Children's literature chapter review
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Children’s Literature
Chapter 4: Artists and their illustrations
When evaluating children’s literacy books and their illustrations there are several different aspects to consider before choosing the piece that is best. Looking at the images and illustrations I would ask several questions if applicable, are diverse populations represented? Is there diversity represented within cultural groups? Are the characters or animals or objects realistically and genuinely represented? Do the illustrations avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes? Are the images appealing to children? Is it confusing or misleading to the text? For many children, especially younger children the illustrations are what draws children to the book and facilitates their experiences with the book. They sharpen the perception of children, stimulate their imagination and increase their sense of observation. Illustrations can do so much for a child including enhance their personal identity and raise their awareness of their cultural heritage. A children’s book should contain accurate images that illustrate realistic items and can be used appropriately when guiding a child’s reading. Aside from the content that the illustration holds, images should also have an appropriate design that is pleasing to children. Color should be considered when choosing a book. Color can set the mood of an image; if it’s dark with barely any color it may seem like a sad or gloomy book, whereas if it is full of bright contrasting colors it will attract attention and draw the readers in to the excitement of the book. The mood can also be displayed through parts of the illustrations; they can be humorous, sedate or even high spirited. Children often relate to a book so selecting books with familiar materials would be helpful in guiding children’s learning. For younger readers, books should have a large amount of illustrations for they help to capture the idea and stories better. It gives children something to relate the story to, as long as the story lines up with the images. The images however shouldn’t be so overwhelming that it takes from the integrity of the text itself, but rather gave it a nice flow. For example in younger children’s book, offering an image corresponding with the vocabulary word so that children may start to associate images as symbols for speech and literacy tactics. The illustrations should display a unified style in that it attracts the eye but still conveys the same theme and mood as the rest of the book- acting like a medium for children’s imagination to unfold. A good artist can create illustrations that become life like to the reader which helps develop depth to characters beyond what may be written in words. View A book I would choose that meets this criteria would have to be The Napping House by Audrey Wood. I have always found this book to have inviting and very detailed images that creates a story in its self. So much happens with in these pictures that correspond to the mood of the book but also that put the words into a relatable realistic form. The book includes a variety of animals as well as two people that in themselves create the image of diversity. With a young red headed child ( who by the way is very gender neutral and I can’t tell whether it’s a boy or girl- which helps promote a very nonbiased viewpoint) with freckles to an elderly grandmother of less than slender size with glasses- it shows that this family is different than those depicted as “average” in society. Does this child live with their grandmother? Does the child co sleep with her? Is she of different nationality than the child? The questions are endless but prove the idea of using diversity within illustrations. The mood of the book seems very relaxed but as the book proceeds on, and the excitement builds, the images reflect that and by the last page the bright colors leave you feeling as if the sun is always shining. There are many aspects to this children’s book that draws a child in and allows them to relate to the book. I have seen children recall their grandparents’ names while reading this book or their cat, or dogs or brother or sisters’ name. This shows that the book is relatable and the images are complex enough to illustrate the story line but not too overwhelming that you can’t decipher what is happening.
Chapter 5: picture books
Humorous treatment of illustrations arouses the interest of children. This is a feature that is typically used in the spoken language and causes for interesting and fun reactions when placed in the realms of a picture book. Humor can enhance the value of illustrations in children’s books as humor increases the readers’ enjoyment of books. Using humor in illustrations enables a child to have a variety of visual stimuli that promotes reading but also expands a child’s horizon and though processes. Humor has the ability to entertain and thus makes reading a more pleasurable and desired activity that children want to be a part of and want to do more of. Authors and illustrators may use humor in a variety of ways within their picture books. Having animals do human actions is one way that this humor can be utilized in picture books. Putting faces on inanimate objects , using silly faces on people or animals , using creative almost unrealistic images (like that of Dr. Seuss’ books) can all be variable used to incorporate humor in the images of children’s books. Humor can be used by using cartoon or comics in books. Making silly words, rhymes, songs, using animal noises and other different sounds are also a way to use humor in the textual sense. A book like, “Giraffes can’t dance” by Giles Andreae does a great job in using humor in their illustrations as it quite literally paints the picture of a giraffe and other animals around them dancing and making their bodies move in silly ways. Children I read this book too often laugh and try to dance themselves, they can relate to the book but also find humor in a dancing animal. “I know an old woman who swallowed a fly” This book has been around for a while, but has consistently in all its forms shown humor within it. An old lady swallows a fly and then decides to go on an animal eating rampage to have each of the next animals catch the previous animal she just swallowed. Children learn about different animals but also are faced with the silliness of an old lady swallowing horses and cows. I have seen many children laugh at this book and its contents, making their own humorous remarks in their reaction to this.” She must needed a big spoon to swallow a horse!” “I don’t know if that is safe!” “Wow, she swallowed a cow? Or maybe she ate a burger!” “The day the crayon’s quit” by Drew Daywalt uses inanimate objects in order to promote humor in his books as well as in the images. Crayons are holding signs, and boycotting coloring – I have heard many children in kindergarten find humor in this and use their cognitive skills to make sense of it, “Crayons can’t quit I control them see!” and, “That’s silly making a face on a crayon, what if we put a face on a pencil!?” Not only does using humor promote enjoyment in reading but it also challenges children to think deeper.
