Teaching with Children's Literature: Theory to Practice - Paperback

by Margaret Vaughn (Author), Dixie D. Massey (Author), Elfrieda H. Hiebert (Foreword by)

Perhaps no factor has a greater influence on children's literacy learning than exposure to engaging, authentic, culturally relevant texts. This concise practitioner resource and course text helps K-8 teachers make informed choices about using children's literature in their classrooms, from selecting high-quality texts to planning instruction and promoting independent reading. The authors present relevant theories (such as reader response and culturally responsive pedagogy) and show how to apply them in practice. Key topics include teaching narrative and expository texts, tapping into students' individual interests, and conducting text-based writing activities and discussions. Every chapter features case examples, reflection questions, and learning activities for teachers; appendices list exemplary children's literature.

Author Biography

Margaret Vaughn, PhD, is Associate Professor of Literacy in the College of Education at Washington State University. A former first-grade teacher, she conducts research on adaptive and equitable practices to support student agency and literacy learning. Dr. Vaughn is coeditor of Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction, Grades K-5, and coauthor of Teaching with Children's Literature: Theory to Practice. Her work has appeared in many journals of literacy research and practice.

Dixie D. Massey, PhD, is a lecturer at Seattle Pacific University, where she teaches courses in literacy development and teacher preparation. Dr. Massey is coauthor of several curriculum books and series. She has published her research in leading journals of literacy research and practice.