Chapter 1-Why do we share literature with children?

There are many reasons why we share literature with children.

The first and primary reason is because it is fun! I always share with my students that when we are reading we have the whole world in our hands…and at first, they are bit confused but when I explain to them that they can learn, explore or imagine anything with a book, their eyes start to gleam with thoughts and curiosity. In chapter one, I really connected with the information about how when we like something, we make time for it which is very true. Dr. Lesesne shared an example of that when comparing exercising and reading.

Studies show that reading is instrumental in the achievement and development of language, particularly in young children. A study shows that children who read for twenty minutes a day, are exposed to over 1.8 million words and typically score in the 90^th percentile on standardized tests. Basically, the more books children read and listen to, the more words they are exposed to. It’s nice to look at the chart and see the potentials of what a student can gain from reading but it is eye opening and tragic to see what some students experience in school and at home. Like student “B” who gets read to 5 mins a day and in all honestly the students who never get a book read to them. As a librarian, this is something that will be a priority. Children need to be exposed to a variety of book and daily to help build that language acquisition.

Reading develops empathy. Children can learn to empathize even if they have not experienced the situation. Through characters experiences, feeling and topics covered in books, children can better understand and gain empathy which is transferred into their daily living.

We share literature with children is because its lends them to becoming a lifelong reader.

·         Some readers are series readers, serial readers or both. Series reader is when a reader selects books by series like the Harry Potter series, whereas serial reading is when a reader selects books based on genres and authors.

·         Reading autobiographically is when you read about people like you. Sort of like a “mirror” of your image whether it be physically, emotionally or culturally.

·         Reading for vicarious experiences is when a reader can experience situations that they haven’t experienced. You can look into someone’s else’s world and see someone else’s experiences.

·         Reading for philosophical speculation is when you read books that cover issues students can develop pictures and answer big questions. This type of literature can help a reader develop an opinion or point of view on a subject.

·         Reading for aesthetic experiences is when certain books help you in finding the beauty, joy, and pleasure when reading.

Literature develops the imagination. This is where readers start to ask questions like “What If?” and “Why?” take place and help lead to a deeper look and understanding of how things could work or what could happen if you tried.

Literature can transmit culture. Readers are able to gain knowledge about other cultures which is why it’s important to provide students with a variety of diversified books.

Reflection:

This chapter has highlighted the importance of providing a variety books for readers. It has helped me understand the significance of why we share books with children and how it essentially plays a vital role in readers success not only in school but in daily living as well.  

As a future librarian, this also help me understand the importance of reading a variety of myself and not just sticking to my favorite type of genres or authors because I will need to provide books I am reading to students.