Reflections 1-5

Why do we share literature with children?

Reflection 1

A main reason for sharing literature is simply for fun. Books open up a world full of experiences for all sorts of readers and its important to expose children to the joys of reading. It is recommended to read one thousand books before kindergarten to help children develop better literacy. Reading from birth to the age of five will aid in the acquisition of language. Research has proven that with a minimum of 20 minutes of reading a day will place children in the 90^th percentile in standardized test scores. Reading is truly the foundation in helping children succeed. Literature can bring so much joy to readers along with empathy.

Books allow readers to understand different situations that others have gone through by helping in develop empathy. This helps children be more comprehending towards what others are experiencing. Literature provides a door in which children can learn to relate to the feelings people encounter when facing difficult circumstances. Empathy is a very important trait to foster. Children that are more empathetic will most likely say and do the right thing. They might not have experienced the situation first hand, but can relate in some form due to their readings.

It is important to support long life readers. Most readers fall under two categories, series or serial readers. Series readers develop a connection to characters like the Harry Potter books. On the other hand, serial readers can have different likings such as for specific authors or genres. Literature helps in developing the imagination of children. There are many book categories, but they all have something important to give readers. Autobiographical can be a way for readers to reflect and feel important for they see themselves mirrored in the storyline. These books provide vicarious experiences in which they go through the emotions and actions of the characters. While philosophical books can give insights into topics that answer questions readers might have on issues, political views, or even about themselves. Overall, it is important to keep sharing literature for the benefits that come along with it.

Divisions of Young People’s Literature

Reflection 2

It is important to know the divisions of young people’s literature. In order to support long time readers one should be aware of the type of books associated with each age group. Providing books that are appropriate yet appealing is a challenge that must be met.

The first category is children’s literature that ranges from 0 to 8 years of age. In this time period children are inclined to wordless picture books, picture books, illustrated chapter books, and short novels. Children are learning to read and finding what interests them. It is important to provide an array of books in which they can have options.

The second category includes children that are considered middle grade/tween that range from 8-12 years of age. In this section children enjoy books such as graphic novels. However, there is a gray area between this category and the next, Young Adult. Middle school ranging from 11 to 13 years of age is a territory in which one needs to be cautious. Students are in an age in which their reading interests are between middle grade and Young adult literature. The books that are chosen should be carefully examined to verify that there are suitable. From experience as a 6^th grade teacher I can see how this is true. At the beginning of the year my students still have a completely different mentality and interests as to when the school year ends. It is important to include books that cross over between the two categories. Though, one must keep in mind that not all will be appropriate to have in a middle school book collection.

In the young adult category, readers range in age from 13 to 18. In this section readers can find books that deal with sexual topics, romance, subject topic, and gang activity.  Books in this category might have language that not as filtered. The topics addressed in these books can be more serious than in the previous categories mentioned above. 

The last category is the new adult in which readers are between the ages of 18 to 30 years of age. Readers in this unit typically buy young adult literature books. Many of these books include books about adult issues for that is what interest readers. Other subjects could include college experiences, relationships, and dealing with real life situations. Books promote dealing with life, boosting confidence, finding happiness, or provide some type of support.

Genres and Formats

Reflection 3

After learning about this topic of genres and formats it clarified many misconceptions. Genres sometimes are misunderstood and students are never explained the difference neither corrected. Genres are mainly divided into two categories fiction and nonfiction. These two sections have several subcategories that fall under them. I found this chapter very informative and helpful in hopefully one day running a school library.

Fiction is one of the main genres that can be divided into realism and fantasy. Let’s begin with fantasy in which one can find modern and traditional fantasy. In modern fantasy children can find books that deal with hard science fiction such as books that are about mainly science. Then there is soft science fiction in which science is still an aspect, but the story focuses more on the characters. In high fantasy one would be able to find books that have created a complete unrealistic world, such as my favorite Game of Thrones. While in low fantasy one would be able to find objects, animals, or places that are a bit more down to Earth such as books like The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Once one looks into traditional fantasy one should expect to find fables, legends, ballads, folktales, myths, and fairytales. In the portion side of realism there is realistic and historical.

On the other hand, nonfiction branches out into biography, expository nonfiction, and narrative nonfiction. In biographical books one can read the entire life of a set person, which would be referred to as an auto biography. Readings that are based on a period in a person’s life would be referred to as memoirs. In narrative nonfiction it reads just like a story that one might not even notice it’s a nonfiction book. Lastly, expository nonfiction are books based on facts.

