Children’s Literature: Types, Functions, and Educational Uses

Posted on Jan 4, 2025 in Physical Education

The World of Children’s Literature

Children’s literature is a powerful tool for a child’s development. It encompasses various forms of expression, both written and oral. Historically, there’s been a strong emphasis on its educational value, with authors like Perrault and the Brothers Grimm opening up the world of literature to children. The focus is on creating content specifically for young readers, not just adapting adult works. This literature serves educational purposes and is designed for children’s enjoyment.

Types of Children’s Literature

Children’s literature can be categorized by genre:

  1. Epic Works: Stories, legends, fables, etc.
  2. Lyrical Works: Riddles, rhymes, poems, etc.
  3. Dramatic Works: Theater and drama.

Functions of Children’s Literature

Literature also serves different functions:

  1. Alphabetical Code: Teaching the alphabet with images of objects or animals starting with each letter.
  2. Imaginary Function: Simple images that highlight didactic backgrounds.
  3. Narrations and Knowledge: Books that enhance knowledge of the environment and language.

Basic Purposes of Children’s Literature

The fundamental goals of children’s literature include:

  1. Developing imagination and creativity.
  2. Introducing language as a means of expression and communication.
  3. Introducing children to cultural aspects of their environment.
  4. Providing a tool for expressing their inner world.
  5. Encouraging fluid language use through imitation.
  6. Helping to develop their personality.

How to Achieve Educational Objectives

To effectively use children’s literature, educators should:

  1. Be familiar with various types of literature and know which are suitable for different age groups.
  2. Use rich and imitable language.
  3. Incorporate activities that stimulate imagination and physical activity.
  4. Foster a love for literature in their students.
  5. Involve families in the learning process.

The Role of Oral Tradition

Oral tradition, such as folklore, is crucial for intellectual and linguistic development, as well as for fostering emotional connections between children and adults. It also stimulates imagination.

Grounds for Oral Work

  1. Songs, rhymes, and riddles serve as a connection between home and school.
  2. Poetry’s brevity, rhythm, and memorability make it pedagogically effective.
  3. Basic vocabulary avoids comprehension issues.

Working with Oral Tradition

  1. Make it a positive and recreational activity, focusing on listening, speaking, and playing with the poem.
  2. Recite with expression, emotion, and feeling.
  3. Bring the poem to life through voice, making it attractive and engaging.

Classification of Children’s Literature

Children’s literature can be classified into:

  1. Picture books/albums
  2. Fiction
  3. Dictionaries
  4. Comics
  5. Documentaries
  6. Periodicals

Fairy tales are a crucial introduction to both oral and written literature. Hearing stories creates a foundation for a love of reading, encouraging children to revisit those moments of joy.

Characteristics of Stories

Stories should:

  1. Adapt to the child’s developmental stage (1-3 years: interest in words; 3-5 years: animism; 5-8 years: interest in fantasy).
  2. Be brief and hold attention.
  3. Be simple in language and structure.

Functions of Stories

Stories should:

  1. Develop learning and motivate new skills.
  2. Enhance linguistic, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  3. Encourage expressive work through art and emotions.
  4. Offer therapeutic effects, helping children face traumas.
  5. Provide distraction and enjoyment.
  6. Reinforce and complement other activities.
  7. Strengthen teacher-child interaction.
  8. Promote globalization by recognizing different cultures.
  9. Foster capacity for creation and security.
  10. Intensify observation skills.
  11. Develop critical thinking.
  12. Allow for dramatization and artistic expression.
  13. Enrich vocabulary and expression.
  14. Encourage reflection.
  15. Provide contact with other cultures.
  16. Foster reading habits.
  17. Help distinguish between good and bad.
  18. Help children understand their culture.
  19. Satisfy their curiosity.

Types of Stories

Stories can be categorized as:

  • Formula Stories: (2-5 years) with repetitive structures.
  • Never-Ending Stories: With cyclical structures.
  • Cumulative Tales: Where new elements are added.
  • Animal Tales: (4-7 years) where animals act like people.
  • Marvelous Stories: (5-7 years) with fairy tales and fantasy.
  • Real-Life Stories: Based on real events and characters.

Criteria for Selecting and Using Stories

When selecting stories, consider:

  1. Age: 2-3 years: simple, rhythmic stories; 4 years: animistic stories; 5 years: stories with real-life characters; 6 years: adventure stories with moral and social themes.
  2. Characters: Value intelligence, feelings, and character; avoid excessive beauty; avoid characters without flaws; do not mock weaknesses; address love, social interactions, and work; be natural and honest; promote good habits; consider family and community; be relevant to the child’s life.
  3. Creative Activity: Adapt to the child’s interests and tastes; use simple language; keep stories brief; prioritize illustrations; use stories to validate new learning; make them engaging and entertaining; use simple language and avoid fear; use rich and fresh language.

Storytelling Techniques

When telling stories:

  • Use a valid and expressive voice.
  • Vary pitch, gestures, and movements.
  • Use sound effects and onomatopoeia.
  • Create a quiet and relaxed environment.
  • Avoid interruptions.
  • Invite children to participate.
  • Allow for moments of suspense.
  • Follow up with related activities.

Language Activities

Activities related to language include:

  1. Verbalizing dialogues.
  2. Describing characters.
  3. Inventing endings.
  4. Creating stories.
  5. Associating words with pictures.
  6. Rhythmic and artistic activities.
  7. Singing songs, dancing, drawing, and acting out scenes.
  8. Using photos to create stories.
  9. Repeating stories with different speeds and intonations.
  10. Painting, cutting out, and modeling characters.

Expressive and Dramatic Activities

Activities include:

  • Dressing up as characters.
  • Using puppets.
  • Expressing feelings.
  • Imitating movements.

Classroom Libraries

Classroom libraries are essential for bringing children closer to literature. They should be:

  • Located in the classroom, away from other activities.
  • Accessible to all.
  • Well-lit and decorated to attract children.
  • Organized with stories displayed.

Libraries serve educational and recreational functions, aiding in learning and enjoyment. They are a daily resource for introducing children to the literary world and teaching them to care for books. The library should contain various types of stories, picture books, riddles, nursery rhymes, fables, and poetry, including works created by teachers and students. A loan service should be available, involving families in the learning process.

Bettelheim’s Perspective

According to Bettelheim, literature is essential for giving children time for new learning, encouraging existing skills, and developing cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional aspects of their personality.