Student’s Copy
CARAGA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
National Highway, Songkoy, Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte
ENGLI 302 TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES
THROUGH LITERATURE
LESSON 1: CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AND ENGLISH TEACHING
Introduction
English teachers not only in the elementary but in all levels are always concerned with the kind of
material they are to use in teaching to present the lesson to their students. Language learning
requires acquiring the four communication skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking now
include viewing. There are some source materials that can meet some of these abilities, but literature
has proved a good source that fulfills these macro skills. Literature is a good source in teaching
English language. Further, language learning deals with culture (Keshavarzi, 2012). It is this feature of
language that demands materials dealing with culture. Literature is the culture of the people using
that language.
Furthermore, the use of literature in language classes encourages more thoughtful and purposeful
language learning. In this respect, the learners are not only exposed to the real use of language, but
also, they become critical thinkers. As such, this module provides a brief background on what
children's literature is and why literature must be considered in teaching English specifically in the
elementary grades.
WHY USE LITERATURE IN TEACHING ENGLISH?
1. Multi-Sensorial Experiences
Literary texts engage students through various sensory modalities. Incorporating audio texts, music,
film clips, and podcasts caters to diverse learning styles, enriching comprehension and fostering
deeper connections with the material.
2. Rich Linguistic Input
Literature serves as a valuable resource for practicing the four core language skills—speaking,
listening, reading, and writing. It exemplifies complex grammatical structures and introduces new
vocabulary in context, enhancing overall language proficiency.
3. Cultural Understanding and Awareness
Through literature, students gain insights into diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering tolerance
and empathy. Literary works often explore universal themes, encouraging critical thinking about
societal issues and broadening students’ worldviews.
4. Engagement Through Representational Language
Literary texts use representational language that emotionally engages learners and sparks their
imagination. This involvement enhances empathy and creativity while teaching literary devices
applicable to various genres, including advertising.
5. Motivation and Public Expression
Literature lessons encourage public expression through activities like creating posters, performing
plays, and sharing original works. Such activities boost confidence and motivation, fostering a
collaborative classroom community.
WHAT IS CHILDREN'S LITERATURE?
Children's literature has no single definition. It can be defined as the body of written works and
accompanying illustrations produced in order to entertain or instruct young people. It refers to
books, stories, poems, and other literary works created specifically for children. It encompasses a
wide range of works, including acknowledge classics of world literature, picture books, easy-to-read
stories written exclusively for children, fairy tales, lullabies, fables, folksongs intended for and used
by children and young people.
Children's literature is any literature that is enjoyed by children. More specifically, children's
literature comprises those books written and published for young people who are not yet interested
in adult literature or who may not possess the reading skills or developmental understandings
Student’s Copy
CARAGA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
National Highway, Songkoy, Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte
necessary for its perusal. In addition to books, children's literature also includes magazines intended
for pre-adult audiences.
BRIEF HISTORY OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
The history of children's literature dates back to ancient times when stories were passed down orally
from generation to generation. These early narratives often contained moral lessons and were
designed to entertain as well as educate. The evolution of children's literature can be divided into
several key periods:
1. Ancient Origins: Early examples of literature intended for children can be found in fables and folk
tales, such as Aesop's Fables, which date back to ancient Greece. These stories were typically used to
impart moral lessons to young listeners.
2. The Renaissance: The 16th and 17th centuries marked a significant development in children's
literature, as printed books became more accessible. Works such as “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by
Beatrix Potter emerged during this time, focusing on the adventures of animals and reflecting
children's curiosity and imagination.
3. The 19th Century: The 19th century saw a surge in children's literature, with the publication of iconic
works such as “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll and “The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer” by Mark Twain. This era introduced the concept of children’s literature as a distinct genre,
with themes exploring childhood experiences and fantasies.
4. The 20th Century and Beyond: The 20th century witnessed the diversification of children's literature,
with the emergence of various genres, including fantasy, realistic fiction, and poetry. Authors like
Roald Dahl and Judy Blume became prominent figures, offering stories that addressed real-life issues
faced by children. The late 20th and early 21st centuries have continued this trend, with a focus on
inclusivity and representation, reflecting a broader range of experiences and cultures.
LITERATURE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN: ITS IMPORTANCE
Literature serves children in four major ways: It helps them to better understand themselves, others,
their world, and the aesthetic values of written language.
1. Better Understand Themselves
Children's literature allows young readers to explore their identities, emotions, and personal
experiences through characters and stories. As children engage with literature, they encounter
diverse characters and situations that mirror their own lives. This reflection helps them articulate
their feelings, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and develop self-awareness.
2. Better Understand Others
Through children's literature, children gain insight into the lives, cultures, and perspectives of others.
Reading stories about different characters fosters empathy and compassion, allowing children to
understand and appreciate diversity. By relating to characters from various backgrounds, children
learn valuable lessons about kindness, friendship, and respect for others.
