Selecting+Traditional+Literature

What should you consider when selecting traditional literature?
There are many titles and versions of stories to choose from when selecting traditional literature. The selections should be made based on what titles will hold the children’s interest and are appropriate for their level. Titles should be selected which teach about other cultures, represent common human themes they can relate to, or provide an explanation for why something is in the world. As with any type of literature the age and the interests of the reader should be taken into consideration when selecting traditional literature. The topic of the story should be of interest to the audience and the illustrations, language and vocabulary should be appropriate for the reader as well. Stories should be selected for the children to read for pleasure. Children enjoy stories which contain explanations of the way things are, animals which behave like humans, and magical occurrences. “Kate and the Beanstalk” by Mary Pope Osborne and Illustrated by Giselle Potter a twist on a familiar tale with magical beans and a girl who defeats the giant to save her and her mother from starving is one such story. Traditional Literature is also selected to help children have a better understanding of the world and other cultures. The literature exposes children to different cultures as well as the languages and dialects of different cultures. The stories also illustrate a connection between various cultures for example looking at Cinderella stories from varying cultures. Using “Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella” By Tomie dePaola and Ciendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella by Robert S San Souci could begin a class discussion regarding the differences each culture added to the story and illustrations. When using traditional stories care must be taken to select titles which portrays the culture accurately and not stereotypically. Traditional literature should be selected which represents universal human themes such as bravery, compassion and love. Children enjoy reading tales which reinforce their beliefs in the world. For example, “Just Rewards or Who is That Man in the Moon & What‘s He Doing Up There Anyway” By Steve Sanfield and Illustrated by Emily Lisker satisfies the children’s sense in justice when the greedy man ends up an the moon. The tale also provides an explanation for the markings the children see on the moon.

Works Cited DePaola, Tomie. “Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella”. 2002. Osburne, Mary Pope. Giselle Potter, Illustrator. “Kate and the Beanstalk” 2000. Sanfield, Seve. Emily Lister, Illustrator. “Just Rewards or Who is that Man in the Moon & What’s He Doing Up There Anyway?” 1996. San Souci, Robert S. Ciendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella. 1998.