What does it mean to be global citizens?: A critical content analysis of picturebooks

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Childhoods, Materials, and Critical Learning Encounters

Abstract

In an era of polycrisis, early childhood educators must prepare children to navigate global challenges and build a better future. Picturebooks can play a pivotal role in shaping children’s understanding of their responsibilities and identities within a global context. Guided by the United Nations’ framework, this critical content analysis examines picturebooks published between 2015 and 2025 that center on global citizenship themes. Our preliminary findings suggest that these texts have unbalanced representations of three dimensions of global citizenship. They include unbalanced portrayals of countries and global issues and promote oversimplified solutions. We recommend that early childhood educators intentionally curate these texts and engage students in reflective reading practices to cultivate critically conscious and action-oriented citizens.

Authors

• Xiaoying Zhao, Illinois State University

• Ling Hao, Illinois State University