Children's Literature
“The more that you read, the more things you will know."
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
Children's Literature engulfs a broad term of stories, books and poems that are enjoyed by children. This is however not limited to young children, and so it is vital to make explicit the benefits of using picture books within the Stage 2 classroom. Picture books help students develop story sense, representing complex ideas in a concrete and simple manner (Calabrese, 2010). Furthermore, the use of such resources in the classroom allows for more interactive communication between teachers and students. This interaction builds comprehension as the resources allow you talk about what is seen on each page, character feelings and the context of when the events took place (Calabrese, 2010). As Boland (Sydney Catholic Education Office, 2012) notes, the use of spoken language is the major mode of expression in the mainstream classroom and having the means of doing such in religious education is an important pedagogical aspect.
Kids Around the World Celebrate!: The Best Feasts and Festivals from Many Lands
Jones, L. (1999). Kids around the world celebrate!: The best feats and festivals from many lands. Canada: John Wiley & Sons Inc. This book can be used as an introductory learning tool as it encompasses many different cultures and countries around the world with the main focus on celebration as a shared experience. Children Just Like Me: Celebrations! Kindersley, A. & Kindersley, B. (1997). Children Just Like Me: Celebrations! London: Dorling Kindersley. Using the photographs and illustrations, the book presents to students a variety of celebrations around the globe, with the opportunity for students to draw on life experiences and recall celebrations that are important to them and the rituals and symbols used in a multi-cultural classroom. To Know, Worship and Love Book 3 Blythe, C., Moffat, S., Murray, R., O’Gorman, P., O’Shea, G., Taouk, P., & Woods, M.H. (2005). To Know, worship and love: Book 3. Melbourne, Vic: James Goold House Publications. Using this curriculum support text, To Know, Worship and Love draws in specific focus to the Eucharistic liturgy as theme to Chapter 7 and further in 11, 13 & 15. Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge Fox, M. & Vivas, J. (1984). Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge. Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers. This text is a useful resource for students if the message is put across correctly. That is, when remembering special people and events they are made present to us again- a reason for celebrating the Eucharist as making present the saving action of Jesus Christ (CEO Sydney, 2006). The Giving Tree Silverstein, S. (1992). The giving tree. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. (Original work published 1964). The book would make an excellent resource for the unit, significantly when linked to the understanding of the sacrifice Jesus made for his disciples in relation to the tree showing selfless love to the boy. This message must be made explicit to students when reading the text in relation to the Eucharist unit content. Catholic Prayer Book For Children
Will, J. M & Davidson, K. (2003). Catholic prayer book for children. Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor Inc. This prayer book is a valuable resource in the classroom as it contains an abundance of various prayers that can be used during the unit, significantly when it is necessary to give praise and thanks to God. Jesus With us: The Gift of the Eucharist
Ferri, J., & Tarzia, A. (1996). Jesus with us: The gift of the Eucharist. Australia, VIC: Children’s Spirituality. This resource in the classroom will be a valued use, as it celebrates the Eucharist and gives an understanding to students such importance. |