By Shara Lawrence-Weiss, owner of Mommy Perks

While I was in school (currently on hiatus but need to return soon!), my favorite classes were the EDU courses. From classroom management to special ed and everything in between. Seeing as my major is Elementary Education, this does make sense, eh? I did not enroll in the Kid Lit course because I moved out of town…to my sadness. The teacher who taught Kid Lit was (is) the head of the EDU department at the school I attended. She had nominated me, along with other EDU staff, for the “Future teacher of the year” award (community college so don’t get all big headed for me, or anything). So of course I did want to sit in her class but sadly, didn’t get the chance.

My close friend did sit through her class, though, and gave me a list of items that this teacher considered the mark of “quality literature” for children. Without even paying for the course, I am sharing this info with you free of charge. Whoot!

Who loves ya?

Here is the list:

Quality children’s literature:

• Teaches morals and demonstrates integrity and equality, though does not impose morals or sound like a textbook
• Shows originality such as unique points of view and distinctive characters and situations
• Should reflect a child’s language and be fun, exciting and understandable
• Allows children to use their imaginations and take journeys not otherwise possible
• Extends a child’s world and exposes them to new experiences
• Expands awareness and enhances vocabulary
• Creates an intimacy by presenting characters and situations children can relate to
• Entertains and provides an enjoyable read
• Provides a variety of kinds of topics, experiences, genres, purposes
• Uses illustrations to assist comprehension, describe action and emotion

I would also like to point out a mistake that many parents make when selecting books for their children (many parents I have known, anyway). In our culture, “more” is so often considered “better.” In the case of children’s books (and body odor, for that matter), this is not a correct assumption. If you are a yard-saler like me, you know that oftentimes books are selling for 25 cents or 50 cents. Many times those books are PACKED with images, text and information and the home owner quickly realized that the book didn’t work for his/her kids. Why? Too much information, too many images, too much STUFF – the reader was overwhelmed and quickly became disengaged with the story.

I am rather opinionated on this issue so if you care to know more about why I think the way I do…click here. 

Happy Reading!