Navigating Innocence: Exploring How Picture Books Shape Anti-Bias Learning in Early Childhood Classrooms

• In Event: Illuminating Young Children's Critical Literacy Practices for Reparative Justice

Abstract

This multiple case study explored how early childhood teachers used children’s literature to foster learning around sensitive topics such as gender and food insecurity. Findings question prevailing pedagogies and highlight the tension between preserving childhood innocence and promoting critical awareness in early childhood social studies education.

Authors

• Abigail Stebbins, The Ohio State University

• Seunghoon Han, University of Northern Iowa

• Stephanie Schroeder, Pennsylvania State University