3. Better Understand the World
Children’s literature serves as a lens through which children can explore and understand the
complexities of the world around them. Stories often address real-world issues, such as family
dynamics, societal challenges, and environmental concerns. Engaging with these themes helps
children make sense of their environment and develop critical thinking skills.
4. Better Understand the Aesthetic Values of Words
Literature introduces children to the beauty and artistry of language. Through poetry, lyrical prose,
and imaginative storytelling, children learn to appreciate the rhythm, sound, and imagery of words.
Student’s Copy
CARAGA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
National Highway, Songkoy, Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte
This exposure not only enhances their language skills but also fosters an appreciation for literature as
an art form, encouraging creativity and expression in their own writing.
Children's literature introduces young readers to the beauty and artistry of language. Through
poetry, lyrical prose, and imaginative storytelling, children learn to appreciate the rhythm, sound,
and vivid imagery that words can convey. This exposure not only enhances their language skills but
also fosters a deep appreciation for literature as an art form, encouraging creativity and self-
expression in their own writing.
Moreover, literature offers children an escape from the constraints of everyday life, allowing them to
explore worlds of make-believe and limitless imagination. As Donna Norton (2010) highlights in her
book Through the Eyes of a Child, the value of literature for young people extends beyond mere
enjoyment. Children's literature provides vital opportunities for students to respond to texts, helping
them appreciate their own cultural heritage while fostering an understanding of the cultures of
others. This engagement nurtures emotional intelligence, creativity, and the overall growth of a
child’s personality and social skills, transmitting important themes and literary traditions from one
generation to the next.
Cognitive Development and Critical Thinking
Children's Literature provides students with the opportunity to respond to literature. When children
engage with literature, they develop their own opinions and responses to the topics presented,
strengthening their cognitive development. This critical engagement encourages deeper thinking and
helps shape them into caring, intelligent, and empathetic individuals. Developmental psychologist
Jean Piaget notes that as students transition from the pre-operational to the operational stage of
cognitive development, they become less egocentric. While preschool and kindergarten students
may focus primarily on themselves, older students begin to consider the feelings and viewpoints of
others.
Understanding different perspectives and nurturing empathy are essential skills that should be
cultivated in children. Norton emphasizes that “acceptable relationships require an understanding of
the feelings and viewpoints of others.” Children's literature plays a significant role in this social
development by promoting acceptance of diversity. For example, books like And Tango Makes Three
(Parnell & Richardson, 2005) and Molly’s Family (Garden, 2004) introduce situations that encourage
students to embrace various family structures and understand that love is the foundation of all
families. Through these narratives, children's literature fosters social connections and helps students
build meaningful relationships.
Cultural Heritage and Literary Tradition
Children's literature is a timeless tradition, of transmitting literary heritage from one generation to
the next. Children's literature serves as a timeless tradition for transmitting literary heritage from one
generation to the next. Classic stories like Dr. Seuss’s and to Think That I Heard it on Mulberry Street
(Geisel, 1989) and The Cat in the Hat (Geisel, 1957) hold significant value as they introduce children
to a rich literary legacy. For younger audiences, exposure to nursery rhymes such as those found in
Hey Diddle Diddle and Other Mother Goose Rhymes (de Paola, 1998) helps build cognitive and
language skills.
Older children can also appreciate classic literature through accessible adaptations of Shakespeare's
works, such as Romeo and Juliet (Coville, 1999) and The Tempest (Mayer, 2005), which present the
plays in abridged and illustrated formats. Given that childhood is a fleeting period, it is essential to
provide young readers with access to a foundational literary heritage comprised of timeless stories.
Student’s Copy
CARAGA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
National Highway, Songkoy, Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte
The Lasting Impact of Quality Literature
Children's literature is extremely valuable in both the school setting and at home. Quality children's
literature possesses the remarkable ability to captivate audiences across generations. It is invaluable
in both school settings and at home, where teachers and parents must differentiate between high-
quality literature and mediocre works. Providing children with access to the best books fosters
essential values and supports developmental growth across various domains.
Ultimately, children's literature offers opportunities for responding to texts, cultural knowledge,
emotional intelligence, creativity, social and personality development, and a historical understanding
of literature. By exposing children to quality literature, we contribute to the creation of responsible,
successful, and compassionate individuals. During their formative years, children are particularly
impressionable, and literature can significantly shape their personal and social development. Thus,
investing in children's literature is an investment in their future and in the kind of individuals they will
become.
References:
Nodelman, Perry, and Mavis Reimer. The Theory Behind the Teaching of Children's
Literature. University of Manitoba Press, 2003.
Hunt, Peter. Children's Literature: An Illustrated History. Oxford University Press, 1995.
Kiefer, Barbara Z. Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature. McGraw-Hill Education, 2014.
Almasi, Janice, and Jennifer Hartman. "The Role of Literature in the Lives of Children: A Review of the
Research." Literacy Research and Instruction, vol. 48, no. 4, 2009, pp. 280-307.
Sipe, Lawrence R. Storytime: Young Children's Literary Understanding in the Classroom. Teachers
College Press, 2008.
