This essay discusses why the theme approach to the teaching of literature to elementary school students is an effective way to focus attention on concepts related to pupils' lives. The author argues that this approach is better than organizing children's literature according to either subject or type because the teacher can more easily guide his…

A Marxian analysis of the form and content of children's Revolutionary War fiction shows how characteristics of these materials are related to the socioeconomic and historical milieu from which they come. Structural similarities between these novels and Western films reveal historically rooted bourgeois attitudes, social values, and ideologies.…

"A Millionaire at Sixteen" is the second volume of the "All-Over-the-World" series; and while the book may be read independently of the first, it is the continuation of the adventures of Louis Belgrave, who was presented to the reader in the preceding story. After the first volume, the author hopes to not be accused with being…

Tells benefits of approaching the study of literature through a study of folk tale variants; suggests a plan for helping children analyze and compare folk tale variants. Includes a model of a discussion based on three versions of "Jack and the Beanstalk," and lists and annotates variant editions of nine familiar folk tales. (ET)

Currently, there are over 16 million working mothers in the United States. Nonetheless, few children's books portray working mothers. In the books that do, the child is often anxious and lonely, especially when returning from school to an empty house. If children's literature is to be realistic, it must reflect the prevalence and positive aspects…

Reviews literature from the first quarter of the nineteenth-century Victorian period. Examines how several Victorian novelists constructed new kinds of heroic stories, combining moral instruction with dynamic storytelling for their young audience. (MG)

Presents a series of lessons that can be used to teach children about underlying literary patterns in folklore. The six lessons address the study of (1) nursery rhymes; (2) repetitive tales; (3) cumulative tales; (4) archetypes; and (5) the motif of the hero. Book titles that are representative of these categories are included. (six references)…

Considers the role of story and narrative genres in early years classrooms. Studies the reading, writing, and role-playing activities of students. Argues that the children observed developed an understanding of the nature of genre, genre differentiation, and power relationships in a sophisticated and integrated manner. (HB)

Addresses criticism leveled at classrooms that do not use basals or English textbooks by providing justification for use of children's literature and newspapers as sound instructional materials in a comprehensive reading program. (HTH)

Offers a structural analysis of the children's picture book "Burglar Bill" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. (SR)

This reprint of a lecture published in 1976 examines the uses of history and literary stories for instructing children in grammar, creative dramatics, natural history, and prehistory, as well as literary analysis. Provides a starting point for thinking about the power of literature as an integrating medium in the Montessori elementary classroom.…

Examines some of the hegemonic forces at work in the complex social dynamics of the traditionally feminized elementary school setting. Demonstrates how the dominant culture manipulates the character of Ramona, who, if not silenced or entirely subdued by the end of the series, is at least much more civilized according to the norms of the classroom.…

Describes what constituted literary understanding for one classroom interpretive community of first and second graders by analyzing their oral responses as picture storybooks were read aloud to them. Suggests that the impressive literary critical abilities of children as young as first and second grade are appropriately understood through a wide…

Examines, via the multicultural feminist perspective, 16 young adult novels about non-white, non-American, or nonheterosexual characteristics concerning themes of oppression and resistance. Findings point to a greater variety of such themes than might have been found if only a liberal feminist lens had been used. (GR)

Shows how two teacher educators and two teachers, combining their energies, worked through the difficult transition from basal readers to literature-based curriculums. Contains specific sections in which the elementary school teachers talk about their experience. (TB)