Textbook Reflections 1-5

Chapter 1: Why do we share literature with kids?

We share literature with children to develop life long readers.  Students need to see us enjoying reading and we share the joy of reading with them.  There are some things that I never thought of about reading.  Not only do we read because it delights us, but we read to read about people like us.  We read about people like us, vicarious experience, philosophical speculation, and aesthetic experiences.  I read and write and often times it is a vicarious experience.  I have noticed after reading a story that I have written my students seem to have the same experience.  I'm thinking there is no way that you went on a week long camping trip and it stormed and the same thing happens to you as it happens to me.  I am guilty of the same thing.  I feel as if I have experienced a luxurious life after reading a Danielle Steele novel.  My imagination just grows and becomes more exciting.

Chapter 2:  Divisions of literature

There are different divisions or levels of interest in books by age.  

• Children 0-8 years
• Middle age/grade 8-12 (Tweens)
• Middle school 11-13 
• Young Adult 13-18
• New Adult

There is a big difference between middle age and middle grade books.  Middle school students have a hard time finding books to read.  Students at this age tend to deal with tougher issues.  It is important to pay attention to the language and situations in the books when choosing books for middle grade and middle school or middle school and young adult.  

This is definitely something to consider when looking at the collection of books in the library where I will work and even at the school where I am now.  There are not many books for the middle grade students on campus.  When reviewing literature I will pay closer attention to the content to be sure that it is appropriate for the different age divisions.

Chapter 3: Genres and formats

News to me, there are two genres fiction and non fiction all others are sub genres.  After hearing this I just assume that maybe it is just easy to categorize literature under different genres.  It makes sense to me now.  Non fiction books are in categories and are organized as such using the Dewey decimal system.  It is important to teach the difference and call them what they are genres or formats.  Realistic fiction can be historical or told in graphic novels these are formats.  Many libraries are organized by genres then formats.  Professor Perry made a good point on how this can be uncomfortable for some library patrons.  Boys may want to read a book that is in chick literature and feel uncomfortable getting the book out of the section and checking it out.   On the other hand it won't look so bad when a girl decides to get a book from a section that caters to boys.   I am more aware of the different formats when reading and choosing books.   I sometimes try to figure out the format of the book when it isn't in a particular section in the library.  I tell my husband the series of books that our son reads are graphic novels and not comic books.  He just rolls his eyes.

Chapter 4:  What is YA literature?

This literature is the youth/young adult point of view or interpretation of events.

YA literature have characters who are young and grow and develop through their problems and consequences.  

Chapter 5:  The Development of Adolescents

1.  Physical- puberty

Physical reality can affect young people.  Look for books that ensures students.

2.Intellectual

We should think about the questions we ask about literature.  Are the question abstract or concrete?  Scaffolding is often necessary when asking questions like what is the theme of the book.

3.  Development

This stage has a lot to do with getting along peers and the relationship with the opposite sex and change in relationship with their parents.Adolescents are developing morals, values, and adapting to their physical bodies.

4.  Morals

Pre-conventional- We make decisions based on rewards or punishment.  Conventional- We follow rules.  Post conventional is when we are role models.  

5.  Needs Hierarchy

We have a hierarchy of needs.  Physiological needs overrides all.  We can't expect students to be successful when they are hungry.  Safety is the next level.  Students want to feel safe.  They want an environment with no name calling and no bullying.  Students need a sense of loving and belonging.  We have to think about how we can we help meet the needs of the students and show interest.  The last two are esteem and self actualization.  The first three are the essentials.  

 6.  Developing as Readers

Adolescents experience unconscious delight.  They get lost in a book.  

It is important to look for books that speak to readers where they are.  It will help to survey the reading audiences to see what the needs are