EL 111 Children’s Literature Study Guide
Children’s literature refers to the body of written, illustrated, and oral works that
are specifically created for or significantly enjoyed by children. It encompasses a
variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, folklore, poetry, and educational
materials. Throughout history, children’s literature has served multiple functions
and evolved through various periods, influenced by cultural, religious, and
technological changes. [Link]
A. Meaning
Children’s literature is a broad category of written and oral works intended for
young audiences. These literary pieces often contain themes and messages that
cater to the developmental and emotional needs of children. It includes fairy
tales, fables, myths, legends, and modern stories, serving as both educational and
entertainment tools. [Link]
B. Functions [Link]/3Dnph3P
• Educational Function – It helps children develop literacy, comprehension,
and critical thinking skills.
• Moral and Ethical Function – Many children’s stories teach values such as
honesty, kindness, and perseverance.
• Entertainment Function – Stories provide amusement and stimulate
imagination.
• Socialization Function – Literature introduces children to societal norms,
cultures, and traditions.
• Psychological and Emotional Development – Books can help children
understand their emotions and navigate life challenges.
C. Purpose [Link]/4iiDEVV
The primary purposes of children’s literature are:
1. To Educate – Teaching fundamental knowledge, language, and morals.
2. To Entertain – Engaging children with captivating storytelling and
imaginative narratives.
3. To Inspire – Encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth.
4. To Preserve Culture – Passing down traditions, history, and folklore.
5. To Develop Emotional Intelligence – Helping children recognize and
manage their emotions through relatable characters and situations.
D. Classifications [Link]/4bi6cwF
Children’s literature can be classified into several categories, including:
1. Traditional Literature – Folk tales, fairy tales, myths, and legends passed
down orally.
Example: "Aesop’s Fables" – A collection of moral stories with animal characters
teaching ethical lessons.
2. Fiction – Stories that involve imaginary events and characters.
Example: "Charlotte’s Web" by E.B. White – A classic novel about friendship and
life lessons.
3. Non-Fiction – Informational books that provide factual knowledge.
Example: "The Magic School Bus" series by Joanna Cole – Educational books
about science topics.
4. Poetry – Verses written for rhythm, rhyme, and emotion.
Example: "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein – A collection of
whimsical and meaningful poems.
5. Picture Books – Illustrated books that convey stories through images and
text.
Example: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle – A colorful story teaching
counting and metamorphosis.
E. Descriptions [Link]/4bi6cwF
Each category of children’s literature has unique characteristics:
1. Traditional Literature – Often originates from oral storytelling and carries
universal themes.
2. Fiction – Can range from fantasy to realistic narratives, often featuring
young protagonists.
3. Non-Fiction – Focuses on factual content, including biographies and
encyclopedic knowledge.
4. Poetry – Uses rhythm, rhyme, and figurative language to engage young
readers.
5. Picture Books – Combine illustrations and text to create a visual and literary
experience for young children.
Different Periods
A. Ancient
A1. Description on what and how it was then
-It was described as a world with primitive (crude, simple) ideas and
actuations.
Example: The Croods (a modern animated film) provides a fictionalized
depiction of early human life, where storytelling and shared experiences
played a vital role in cultural transmission.
-There were no distinctions between the entertainment of adults and
children. Stories, myths, and folktales were shared communally, often
serving both entertainment and instructional purposes.
-The folklore (beliefs of the people) was the first manifestation of the
literature for children and this was done orally
A2. Introduction of Christianity
-The first wave of Christianization was started by the Roman merchants.
-St. Augustine brought it to England in 597 AD, with the mission of converting
the Anglo-Saxons whose belief was paganism
Explanation: In 597 AD, St. Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory I, arrived in
England to convert the Anglo-Saxons from paganism to Christianity. He
gained the support of King Æthelberht of Kent, whose Christian wife, Queen
Bertha, helped facilitate his mission. Augustine established England’s first
Christian church in Canterbury, leading to widespread conversion. As
Christianity spread, biblical stories merged with Anglo-Saxon folklore,
influencing early literature by incorporating religious themes into traditional
storytelling. This marked the beginning of moral and spiritual narratives in
children’s literature.
-This was considered as a blessing to humanity (pertaining to christianity
-The biblical stories were added to folklore and this was the beginning of
Folk-Christianity
B. Medieval - Also known as Middle Ages or Dark Ages
B1. Salient Features
-The learnings were restricted within the confines of the monasteries
-Monks copied many scripts for instructive purposes
-Only the sons of the elite called pages were given education
B2. Introduction of scrolls and books with authors
1. Book of Curtayes (Book of Courtesy) Printed by William Caxton, this book
taught manners and proper behavior.
2. Babes Book - A guide on proper conduct for children
3. Manners and Meals in the Olden times - A book focusing on etiquette
and dining habits for the Knights
4. Horn Books - Wooden paddles with printed lessons, often featuring the
alphabet, prayers, and basic reading exercises.
5. Chapbooks - Small, inexpensive books that contained folk tales, nursery
rhymes, and popular stories aimed at common folk, including children.
B3. Inventions of the printing press
1. Johannes Gutenberg (1458) in Germany - Invented the printing press in
1458 in Germany, significantly increasing the production of books.
2. William Caxton (1477) in England - Introduced the printing press to
England in 1477, leading to the mass production of educational and literary
materials.
C. Puritan (16th & 17th Century)
C1. Background of this group
1. The Puritans were a religious group that sought to reform the Church of
England by removing remnants of Roman Catholic influence.
2. They emphasized strict religious discipline and viewed literature as a tool
for moral and spiritual instruction rather than mere entertainment.
3. Their writings were primarily made up of sermons (faiths and religion),
poetry and narratives with little fiction which contained entertainment, thus
frowned upon.
4. The Bible and religious texts were upheld as the most important sources
of knowledge and guidance for children.
C2. Books and authors during this time
1. The New England Primer - A widely used textbook that combined religious
instruction with basic literacy education
2. Spiritual Advice - A book offering religious guidance, written by Puritan
minister John Cotton.
3. Orbis Pictus - World in pictures (1658) by John Amos Comenius, The father
of modern education
4. Tales of Mother Goose - Written by Charles Perrault, this collection of fairy
tales included stories such as *Cinderella*, *Little Red Riding Hood*, and
*Sleeping Beauty*.
5. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, this allegorical tale emphasized
Christian virtues and spiritual growth.
6. Gulliver's Travel - Written by Jonathan Swift, this satirical adventure novel
contained elements that both entertained and instructed readers
7. Battledore- A successor to the *Hornbook*, used for teaching literacy
after the *Hornbook* had been in use for over 300 years.
D. Didactic comes from the Latin term "didaktikos" which means to instruct, to
advise to guide
D1. its purpose/principle
1. Didactic literature focuses on instruction, blending learning with
engaging storytelling to make lessons more intriguing and memorable.
2. It deals with instruction and signifies (focused) learning in a fascinated
and intriguing manner. It was meant to entertain and to instruct.
3. Lessons were projected, organized and put into activities of teaching-
learning evaluating practice.
D2. Books and Authors
1. Emile by Jean Jacques Rousseau
-This tackles on how society should educate and rear children
-This basically stressed that human beings could use reason to improve their
society and themselves
-It also advocated the freedom for the child to grow and experience life as
he finds it. This idea was supported by John Locke.
