LSSL 5360 Textbook Chapter 7:Traditional Literature

What did I already know about the topics?

K: When I consider traditional children’s literature from the past, stories like Beowulf, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and Tikki Tikki Tembo appear in my head. I think of stories that have deep roots in the past and often influence current literature as well. From another perspective, traditional children’s literature may also be the themes of Disney classics, where learning lessons and dynamic characters having meaning and worlds where good prevails over evil. I think back to stories my generation all knew as children, but those comes from such a small area of time that misses much of the prior history.

What did I learn after I completed each assignment?

W: This material helped me classify tails from my memory into categories of myths, legends, folk tales, and fables.  Myths brought to mind some of the oldest stories I know including the Illiad and Odyssy and Native American literature like The Turtle and the Flood. More recently as I am exploring the Caldecott Award books, it brings to mind Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky.
When looking into Legends, the references to King Arthur and Robin Hood were relatable examples to solidify that they are often tied to historical events that may become exaggerated over the years. While Folk Tales were some of the easiest to remember from Jack and the Bean Stalk to Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
There were five criteria mentioned to assist in considering the quality of these various examples. Indefinite setting seems to add to the fictional atmosphere that helps readers escape into another time and place, while the archetypes and stereotypes help readers immediately identify characters and understand certain aspects of how the story will play out. Some of the other criteria of motifs, magic, and repetition in traditional literature may at firsts appear childish in nature, but can in fact contribute to the reader being able to identify deeper meanings. Many learning opportunities can be addressed with the unrealistic magical or animal characters that allow readers to view how the story as well as consequences play out to others. Yet the messages can still be applied to the real world as well. We can all take caution to think thoroughly before taking action, to be careful what we wish for, to remember it is okay to work hard for something more in life, to be open to love but wary of deceit. Traditional literature appeals to children and adults alike because of these many elements.

What do I still need to learn?

L: Reflecting back on traditional literature that I have read in the past in this assignment has increased my interest in exploring more variety of all the classifications. I hope to be able to have a stronger grasp of examples of each as I continue reading so that I may recommend them to my future students. In addition, regardless of the genre I am reading, I would like to keep in mind the criteria listed to notice if any works will align with those characteristics as well.

How will I share this information with others?

S: Lastly, I am excited to share this information because it is relatable to so many, whether they have read the titles, viewed them in movies, or have only just heard of them. I think being educated on this information will be very helpful in sparking interest in reluctant readers while also helping me recommend books for teachers to share in the classroom because traditional literature has definitely stood the test of time. Finally, because traditional literature exists in so many cultures, I also look forward to sharing these books with many students so that they experience different cultures if they are new to them or identify with them if they are able to read autobiographically.