"Realistic fictions is realistic in the sense that the setting, characters, and events are plausible - they reflect contemporary places, people, and situations. Yet, these stories are fiction because the characters and events did not really happen even though many authors write stories based on their own childhood experiences"(Johnson, 2012).
Categories of Realistic Fiction:
- Survival/Adventure
- Mystery
- Humor
- Animals
- Sports
- Family
- Growing Up
The following are good realistic fiction characteristics:
- portrays the realities of life
- helps children see the world from another perspective
- helps children understand that their problems are not much different from others
- provides a literary framework for the development of a sense of personal and civic competency and the ability to make improvements.
A few considerations of realistic fiction are moralizing and bias/stereotypes.
Many children are drawn to realistic fiction, so this is the perfect opportunity for us teachers to build on our students' interests. When a child is interested in something they will most likely want to know more, therefore they will read more and begin to comprehend what they are reading. Realistic fiction gives us the perfect opportunity!
According to our textbook, "The ability to see other cultures and life experiences is important in developing children's perspective, insight, and possibilities as they progress to becoming citizens of the world" (Johnson, 2012).
Diversity is seen in all types of categories such as:
- Culture
- Language
- Religion
- Social class
- Age
- Exceptionality
- Family structure
It is crucial that us teachers educate all children on the topic of diversity. Teaching children diversity at a young age will give that child an open mind to all the different classmates, as well as teachers, he/she will have throughout their school career.
"Multicultural literature helps children to see themselves reflected in stories, and it shows them hoe people unlike them feel, think, and live". (Johnson, 2012). Benefits of multicultural literature are as follows:
- provides enjoyment of quality literature that meets the criteria of literary and artistic merit
- presents information and knowledge about the historical and continuing contributions of the people of diverse cultures
- exposes children to diverse viewpoints
- fosters awareness, appreciation, and understanding of people who are different from themselves
- promotes critical inquiry into issues of equal representation
Technology has a large significance in just about every person's life. Whether it is having the latest version of the iPhone, or just searching the web, we all use technology daily. "Ninety-three percent of children ages 8-18 spend an average of 90 minutes a day using the computer at home(Kaiser Foundation, 2010). Of that 90 minutes, 75% of this time is spent is spent on social networking, watching videos, or playing games. It is up to us teachers to use online networks wisely as a learning resource for our children.
Benefits to including digital texts in the literacy curriculum:
- Online Read Alouds
- Online Books
- Interactive Storybooks
- Virtual Meet the Author
- Webcasts of Authors and Illustrators
SEARCH is a great acronym for teachers to refer to while students browse the web. This helpful strategy will determine if students are on track:
- S: Set a purpose for searching.
- E: Employ effective search strategies.
- A: Analyze search engine results.
- R: Read critically and synthesize information.
- C: Cite your sources.
- H: How successful was your search?
Not only can students search the web to find out answers to their questions, create projects, and even read online; however with the type of Internet communication available, students can respond through these ways:
- Online Book Discussions
- Blogs
- Wikis
- Book Trailers
I believe it is safe to say that including digital texts in the literacy curriculum is very beneficial if all the resources are used to their fullest potential.
