Descubrir la literatura infantil-Ximena Troncoso Araos A

Introduction

• Article Overview

  • Title: Discovering Children's Literature

  • Author: Ximena Troncoso Araos, PhD in Latin American Literature, Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile.

  • Purpose: To promote the appreciation of children's literature among adults to foster reading interests in children.

Importance of Children’s Literature

• Developing Literary Taste

  • Critical to stimulate interest in literary reading from an early age.

  • Involves not only teachers but also parents and caregivers.

• Rediscovery by Adults

  • Adults should engage with children's literature not just as mediators but as genuine readers to understand its richness.

• Classic Works

  • Many literary classics are found in children's literature.

  • The article emphasizes reading high-quality literature that encourages dialogue between child and adult readers.

The Reading Crisis

• Perception of Reading

  • Common belief that reading is in crisis despite an increase in book publications and literacy rates.

• Cultural Values

  • Society’s materialistic values often overshadow the importance of reading. Author Luis Pescetti comments on the dissonance between promoting reading and societal values that prioritize quick success.

• Reframing the Discourse

  • Challenging the narratives that dismiss children's willingness to read.

  • Encouragement towards experiential reading rather than didactic promotion of reading as a good virtue.

Mediators in Children’s Reading

• Role of Adults

  • Adults, including family and educators, play a crucial role in recommending reading materials to children.

  • Emphasis on the dual nature of the reader—both adult and child.

• Children’s Choices

  • Children are increasingly exercising their right to choose what to read, leading to a more engaged reading community.

Quality in Children's Literature

• Criteria for Literary Quality

  • Discusses the importance of selecting high-quality works rather than broad consensus classics.

• Key Features of Quality Literature

  • Polisemia: Incorporation of multiple meanings into the text enhances interpretative depth.

  • Language Craftsmanship: The use of language must be refined, imaginative, and fittingly evoke emotions and experiences.

  • Humor: Humor can lighten the reading experience and serve various narrative functions.

  • Aesthetic and Ethical Commitment: Writers should respect the child’s intelligence and address social issues thoughtfully.

Dialogue Between Reader Types

• Creating Spaces for Encounter

  • Quality children’s literature fosters meaningful connections between child readers and adults.

  • Importance of sharing reading experiences aloud and discussing texts collectively to inspire a mutual appreciation of literature.

Impact of Psychoanalytic Theory

• Insights from Psychoanalysis

  • Influential works by Bettelheim and Pinkola Estés provide deeper understandings of child psychology and literary value in children's texts.

• Connection of Childhood and Adulthood

  • Literature acts as a bridge, linking the experiences of childhood with adult perspectives, allowing for personal and communal resonance.

Classic Works in Children’s Literature

• Examples of Classic Titles

  • Focus on classics like "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen to illustrate the multifaceted nature of childhood experiences as portrayed in literature.

• Narrative Depth

  • How stories resonate across age groups, revealing lessons about identity and acceptance.

The Role of Gabriela Mistral and Marcela Paz

• Gabriela Mistral's Contributions

  • Mistral’s works encapsulate the essence of childhood and the importance of retaining literary quality beyond educational norms.

• Marcela Paz's" Papelucho"

  • Highlights offer a rich portrayal of childhood, addressing complex themes through humor and authentic voice. Discusses how "Papelucho" challenges normativity and constructs a reality both familiar and relatable for young readers.

Conclusion

• Literary Engagement

  • Emphasizes the need to engage with children's literature authentically, promoting quality texts that resonate with both children and adults.

• Encouragement for Adults

  • Suggests that adults take the time to connect with quality literature and share their experiences to encourage a more vibrant reading culture for children.

References

• Include notable works discussed, such as those by Gabriela Mistral, Marcela Paz, and critical literature on child psychology and reading promotion.