This topic was very informational and it clarified many misconceptions that I had personally. Many use humor, mystery, horror, action adventure, and even sports fiction as genres, but they are not. Formats are as well not addressed correctly. Formats are how a book is structured such as short stories, picture books, chapter books, novels, drama, and poetry. A book will have its own genre and format. After listening to the video I as well believe that books should not be organized by genre. Students should feel comfortable entering a library and acquiring any book of their choice without feeling like they cannot visit a section. 

What is YA literature?

(Mertz & England, 1983)

Reflection 4

1. It involves a youthful protagonist
2. It uses a point of view which presents an adolescent’s interpretation of the events
3. It has directness of exposition and direct confrontation
4. It involves a significant change in the life of the main character(s)
5. It shows a highly independent protagonist
6. It shows gradual and incremental change as well as incomplete growth in the main character(s)
7. It mirrors concerns over contemporary issues
8. It has a main character who reaps the consequences of decisions and action
9. Brief time period, limited setting, few fully developed characters may  be part of the structural convention
10. It draws upon a sense of how adolescents develop

In this chapter, ten specific components create young adult literature. These points set, generate books that young adults enjoy reading. In YA literature a youthful protagonist could help in relating to the reader. It is written in a view point that an adolescent can relate and comprehend. The explanation is direct and not encrypted so the reader can interpret with ease. It as well, has an independent protagonist. During this time many readers are trying to find themselves and do what interests them. A strong protagonist could be an example of who they aspire to be. YA literature as well includes mirroring of reader’s real life experiences or provides vicarious situations. The formation of a YA book includes lessons based on certain decisions taken. In these stories the time period is usually short, but contains characters that are fully established. YA literature is created based on how it perceives adolescents to grow and develop. Young adult readers are extending their knowledge and developing their own competencies. This type of literature allows them to feel supported and deal with issues. Overall, these main elements create outstanding young adult literature.

How do adolescents develop?

Reflection 5

The development of the reader is of importance in order to understand what type of literature to look for. In Piaget’s theory of intellectual process it explains how a children’s brain is developing. Children transfer from sensory motor to concrete operational to finally formal thinking. Due to this one must think about the level in which students are located and provide scaffolding if they have not reached a level of abstract thinking yet. Understanding the level of intellectual development will assist in finding books appropriate for them in which they understand the content and can analyze it.

In the moral developmental stage there are three categories pre conventional, conventional, and post conventional. In pre conventional, children and in cases adults, make decisions on a reward versus punishment system. Then in conventional, individuals follow the rules as they are stated. While in post conventional individuals disobey rules with the pretext of watching out for others best interests. It’s important for students to understand these levels of morality to comprehend messages in books. Finding books that will speak to children will help them reach higher levels of thinking. In Kolberg’s theory one can see how children will go through all categories. 

In the developmental stages kids go through childhood to adolescence experiencing different emotions. In the beginning of childhood there is no segregation of any form. Children are one unit, playing and interacting with one another. As they begin to grow, they start looking for others with similar interests. Its soon after that they look for a form of monetary reward to feel more independent. They will accept money for things such as babysitting, yard work, or chores. Then comes a parent’s worst nightmare. Children become to question their parent’s beliefs and start creating their own. They eventually get close to their parents, but not as before. However, they have begun to find what they are good at and identify their interests. One must be aware of these stages to provide books in which they can relate. Books that mirror the stage in which they feel and might provide a form of guidance.

The physical development of children is also an aspect to consider to help in finding material that can help readers. Children go through puberty and question whether they are normal or when they will be normal again. It’s a difficult time in which they do not understand why things are happening or why they have not happened yet. Finding books the will assure them that everything will be okay at the end can help them overcome this difficult stage.

There are different stages of adolescent development. Though, readers might have a preference in reading material that one must consider. In unconditional delight readers are looking for series books such as books from the same author or simply a continuation of a story. In reading autobiographical readers must have book options that mirror their reality. Then in vicarious one must provide readings that open the doors to new experiences. While in aesthetic reading, children read for pure enjoyment.

One must consider Maslow’s need hierarchy. In order to make sure students move forward to abstract thinking they must be at the top of the pyramid. This means meeting the needs they might have. One must make sure that students physical state is taken care of such has feeling well or making sure they have eaten. One must provide a safe environment in which they do not feel that they are in a hostile situation. Providing a place that makes children feel that they are loved and appreciated will help in the process. As a person that they will look up to, one must built self-actualization, motivating and supporting them.

Work Cited 

Lesesne, Teri S. and Karin Perry. (2016). YA Literature Textbook (online).