Exploring Children′s Literature: Reading with Pleasure and Purpose
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
This book introduces the role of children's literature in promoting reading for pleasure and creating lifelong readers. Focusing on a range of fiction relevant to the National Curriculum, it covers genres such as poetry, non-fiction, traditional stories and picture books. Concepts and terminology are explained through a wide range of examples. The revised edition includes investigative activities and practical exercises for personal or classroom use, examples from world literature and work in translation, coverage of social, cultural, and political reading practices, and coverage of disability and equality issues to inform teaching strategies. This book is essential for students on PGCE, BEd, and BA Education courses, teachers undertaking CPD in English, literacy or children's literature, language coordinators, literacy consultants, and can be used in distance-learning, self-study, or as a course text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite story in the book and why did it capture your interest?
How do the characters in the stories show different emotions? Can you relate to any of them?
What lessons do you think the stories are teaching us?
If you could add a new story to the book, what would it be about, and why?
How do you think reading these stories helps us grow and learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the connections between the stories and their own experiences. This can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Highlight the importance of diverse characters and settings in stories, discussing how these elements provide a broader view of the world.
Praise your child’s responses to foster a positive reading environment, making them feel confident in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to their favorite stories, which can spark creativity and a deeper engagement with the text.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions raised in the stories, guiding your child to consider different perspectives and the value of making good decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of diverse perspectives
Explanation: This book emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating a variety of narratives and viewpoints through literature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and value different opinions and cultures, fostering empathy and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking
Explanation: It encourages readers to analyze texts critically, looking beyond the surface to understand deeper meanings and implications.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills to not just literature, but also to media and real-world scenarios, enhancing their decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The role of imagination in learning
Explanation: The book highlights how engaging with literature can spark imagination and creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in other areas of their life, leading to innovative thinking and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Building a reading habit
Explanation: It discusses strategies for engaging with books regularly, making reading a fun and integral part of daily life.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a lifelong love for reading, which improves literacy, focus, and academic success.