Chapter 7: modern fantasy
Modern fantasy is a genre of literature that is closely related to traditional literature. In fact modern fantasy is often rooted in traditional literature. The biggest difference is would be that books written in the fantasy genre were not originally told orally- as traditional literature was. Fantasy is written down by known authors who can be identified unlike traditional literature where the original author is unknown. There are many similarities between these two genres. Much like traditional literature modern fantasy sometimes uses talking animals as characters. Readers might also encounter a magical realm or spells and mythological figures like gods and goddesses in both genres- even though fantasy is solely based on these factors. In essences, modern fantasy sometimes borrows from tales of old sometimes uses ancient mythologies and folktales to create a new and original tale that may be set in the present or in the past depending on the author’s preference. Aside from magical, mystical realms and monsters these two genres also may incorporate stories of heroes and their journeys. There are often specific archetypes or symbols that arise. The heroes in these fictional works are often called to experience some form of a quest where they need to not only reach a goal but also develops and learns about the hero’s character. Modern fantasy is often based on out of the box fiction and most often includes categories like; articulate animals, preposterous characters and situations, strange and curious worlds, spirits, magic, little people, time warps, science fiction, and much more. Traditional literature is literary work that was originally orally told that details stories of cultures around the world and often clues in the following categories; folktales, fables, myths and legends. Though modern fantasy can poise an obvious theme or clever characteristics most often the plot or events that each character undergoes is the primary focus whereas in traditional literature an emphasis is placed on the underlying theme and lesson those readers can use to apply to their own life. Though the line can get blurry and modern fantasy can also incorporate some less obvious themes and morals. A modern fantasy book, “Raising dragons “by Bryan Davis is centered on two kids who are half-dragon, half-human. A boy that can breathe fire and a girl that has dragon wings! Sinister slayers are out to end the endangered dragon population- these two kids included. This is an action packed fantasy that makes you laugh and fear from some near death exploits to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. There are some riddles weaves in from the days of King Arthur he also incorporates some of the struggle of Christians. It is a hallowing tale, which is put together using incredible imagination and filled with a battle against good and evil- or the dragon children and their slayers. Like many modern fantasy books, this was formulated on the basis of imagination and magical seemingly impossible circumstances that aids in enjoyment for children as they become wrapped up in this fantasy world. Other popular modern fantasy books include “Harry Potter” Twilight” “The Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe” Fantasy themes are often quite simple, but are powerful in that. Themes deal with such subjects as escaping mighty and evil enemies, earning a place in the world, accomplishing monumental tasks and so on. Values are usually clearly defined there is seldom a question about what is right or wrong, there usually is no battle of trying to configure a moral dilemma. The choices at hand are very clear but require tremendous efforts and are demanding in that the book’s main focus is accomplishing the right choice. Modern fantasy has evolved greatly and incorporates more modern day values and ideas compared to traditional literature. This can be seen in the more recent fantasy books like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” which use more modern day details including using real humans as the ones who possess supernatural abilities or magic. Also, they are seemingly more believable because of the use of realistic situations- In Twilight- Edward attends a regular school and lives a normal life (for the most part) but possess vampire abilities and fights against the werewolves. It is a drastic difference in comparison to traditional literature – which retells stories of the past. Though there are books that try to “update” traditional literacy by reproducing them in more modern sense – traditional literature still remains a staple in the literacy world and the original and other translations of the originals will be valued the most and read for decades to come. Traditional literature often includes in depth symbolism within their stories as well, both genres share these traits. In fact traditional literature and modern fantasy are very similar in their content. As I mentioned previously the main difference that distinguishes the two is that traditional literature has unknown authors and was originally told in oral form. Due to the fact that these stories were told orally- there are many different versions of the stories incorporating various different cultures into the tales and stories. “Beowulf” is an example of traditional literature that possess many traits of a fantasy piece including mythology and battles with evil monsters and dragons- but Beowulf was originally told in oral form- and was then passed on and on, picking up new translations and information along the way. Whereas most modern fantasy is written from an idea and create to be its own original piece of work. Other traditional stories that hold traits similar to modern day fantasy is, “Rapunzel” “Little red riding hood” “Cinderella” “Beauty and the beast” and “puss in boots.” As you can see, modern fantasy and traditional literature go hand in hand, possessing the main difference of origin. I believe though that modern fantasy would not exist without having traditional literature to form its foundation.
