The Meaning and Importance

of Children’s Literature
Module 1
 Children’s Literature
 is considered a complex type by many
people and experts.
 But, commonly when we say Children’s
Literature it pertains to the collection of
books that are read to and by children.
 “A child is any person under the age of 18.”
UNICEF or United Nations International Children’s
Emergency Fund

 Literature contains written works, especially

those considered superior or lasting artistic
merit. We can say that Children’s
Literature as simply literary works intended
for particular readership, that is children.
 Children’s Literature spans the range
from alphabet books and nursery rhymes
collections for the very young through
novels and informational books for
adolescent from birth to age sixteen kids
under the age of 18.
 Experts define Children’s Literature as:
 “Children’s Literature is a label for collections of texts
that are specifically written and/or illustrated for and/or
about youth but which choose to read, view, and/or
write.” – Schneider, 2016

 “Children’s Literature defines “literature” as something

in itself is good for children – that affects children
better or more than non-literature and implies a world
of assumptions about what the reading “child” is and
how it reads.”
 Experts define Children’s Literature as:
 “Children’s Literature provides encounters with the
world that shape the meaning children make of the
world.” – Kiefer, Hepler, Hickman, Huch, 2007

 “The intimate interconnections between definitions of

reading children and children’s literature are fully
evident, in many ways critics define them as one and
the same thing, and children’s literature is often
spoken by children expressing their needs, emotions
and experiences.”(Paul, 1990)
Definition of Children’s
Literature:
 Definition of Children’s Literature

 Literature is derived from the Latin term

literatura which means “writing formed
with letters”. The term is further derived
from litera which means “letter” in
English.
 Definition of Children’s Literature
 Others may interpret that literature can be any printed
material written within a book or pamphlet.

 For some it could be a result of one’s imagination and

expression.

 Literature are writings in prose or verse, the body of written

works produced in a particular language, country or age.
Written works considered as having high quality and ideas
of lasting and widespread interest. - Merriam Webster
 Definition of Children’s Literature
 As stated in the Philippine 1987 Constitution a “child”
refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or
over, but is unable to fully take care of himself/herself
from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination
because of a physical or mental disability or condition.

 Children’s Literature is created for and read by children

adolescents and adults. It is also a high art, extraordinary
writing, and everything in-between. (Scneider, 2016)
Donna Norton (2010) identifies the values of
literature for young people in her book “Through
the Eyes of a Child.” Some of which are:

1.It provides students with opportunities to

respond to literature;
2.It gives students appreciation about their own
cultural heritage as well as those of others;
3.It helps students develop emotional intelligence
and creativity;
4.It nurtures growth and development of
the students’ personality and social skills;
5.It transmits important literature and
themes from one generation to the next
Although readers are diverse in their personal
choices, they do share common responses for
reading:

• Reading to learn to read - Young children and

adults alike engage in reading in order to learn
to read. Teachers, parents, or tutors carefully
select books that are just right for independent
reading or a bit challenging for reading
supported by a competent reader.
• Reading for pleasure - Adults and children read just for
the joy of entering and imaginative world. Or they read just
for the pleasure and satisfaction of learning something.

• Reading to enjoy vicarious experiences - Some books

allows readers to discover what was like to participate in a
historical event, live in a different environment, or survive
hardships. Readers are able to take on the persona of a
character to better understand an event beyond their
personal realm.
• Reading to develop background knowledge
- Readers pursue topics that inform them about
the world and important events.

• Reading to understand - Adults and children

often read biographies and historical fiction to
understand an event or person. Others read to
better understand an aspect of science or a
scientist and the motivation behind a discovery.
• Reading to understand who we are - By
exploring how characters solve dilemmas, readers
can reflect how they might respond to similar
circumstances and thus come to know themselves
better.

• Reading to ponder - Adults and children read to

explore ideas and beliefs – for instance, the
beliefs of a culture or community – to compare
them with their own.
• Reading to appreciate - Adults and children read to
appreciate the quality of a book or the art within. They
reread a favorite phrase or explore an illustration for
the pleasure they derive from it.

• Reading to engage in conversation - Reading opens

opportunities for adults and children to exchange
ideas.

• Reading to solve problems - Books can help readers

solve a current problem they are facing.