What Matters Most to Children? The Role of Preschool Children's Affective Investments in Cultural Artifacts Within Early Literacy Learning

• In Event: 70.067 - Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 70.067-2 - Literacy: Cognitive and Affective Factors

Abstract

In this qualitative multiple case study, I explored the nature and function of preschool-age children’s intense interests (affective investments) in stories and domains of knowledge (e.g., trains, princesses, dinosaurs) within their early literacy learning. Viewed through a Cultural Historical Activity Theory lens and accompanied by theories of affect in which affect is defined as intensity, the findings suggest children’s deep abiding investments in cultural artifacts function to expand their literacy knowledge, motivation, navigating social aspects of their lives, and as pivots for curriculum.

Author

• Melanie Reaves, Northern Michigan University