Chapter 8 poetry
It is important to share poetry with children as children are drawn to poetry. Reading poetry to children has many advantages including strengthening language development, physical development, cognitive development and social and emotional development. The sing-song nature of it, the beats, rhythm and verses. Usually the first experience with poems is through nursery rhymes. Not all poems rhyme, but rhyming is great for building literacy and vocabulary skills. It jumpstarts the understanding of words ending in the same letters, and it draws a connection to letters. Rhythm, rhyming and repetition within poems help set up the foundation for phonical awareness. It strengthens overall literacy skills by incorporating different methods that helps draw out new language for children to try Hearing the rhymes help you understand and practice voice pitch, inflection and even volume. As poems are read out loud children are participating and practicing breath coordination, tongue and mouth movements which are made easier by the musical structure of the rhyme. It helps teach children when to breathe and for how long during conversation or speaking which is a vital skill for later in life. Through poems children learn that there are words that are similar in sound, but different in meaning. They start to understand and copy patterns, sequences. Children often enjoy memorizing rhyme or poems thus practicing their memory in a visual and audio experience. Rhymes and poems encourage children in their sense of humor and this can lead to implementing humor in their lives which can help create stronger relationships and emotional attachments to others like parents and teachers. Poetry is a great aid in emotional resilience and the understanding of emotions and symbolism. Children will start to understand that symbols can be sued in order to talk about their feelings in a way that isn’t uncomfortably revealing. It helps children understand where they come from, who they are and what things they may want- even if in the broader sense. Poetry can allow children to use imagery, metaphors and other symbolic language to express experiences or feelings. It allows children to put language to use in a deeper way without having to worry about following specific rules along the way, i.e. Grammar, punctuation capitalizations, etc.) It opens the door for children to find their voice and a way to represent that voice. Poetry opens venues for speaking and listening; especially when being read aloud. Poetry is universal; which is essential especially for English Language Learners. Poetry in a sense, defies the rules of grammar, allowing it to be a much more enjoyable and easier way for children grammar, allowing it to be a much more enjoyable and easier way for children to express their voices even if they are limited in vocabulary. English language learners and read or learn about poetry in their primary language helping them bridge their worlds. Poetry offers a chance for children to experience reading with all their senses and be able to feel as if they are an active participant in the poetry being share- because poetry often uses extremely descriptive terms and words in order to paint a picture for the readers. One poem that I will elaborate on reflects these values within it- this poem is called “the swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson:
How do you like to go up in a swing?
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside
Till I look down on the garden green
Down on the root so brown
Up in the air I go flying again
Up in the air and down!
This poem displays many of the values I previously mentioned about why poetry is important in regards to children. This poem describes an experience with a swing- which most all children can relate to. Thus brings in an emotional experience. The poem openly invites the child to share the same experience by asking questions and describing what the swinger is experiencing. It opens the door for reflection to happen, inviting children to think about a time they were on a swing. This could look different for different children, for some it can be joy because they like swinging, for other children perhaps fear as they find it scary. But this poem can allow a child to see the experience differently and feel differently as well. Not only are emotions tied in to this poem- but the rhyming and descriptive language used allows children to be exposed to new vocabulary, and to perhaps start to make connections from descriptive terms. Cognitively, it fosters thinking of concepts, direction and memory. This poem allows children to be an active participant in the experience happening within the poem, and offers new vocabulary and challenging cognitive capacities.
