What Teachers Learn From Reading Professional Journals About Using Children's Literature in Elementary Reading Programs

• In Event: 45.092 - MTCC Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 45.092-12 - Teacher Attitudes and Approaches in Literacy Education

Abstract

Children’s literature has held varied role in elementary reading programs ranging from that of being a supplement to being a core component. In this study we examined professional journals in literacy education to discover what kinds of pedagogies are recommended when using children’s literature. Using content analysis as the research method, ten volumes (138 issues) of two widely read journals in literacy education were examined. The results of the content analysis identified 131 manuscripts discussing ways to use children’s literature in elementary classrooms. The most frequently occurring topic in these manuscripts was critical reading; second were manuscripts about using multicultural books; criteria for selecting books, new graphics, family involvement, and informational books followed in frequency.

Authors

• Peter McDermott, Pace University

• Tonya Chacon, Pace University