Module 1: Introduction to Children’s Literature in English
Lesson Objectives
At the end of the module, students should be able to:
1. Define children’s literature and explain its scope.
2. Discuss the importance of literature in English language learning.
3. Identify the role of literature in the elementary English curriculum.
4. Describe the characteristics of effective children’s literature.
5. Reflect on how children’s literature can be integrated into classroom teaching.
Lesson Content
A. Definition of Children’s Literature
Children’s Literature
- refers to written and oral works such as stories, poems, folktales, fables, rhymes, plays, and
picture books created for children.
- It is imaginative, engaging, and developmentally appropriate to children’s cognitive, emotional,
and social growth.
B. Scope of Children’s Literature
Children’s literature includes:
1. Traditional Literature
- refers to stories that originated long ago and were passed down from generation to generation,
often through oral storytelling. These stories reflect cultural values, beliefs, and traditions.
1. Folktales – Stories from a particular culture that teach lessons, explain traditions, or
entertain
2. Fables – Short tales, usually with animal characters, that teach moral lessons.
3. Myths – Stories that explain natural events, creation, or gods and goddesses.
4. Legends – Stories about real or heroic figures, often exaggerated over time
5. Fairy Tales – Magical stories involving fantasy characters such as fairies, witches, and
talking animals
2. Poetry and Rhymes
Poetry – Writing that expresses feelings, ideas, or stories using rhythm, imagery, and special
language.
Rhymes – Short, repetitive, and musical lines of words that often follow a pattern of similar
sounds.
This type of literature uses rhythm, rhyme, and repetition to engage young readers. It plays with
language and sounds, making it enjoyable and easy to remember.
Nursery Rhymes – Simple, short verses for children, often sung or chanted
Jingles – Catchy rhyming lines often used in songs, chants, or even advertisements.
Short Poems – Brief poetic pieces that capture feelings, ideas, or images in playful
language.
3. Picture Books
Books that combine images and text to tell a story or teach concepts. Illustrations are just as
important as words in conveying meaning.
Wordless Picture Books – Books that rely entirely on illustrations, encouraging children
to create their own narration or interpretation
Concept Books – Books that teach basic concepts such as numbers, colors, shapes, and
opposites
4. Modern Fiction
Contemporary stories written specifically for children that reflect real-life situations or
imaginative worlds.
Short Stories – Brief narratives focusing on a single event or character, easy for children
to follow.
Realistic Fiction – Stories that could happen in real life, with relatable characters and
problems
Fantasy – Imaginative stories involving magic, supernatural beings, or made-up worlds
Modern Children’s Novels – Longer works of fiction with more developed characters
and plots, often written in series.
5. Non-Fiction
Books that provide factual, real-world information written in a way that children can understand.
Includes informational books about science, animals, history, technology, famous
people, or everyday life.
Visual Aids (photos, diagrams, charts) - Usually contains photographs, diagrams,
charts, and simple explanations to make facts engaging for young readers.
C. Importance of Literature in Language Learning
1. Language Development
Literature exposes children to rich and varied language. Through stories, poems, and dialogues,
they learn:
Vocabulary – new words in meaningful contexts.
Grammar – correct sentence patterns and word usage.
Sentence Structure – how words are arranged to form clear and expressive thoughts.
2. Reading Skills
Reading literature helps students become confident readers by improving:
Comprehension – understanding stories, characters, and themes.
Fluency – reading with accuracy, speed, and expression.
Critical Thinking – analyzing events, predicting outcomes, and drawing conclusions.
3. Cultural Awareness
Literature introduces children to different cultures, traditions, and values across the world.
Helps them appreciate similarities and differences among people.
Encourages respect, acceptance, and open-mindedness.
4. Emotional Growth
Stories often show characters facing challenges, emotions, and choices.
Children learn to identify and understand their own feelings.
They build empathy by seeing the world from another person’s perspective.
Literature can also comfort children and help them deal with difficult emotions.
5. Imagination & Creativity
Literature sparks creativity by letting children explore new worlds, magical adventures, and
different possibilities.
Encourages storytelling, role-play, drawing, and writing.
Helps children think beyond reality and create their own ideas.
D. Role of Literature in the Elementary English Curriculum
Serves as teaching material for vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
Acts as a springboard for listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities.
Encourages values education through stories with morals and lessons.
Provides authentic contexts for language use.
Integrates arts and performance (role-play, dramatization, creative writing).
E. Characteristics of Effective Children’s Literature
1. Developmentally Appropriate – matches children’s age, interests, and cognitive level.
2. Imaginative and Creative – sparks curiosity and creativity.
3. Language-rich – uses engaging, rhythmic, and meaningful language.
4. Illustrated and Engaging – supported by visuals to aid comprehension.
5. Moral and Emotional Value – fosters empathy, values, and positive character traits.
6. Cultural Relevance – reflects children’s own culture while exposing them to others.
7. Enjoyable and Entertaining – sustains children’s motivation to read.