Chapter 4: Artists and their illustrations
When evaluating children’s literacy books and their illustrations there are several different aspects to consider before choosing the piece that is best. Looking at the images and illustrations I would ask several questions if applicable, are diverse populations represented? Is there diversity represented within cultural groups? Are the characters or animals or objects realistically and genuinely represented? Do the illustrations avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes? Are the images appealing to children? Is it confusing or misleading to the text? For many children, especially younger children the illustrations are what draws children to the book and facilitates their experiences with the book. They sharpen the perception of children, stimulate their imagination and increase their sense of observation. Illustrations can do so much for a child including enhance their personal identity and raise their awareness of their cultural heritage. A children’s book should contain accurate images that illustrate realistic items and can be used appropriately when guiding a child’s reading. Aside from the content that the illustration holds, images should also have an appropriate design that is pleasing to children. Color should be considered when choosing a book. Color can set the mood of an image; if it’s dark with barely any color it may seem like a sad or gloomy book, whereas if it is full of bright contrasting colors it will attract attention and draw the readers in to the excitement of the book. The mood can also be displayed through parts of the illustrations; they can be humorous, sedate or even high spirited. Children often relate to a book so selecting books with familiar materials would be helpful in guiding children’s learning. For younger readers, books should have a large amount of illustrations for they help to capture the idea and stories better. It gives children something to relate the story to, as long as the story lines up with the images. The images however shouldn’t be so overwhelming that it takes from the integrity of the text itself, but rather gave it a nice flow. For example in younger children’s book, offering an image corresponding with the vocabulary word so that children may start to associate images as symbols for speech and literacy tactics. The illustrations should display a unified style in that it attracts the eye but still conveys the same theme and mood as the rest of the book- acting like a medium for children’s imagination to unfold. A good artist can create illustrations that become life like to the reader which helps develop depth to characters beyond what may be written in words. View A book I would choose that meets this criteria would have to be The Napping House by Audrey Wood. I have always found this book to have inviting and very detailed images that creates a story in its self. So much happens with in these pictures that correspond to the mood of the book but also that put the words into a relatable realistic form. The book includes a variety of animals as well as two people that in themselves create the image of diversity. With a young red headed child ( who by the way is very gender neutral and I can’t tell whether it’s a boy or girl- which helps promote a very nonbiased viewpoint) with freckles to an elderly grandmother of less than slender size with glasses- it shows that this family is different than those depicted as “average” in society. Does this child live with their grandmother? Does the child co sleep with her? Is she of different nationality than the child? The questions are endless but prove the idea of using diversity within illustrations. The mood of the book seems very relaxed but as the book proceeds on, and the excitement builds, the images reflect that and by the last page the bright colors leave you feeling as if the sun is always shining. There are many aspects to this children’s book that draws a child in and allows them to relate to the book. I have seen children recall their grandparents’ names while reading this book or their cat, or dogs or brother or sisters’ name. This shows that the book is relatable and the images are complex enough to illustrate the story line but not too overwhelming that you can’t decipher what is happening.
Chapter 5: picture books
Humorous treatment of illustrations arouses the interest of children. This is a feature that is typically used in the spoken language and causes for interesting and fun reactions when placed in the realms of a picture book. Humor can enhance the value of illustrations in children’s books as humor increases the readers’ enjoyment of books. Using humor in illustrations enables a child to have a variety of visual stimuli that promotes reading but also expands a child’s horizon and though processes. Humor has the ability to entertain and thus makes reading a more pleasurable and desired activity that children want to be a part of and want to do more of. Authors and illustrators may use humor in a variety of ways within their picture books. Having animals do human actions is one way that this humor can be utilized in picture books. Putting faces on inanimate objects , using silly faces on people or animals , using creative almost unrealistic images (like that of Dr. Seuss’ books) can all be variable used to incorporate humor in the images of children’s books. Humor can be used by using cartoon or comics in books. Making silly words, rhymes, songs, using animal noises and other different sounds are also a way to use humor in the textual sense. A book like, “Giraffes can’t dance” by Giles Andreae does a great job in using humor in their illustrations as it quite literally paints the picture of a giraffe and other animals around them dancing and making their bodies move in silly ways. Children I read this book too often laugh and try to dance themselves, they can relate to the book but also find humor in a dancing animal. “I know an old woman who swallowed a fly” This book has been around for a while, but has consistently in all its forms shown humor within it. An old lady swallows a fly and then decides to go on an animal eating rampage to have each of the next animals catch the previous animal she just swallowed. Children learn about different animals but also are faced with the silliness of an old lady swallowing horses and cows. I have seen many children laugh at this book and its contents, making their own humorous remarks in their reaction to this.” She must needed a big spoon to swallow a horse!” “I don’t know if that is safe!” “Wow, she swallowed a cow? Or maybe she ate a burger!” “The day the crayon’s quit” by Drew Daywalt uses inanimate objects in order to promote humor in his books as well as in the images. Crayons are holding signs, and boycotting coloring – I have heard many children in kindergarten find humor in this and use their cognitive skills to make sense of it, “Crayons can’t quit I control them see!” and, “That’s silly making a face on a crayon, what if we put a face on a pencil!?” Not only does using humor promote enjoyment in reading but it also challenges children to think deeper.
