The aim of this research is to examine the impact of reading storybooks and the presence of different characters such as humans, animals, and fantasy characters in storybooks on children's costly sharing behaviour. A total of 235 children participated in the study. The children were presented with 20 stickers and were asked to choose their 10…

On an outdoor stage, a boy named Peter addresses the audience. "If you believe in fairies, clap your hands," he urges. There is a deep sadness in his voice for he is dealing with the possible loss of a special friend. Peter is begging the audience to respond and enter his make-believe world. This is the only way, he explains, that the poisoned…

Finds that "Three Little Pigs" shows children what the world is like--depicting the conflict of choice, etc. Examines different versions of the tale and questions students about text differences. Gives questions for stimulating student response. (PA)

Examines young children's responses to selected fairy tales ("The Three Little Pigs,""The Sleeping Beauty," and "Snow White") presented through oral telling, reading aloud, and television. Concludes that children need to have any danger in the story firmly resolved in the end, and that adults should not soften fairy…

Discusses student reaction to how fairy tales should begin and proceed and the language choices authors make when adapting fairy tales. Cites several different versions of "The Frog Prince" and describes them. Discusses students' own versions. Gives questions for stimulating student response to "The Frog Prince." (PA)

Discusses one seven-year-old girl's responses to three feminist folktales. Finds that for each tale, the girl was drawn to the female protagonist and named her as her favorite character, but the girl did not wish to emulate the female protagonists because of their unconventionality. Suggests that such tales may offer alternative models of female…

A study examines three eight-year-olds' responses to fairy tales, and their perceptions of the tales' meanings. Finds many unique and deeply personal responses, but also finds patterns of response which suggest that adult interpretations of fairy tales are not necessarily the interpretations that children make. (RAE)

Discusses the many different versions of "Little Red Riding Hood" and the extended classroom discussions they provoked, especially about what foodstuffs were in her basket. States that teachers should encourage their students to read in different ways at different times in their lives. Includes questions for stimulating student response.…

Distinguishes between folk tales and fairy tales and explains how these tales enrich children's lives and help them adjust to growing up. (HOD)

Teachers can help their young students build a strong foundation for multicultural understanding by introducing them to stories from many cultures and teaching them to use the cognitive strategies that enable them to comprehend and experience cultures different from their own. Multicultural literature can become a powerful tool that illustrates…