Chapter 1: Why do we share literature with children?

Chapter 1: Why do we share literature with children? 

The first chapter of our textbook summarizes the plethora of reasons we share books with others (specifically kids). The major and first reason is that reading is fun, humans are more likely to engage in things that we enjoy. So sharing something that you love with someone else creates a bond as people- when we share the books that we love with others we are sharing just a little bit of our hearts with them. The second reason is about the benefits of reading with kids- specifically the benefits of vocabulary and language acquisition. Another reason to share books with kids is the social emotional benefits like developing empathy. Books allow for kids to experience things that they would often not experience (depending on where and how they grow up) and develop an empathy for diverse experiences. Sharing books can also support lifelong readers through series or serial reading (the devouring of books in a series, by a specific author, or specific genre). Another way that helps develop lifelong readers is seeing ourselves in our reading-the mirrors of our lives (reading autobiographically), and seeing other people’s experiences and living vicariously through them- the windows to other worlds. Reading helps kids (and everyone) answer big questions about ourselves and life in general. We can also read for our aesthetic experience – when you can appreciate the beauty in language, imagining and relating feelings. Reading can develop imagination and understand other diverse cultures.

Reflection:

In the video we watched for our “Why do we share literature with children?” chapter Dr. Lesesne and Dr. Perry point out the core reasons that we share our reading with kids. This is the core of why most people choose this profession, we love sharing the love of reading. I also think that the video from John Green’s Mental Floss also fits into this same mind set. John Green has a massive following because of his amazing novels, but he doesn’t stop there he also shares his excitement about reading, facts, and knowledge about tons of different areas of expertise because he wants to help create that bond we have when we share our passions and reading. He also wants to support lifelong learning. The fun facts about children’s books was funny, entertaining, and informative. This I felt really supported the first and main reason we share books as it is fun. I think that one of the reasons mentioned in the chapter that really hit home with me was that it helps develop empathy. I am finding more and more as I begin reading the required books that this is true. I have always felt that I was a little too empathetic in any given situation when reading a book, but I now understand why. I also think that when a book helps me empathize with the characters (especially those who I seemingly have not much in common with) those books end up being my favorite. I feel that the books that develop empathy and can be both windows and mirrors are the ones that stand out the most and make the most lasting impression. I remember once trying to explain to an acquaintance why I was reading The Hate You Give a year or so ago. She and a friend were speaking about their love of fantasy books, and they asked me what I was reading. I was about mid-way through the book and I was enthralled and honestly a bit damaged from it. She said that she had heard it was a good book, but couldn’t see herself being able to relate to it. I told her that I specifically picked it so that I could learn how to better relate to that experience and the experience of my students. I still think it is one of the most important books that I have read because of that. As I move forward in this class I am going to keep looking for those books that stay in your heart and show me something I would have never known without them. Empathy, imagination, and transmitting culture is why #weneeddiversebooks.