Chapter 7: modern fantasy
Modern fantasy is a genre of literature that is closely related to traditional literature. In fact modern fantasy is often rooted in traditional literature. The biggest difference is would be that books written in the fantasy genre were not originally told orally- as traditional literature was. Fantasy is written down by known authors who can be identified unlike traditional literature where the original author is unknown. There are many similarities between these two genres. Much like traditional literature modern fantasy sometimes uses talking animals as characters. Readers might also encounter a magical realm or spells and mythological figures like gods and goddesses in both genres- even though fantasy is solely based on these factors. In essences, modern fantasy sometimes borrows from tales of old sometimes uses ancient mythologies and folktales to create a new and original tale that may be set in the present or in the past depending on the author’s preference. Aside from magical, mystical realms and monsters these two genres also may incorporate stories of heroes and their journeys. There are often specific archetypes or symbols that arise. The heroes in these fictional works are often called to experience some form of a quest where they need to not only reach a goal but also develops and learns about the hero’s character. Modern fantasy is often based on out of the box fiction and most often includes categories like; articulate animals, preposterous characters and situations, strange and curious worlds, spirits, magic, little people, time warps, science fiction, and much more. Traditional literature is literary work that was originally orally told that details stories of cultures around the world and often clues in the following categories; folktales, fables, myths and legends. Though modern fantasy can poise an obvious theme or clever characteristics most often the plot or events that each character undergoes is the primary focus whereas in traditional literature an emphasis is placed on the underlying theme and lesson those readers can use to apply to their own life. Though the line can get blurry and modern fantasy can also incorporate some less obvious themes and morals. A modern fantasy book, “Raising dragons “by Bryan Davis is centered on two kids who are half-dragon, half-human. A boy that can breathe fire and a girl that has dragon wings! Sinister slayers are out to end the endangered dragon population- these two kids included. This is an action packed fantasy that makes you laugh and fear from some near death exploits to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. There are some riddles weaves in from the days of King Arthur he also incorporates some of the struggle of Christians. It is a hallowing tale, which is put together using incredible imagination and filled with a battle against good and evil- or the dragon children and their slayers. Like many modern fantasy books, this was formulated on the basis of imagination and magical seemingly impossible circumstances that aids in enjoyment for children as they become wrapped up in this fantasy world. Other popular modern fantasy books include “Harry Potter” Twilight” “The Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe” Fantasy themes are often quite simple, but are powerful in that. Themes deal with such subjects as escaping mighty and evil enemies, earning a place in the world, accomplishing monumental tasks and so on. Values are usually clearly defined there is seldom a question about what is right or wrong, there usually is no battle of trying to configure a moral dilemma. The choices at hand are very clear but require tremendous efforts and are demanding in that the book’s main focus is accomplishing the right choice. Modern fantasy has evolved greatly and incorporates more modern day values and ideas compared to traditional literature. This can be seen in the more recent fantasy books like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” which use more modern day details including using real humans as the ones who possess supernatural abilities or magic. Also, they are seemingly more believable because of the use of realistic situations- In Twilight- Edward attends a regular school and lives a normal life (for the most part) but possess vampire abilities and fights against the werewolves. It is a drastic difference in comparison to traditional literature – which retells stories of the past. Though there are books that try to “update” traditional literacy by reproducing them in more modern sense – traditional literature still remains a staple in the literacy world and the original and other translations of the originals will be valued the most and read for decades to come. Traditional literature often includes in depth symbolism within their stories as well, both genres share these traits. In fact traditional literature and modern fantasy are very similar in their content. As I mentioned previously the main difference that distinguishes the two is that traditional literature has unknown authors and was originally told in oral form. Due to the fact that these stories were told orally- there are many different versions of the stories incorporating various different cultures into the tales and stories. “Beowulf” is an example of traditional literature that possess many traits of a fantasy piece including mythology and battles with evil monsters and dragons- but Beowulf was originally told in oral form- and was then passed on and on, picking up new translations and information along the way. Whereas most modern fantasy is written from an idea and create to be its own original piece of work. Other traditional stories that hold traits similar to modern day fantasy is, “Rapunzel” “Little red riding hood” “Cinderella” “Beauty and the beast” and “puss in boots.” As you can see, modern fantasy and traditional literature go hand in hand, possessing the main difference of origin. I believe though that modern fantasy would not exist without having traditional literature to form its foundation.
