Literature for Children

Abstract

What makes e-literature different from conventional children's literature? Today, children's literature engages young readers not only with favourite books, but also through an explosion of multimedia digital storytelling on CD-ROM, the internet, and via myriad complex computer game narratives. So how can children's experiences of digital literature be used to achieve more enjoyable and challenging classroom literary learning experiences? This book will help practising teachers and students of teacher education to understand the differences and similarities in literary experience for children through classic, contemporary and innovative narratives in both book and computer formats—in order to enhance their pupils' enjoyment and understanding of the 'text'. The author explores: • What kinds of literary narratives can be accessed electronically • How language, image, audio and hypertext can be analysed to highlight the story-makers' art • How digital technology can enhance literary experiences through web-based 'book talk' and interaction with publishers' internet sites • How computer games influence the reader/player role in relation to how we understand stories This book uniquely draws together issues of pedagogy, children's literature in education and computer technology and literacy. The author describes practical functional analyses of language and images in the context of actual classroom learning experiences. Readers will also find practical ideas and suggestions for the planning of programmes of work for children, which will encourage and provoke more innovative understandings from their pupils, whatever their level and age.