Explaining the COVID-19 Pandemic: The very intentional creation of a children’s picture book
Abstract (SS2)
With the goal of creating an “ideal” children’s book to explain COVID-19, we reviewed scholarly articles about children’s concepts of illness and about what constitutes effective writing and illustrating for children’s books. Then, using our own rating grid, we conducted a content analysis of several children’s books about COVID-19. We considered the strengths of this existing literature as well as what elements are missing from it to then craft a picture book that effectively addresses social-emotional and cognitive aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and is inclusive, developmentally-appropriate, and child-centered.
Student Authors: Samantha Antell and Alexa Johnson
Faculty Advisor: Judith Newman
About the Presenters:
Samantha Antell is a third year Elementary and Early Childhood Education major. As a preservice teacher, she is drawn to this research by special interest in children’s literature as a learning tool, as well as investment in supporting children emotionally and cognitively in the face of adverse events.
Alexa Johnson is a junior majoring in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. With teaching experience in the kindergarten classroom and a personal interest in illustration, her intent through this research was to further the understanding of children’s literature as an effective and engaging tool to address complex issues with young learners.
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