Examining Latina/o Children's Literature: Factors to be considered for the elementary classroom
There are multiple benefits of multicultural children's literature, such as providing a voice for marginalized and underrepresented groups and serving as a way to examine other cultures. These benefits are necessary in a child's development; therefore, it is important to ensure that only authentic and accurate accounts are circulated at the elementary school level. Educational research proposes several criteria for assessing multicultural children's literature; however, these recommendations are not specific to Latina/o children's literature. For the purpose of this study, multicultural and Latina/o children's literature were examined. In addition, prior research for selecting this literature was also reviewed. New selection criteria was developed by compiling and building on the most relevant ideas from the different sources.
Using the proposed criteria, I specifically focused on and evaluated five works by Latina/o authors representing the Mexican and Mexican-American experience. Analysis showed the importance of examining the various parts that need to be considered when analyzing this type of literature and how teachers and students need to discuss these aspects. Implications for future research included the need to examine other Latina/o cultures as well as the importance of teacher education in this area.
Using the proposed criteria, I specifically focused on and evaluated five works by Latina/o authors representing the Mexican and Mexican-American experience. Analysis showed the importance of examining the various parts that need to be considered when analyzing this type of literature and how teachers and students need to discuss these aspects. Implications for future research included the need to examine other Latina/o cultures as well as the importance of teacher education in this area.
School:
DePaul University
Department:
English and Psychology
Research Advisor:
Christina DeNicolo
Department of Research Advisor:
Curriculum and Instruction
Year of Publication:
2008