Chapter 1
Sharing literature with children is mainly for fun. While we do this, children develop language acquisition. Children should read for at least 20 minutes a day at home. This will help with language development to be a natural process. Another great reason to share literature with children is to help develop life long readers. Reading fiction books with children helps them to develop empathy and reading autobiography books helps them learn about themselves if it reflects who they are. Literature develops the imagination, serves as a window and opens curiosity, sparks up question(s) and can transmit culture.
While reading this chapter, it reminds me of the many benefits of sharing literature with children. It helps to really understand the outcome, especially when I evaluate YA literature in the areas of culture and diversity. I need to keep in mind the importance of exposing the students to all cultures as much as possible. In addition sharing this importance of benefits to our teachers, administrators and parents, will be something I plan to do.
Chapter 2
This chapter focused on the four categories of young people's literature. They are Children's Literature, Middle Grade, Young Adult and New Adult. Children's literature targets 0-8 years of age, includes your easy readers, picture books, wordless picture books, illustrated chapter books and early chapter books. Middle grade/Tween books are for ages 8 to 12. There is confusion amongst many about Middle Grade and Middle School. Middle school is not a category of literature. Next, we have Young Adult for the ages of 13 through 18 years of age. Many middle school students tend to have a hard a time finding appropriate reading material. Librarians must be aware of the content of books before purchasing them for the collection. Last, we have New Adult Literature, which is meant for an audience between the ages of 18 and 30. These books cover adult issues and are edgy. Most have characters that are facing new challenges and experiences.
This chapter makes me realize that middle school librarians have to do a real thorough job when deciding whether some books are appropriate for their students. Some content in YA books might not be appropriate for some or most. When working as a librarian, I need to do research before buying books to add to my collection because once a book it placed on the shelf, it's something that will be available for ALL patrons. There are no exceptions to books being only for particular students and not other students, due to intellectual freedom.
Chapter 3
There are 2 types of genres: fiction and nonfiction. Everything else is a subgenre. Within these two genres we have more specific types in each. For example, Fiction can branch off to realism and fantasy. Realism can then be broken into realistic and historical. Fantasy breaks down into modern or traditional. Nonfiction can also be broken down to subgenres such as informational, biographical, narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction. In addition subjects and categories are not genres.
We also have a wide range of formats, which we see librarians using as genres, which they are not. These include poetry, drama, novels, chapter books, short stories, picture books, and graphic novels.
Reading this chapter was really an eye opener. There is an importance in distinguishing between genres, formats, and categories. As a future librarian we must be true when labeling our libraries by genres and not format or subject. This will help patrons be successful locating material needed.
Chapter 4
An important element of YA literature is the main character. Usually this character is a young protagonist who is very independent. This character faces consequences based on the decisions made and in turn will significantly change the character's life. The other element is point of view. This is the adolescent and the plot which includes direct confrontation. YA literature mirrors concerns that adolescents face and draw upon a sense of how they develop.
This chapter gave insight on the elements of YA literature and understanding of why young people enjoy reading YA books. Many patrons relate to the characters, may be curious about the topic(s) or it's a window to answer questions they may have.
Chapter 5
Main focus is adolescent development. It begins with physical development due to puberty. It's a difficult time for many as the ask am I normal? and how am I suppose to look? In addition, there is intellectual development and how students go from concrete to abstract. Students who are in the concrete level might not understand the theme of a book. Kohlberg's theory in development of morals addressed three stages: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. In the pre-conventional stage, we look at morals based on a reward and punishment perspective. Many adults still function at this level; which is very surprising. In the conventional level, we follow the rules set out by society or religion and we don't question them. Last, the highest level, post-conventional, we recognize the laws but choose not to follow them because we see them as wrong.
It's important to understand the different theories of development. It will help us address the needs of our students. Also, we need to help students find YA literature that focuses on where they are at. This will enable us to create life long readers and will instill joy in reading their books.
No comments:
Post a Comment