Chapter 8 poetry
It is important to share poetry with children as children are drawn to poetry. Reading poetry to children has many advantages including strengthening language development, physical development, cognitive development and social and emotional development. The sing-song nature of it, the beats, rhythm and verses. Usually the first experience with poems is through nursery rhymes. Not all poems rhyme, but rhyming is great for building literacy and vocabulary skills. It jumpstarts the understanding of words ending in the same letters, and it draws a connection to letters. Rhythm, rhyming and repetition within poems help set up the foundation for phonical awareness. It strengthens overall literacy skills by incorporating different methods that helps draw out new language for children to try Hearing the rhymes help you understand and practice voice pitch, inflection and even volume. As poems are read out loud children are participating and practicing breath coordination, tongue and mouth movements which are made easier by the musical structure of the rhyme. It helps teach children when to breathe and for how long during conversation or speaking which is a vital skill for later in life. Through poems children learn that there are words that are similar in sound, but different in meaning. They start to understand and copy patterns, sequences. Children often enjoy memorizing rhyme or poems thus practicing their memory in a visual and audio experience. Rhymes and poems encourage children in their sense of humor and this can lead to implementing humor in their lives which can help create stronger relationships and emotional attachments to others like parents and teachers. Poetry is a great aid in emotional resilience and the understanding of emotions and symbolism. Children will start to understand that symbols can be sued in order to talk about their feelings in a way that isn’t uncomfortably revealing. It helps children understand where they come from, who they are and what things they may want- even if in the broader sense. Poetry can allow children to use imagery, metaphors and other symbolic language to express experiences or feelings. It allows children to put language to use in a deeper way without having to worry about following specific rules along the way, i.e. Grammar, punctuation capitalizations, etc.) It opens the door for children to find their voice and a way to represent that voice. Poetry opens venues for speaking and listening; especially when being read aloud. Poetry is universal; which is essential especially for English Language Learners. Poetry in a sense, defies the rules of grammar, allowing it to be a much more enjoyable and easier way for children grammar, allowing it to be a much more enjoyable and easier way for children to express their voices even if they are limited in vocabulary. English language learners and read or learn about poetry in their primary language helping them bridge their worlds. Poetry offers a chance for children to experience reading with all their senses and be able to feel as if they are an active participant in the poetry being share- because poetry often uses extremely descriptive terms and words in order to paint a picture for the readers. One poem that I will elaborate on reflects these values within it- this poem is called “the swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson:
How do you like to go up in a swing?
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside
Till I look down on the garden green
Down on the root so brown
Up in the air I go flying again
Up in the air and down!
This poem displays many of the values I previously mentioned about why poetry is important in regards to children. This poem describes an experience with a swing- which most all children can relate to. Thus brings in an emotional experience. The poem openly invites the child to share the same experience by asking questions and describing what the swinger is experiencing. It opens the door for reflection to happen, inviting children to think about a time they were on a swing. This could look different for different children, for some it can be joy because they like swinging, for other children perhaps fear as they find it scary. But this poem can allow a child to see the experience differently and feel differently as well. Not only are emotions tied in to this poem- but the rhyming and descriptive language used allows children to be exposed to new vocabulary, and to perhaps start to make connections from descriptive terms. Cognitively, it fosters thinking of concepts, direction and memory. This poem allows children to be an active participant in the experience happening within the poem, and offers new vocabulary and challenging cognitive capacities.