultural literature serves as a mirror and as a window for the students. As a mirror such as students making connections within their own culture. As a window in that students look out for all the different cultures that exits or that surrounds them to learn and appreciate them. More importantly, “children must continue to see themselves reflected in literature at all ages and in every venue, but they must also see visions of every race, ethnicity, culture that it is represented in our society” (Micklos, 2002, p.8).
References
DoBroka, C. C. (2012). Teaching matters. Teaching to Develop Children’s Intercultural Sensitivity: A Multicultural Literature Lesson on The Sandwich Swap, 52(1), 53-57.
Iwai, Y. (2015). Using multicultural children's literature to teach diverse perspectives. Kappa Delta Pi Record. 51(2), 81-86. doi: 10.1080/00228958.2015.1023142
Micklos, J.J., Butler, J. (2002). Reading today. Multiculturalism and Children’s Literature, 13(3), 7-8.
Santron L. A. (2006). Assessing children’s literature. Our Children, 1-6.
Did you know that the impressions and messages included in stories can last a lifetime (Santron, 2006)? Children’s literature refers to any written material that informs and entertains all readers within different genres. Children’s literature primary purpose is towards young readers but can definitely be read by adults too. It is unbelievable the power that children’s literature have on students. Literature is a powerful weapon for helping children comprehend their homes, communities, and the world (Santron, 2006, p.1). It is a way to transport from one perspective to a variety of perspectives. In general, when selecting good children’s book it is important to consider the story, characters, themes, settings, and illustrations in addition to the text (Santron, 2006).
Why Does Multicultural Literature Matter?
Multicultural literature matters because it prepares children for a diverse society. It is important for children to see the world and themselves fairly through the books they read and a way to do so is by reading multicultural books. Teaching intercultural sensitive through multicultural literature can prepare students with skills that will provide opportunities to act and respond to people of diverse cultures in a more sensitive and respectful manner (DoBrooka, 2012).Through multicultural literature children see themselves in books and they make personal connection in which gives them a sense that they matter(DoBrooka. 2012). Multicultural literature helps children to develop better understanding and attitudes to approach today’s diverse society (Micklos, 2002). Children learn to respect, understand, and embrace differences through multicultural literature.
Using Children’s Literature to Talk about Multiculturalism
Children’s literature can effectively be incorporated when teaching about multiculturalism. There are books about diversity that teach children to be tolerant towards diversity and knowledgeable about other cultures. It is vital in today’s diverse society for children to understand and know about different cultures because schools in the United States and the nation itself is becoming more culturally diverse, especially in Texas. In order for the children to be able to respectfully communicate with people from diverse cultures they need to be aware of diversity. By integrating multicultural literature in the classroom the teacher is allowing students to have a boarder of perspectives, awareness of diversity, and less stereotyping (Iwai, 2015).
When learning about different cultures through children’s literature the students can find commonalities and differences that exists among other cultures and their own. Multicultural literature serves as a mirror and as a window for the students. As a mirror such as students making connections within their own culture. As a window in that students look out for all the different cultures that exits or that surrounds them to learn and appreciate them. More importantly, “children must continue to see themselves reflected in literature at all ages and in every venue, but they must also see visions of every race, ethnicity, culture that it is represented in our society” (Micklos, 2002, p.8).
References
DoBroka, C. C. (2012). Teaching matters. Teaching to Develop Children’s Intercultural Sensitivity: A Multicultural Literature Lesson on The Sandwich Swap, 52(1), 53-57.
Iwai, Y. (2015). Using multicultural children's literature to teach diverse perspectives. Kappa Delta Pi Record. 51(2), 81-86. doi: 10.1080/00228958.2015.1023142
Micklos, J.J., Butler, J. (2002). Reading today. Multiculturalism and Children’s Literature, 13(3), 7-8.
Santron L. A. (2006). Assessing children’s literature. Our Children, 1-6.