Appropriate Literature for Young Readers
Guidelines for Literature Choices
Numerous writers and researchers have provided guidelines
for the types of literature that are most
appropriate for emergent readers (Brown, 1991; Cullinan,
1989; Holdaway, 1980; Strickland & Feeley, 1991).
The characteristics that are seen as most important:
Interest and Appeal
The literature should be interesting and appealing to
young children and use the lively, interesting
language that reflects natural language patterns.
Developmentally Appropriate Themes and Topics
The literature should be about topics and experiences
that are familiar to young children or about
topics and experiences that a teacher can help young
children understand without undue difficulty.
Selections that are overly complex or abstract, or that
require understanding of complex literary devices,
are not developmentally appropriate.
Selections that use predictable text are particularly
recommended for emergent and beginning readers.
Some books are predictable because there is a close association
between the illustrations and the text
in the book; others are predictable because of pronounced
rhyme; and some are predictable because of
recurring phrases. Predictable texts aid students in their
attempts to recognize words and build their
confidence as readers.
Literature about which the teacher is particularly enthusiastic
should be included. Enthusiasm for a
book is contagious.
Go on to Shared Reading: An Effective Instructional Model
Back to Concepts, Strategies, and Skills Needed to Become Effective Readers
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