literature question

Question

Discuss why it is necessary for educators to critically examine what children’s literature is used in the classroom. Then, discuss one text that you found in the listed resources that you would use in the classroom. Be specific as to how and why you would use it.

400 words

Answer 1

I've actually taught a college-level course to education students on using literature in early education classrooms. What is really at stake here is to be sure your essay or answer is to communicate to your teacher that you have a strong sense of how a book will enhance student learning. I would consider what your teacher has emphasized in the class -- maybe this had to do with making sure to choose books that enhance cultural understanding, or maybe this had more to do with making sure to choose books that improve literacy. I would be sure to understand where your teacher's focus has been.

Then I would consider several possible books to write about before choosing just one to focus on and ask yourself: "Which one of these meets my teacher's criteria?"

But you don't just want to write what your teacher expects (that's a dangerous thing to guess at!). So also ask yourself: "What do I think is most important when I choose something to read and which book really fits the bill?" In other words, be sure that you have your *own* perspective and can articulate your own clear reason for choosing specific books.

Ask yourself: "How does this book meet these criteria for what I think is really important?" (Keep in mind the priorities of the course, though, of course -- as noted above.)

I would start from there so you can make a strong, clear statement right away in your answer or essay that connects your view of what must be important to a focused explanation of how this book does this.

Finally, be as specific as possible! I would avoid making overly general statements like: "This book explains why cultural awareness is important" or "This book does a good job of promoting good literacy." Instead, I would state *how* and *why* right away (not later on in the answer or essay).