Before reading the readings for “Module 1:What is Children’s Literature?” I thought literature was simply reading paired with writing. In fact, in one of my other education courses this semester, that is exactly what I wrote on a note card when asked to define literacy in a short sentence. However, now I see that literature combines and includes much more than that! Literature includes a plethora of different things: reading, writing, storytelling, drawing, composing, language, and much more.
As I mentioned, literature is not one single or narrow concept. Instead, many things are under the umbrella of literature, and the readings and videos made this clear to me. For example, I especially loved the piece titled “Hurrah for Children’s Literature” because it proposed to me the idea that literature is simply telling stories. I never quite thought of this before. However, it’s really an interesting way to look at it. Literature is essentially storytelling and getting information across through various modes (whether that be through books, poems, novels, digital texts, paintings, etc.). Also, literature can be about topics full of “rainbows and butterflies” or graphic, intense war, for example. As explored in the article titled “Teaching with Graphic Novels,” some people disagree about what is effective literature or what should be included in classroom literature and what should not be. Undoubtedly, “literature” is such a broad term and can be defined in a variety of ways.
Another very significant “nugget of knowledge” I took from the reading(s) (that were presented in the first module) is with regards to literacy in communities of color. I think the reason why this struck a chord with me is because I had two courses last semester (EDU 316 and EDU 325) that focused heavily on creating inclusive spaces in the school. The classroom community (and something like morning meeting) is super important and critical for students’ success, social-emotional development, well-being overall, and much more! The “nuggets of knowledge” (as I like to call them) include the fact that every community (as well as every child) is completely different (although they can work together and relate to one another). Plus, as I learned in my EDU 325:Classroom Management course with Dr. Jessica Powell last semester, it is essential that we, as teachers, enter into the places and spaces where our students spend their time. A great resource that really builds together with the first module article titled “Exploring the Literate Trajectories of Youth Across Time and Space” (by Maisha T. Winn) is a book by Christopher Emdin titled “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… And the Rest of Y’all Too.” I am connecting/making such a connection to the readings (especially this particular one) to past books I have explored like Emdin’s book because I feel as though they relate! And, for my classmates that are reading this blog, I want to encourage you to take advantage of these resources as well!
Overall, these resources from the first module with the prompt of “what is children’s literature?” have truly broadened my horizons and made me see that literature includes so, so much! Even when words are not present, literature can still be found. One of my new goals is to be sure my future students are aware of this too! And these articles drastically changed my thinking about literature. To conclude, then, I cannot wait for all that this semester has to bring since I learned so much from just the first module.
Emma's Education 307 Class 