Using Children's Literature to Learn about Disabilities and Illness / Edition 2

by Joan K. Blaska

Overview

Dr. Blaska was concerned that books with characters with disabilities and illnesses were not being incorporated into the curricula in early childhood programs. During a sabbatical she researched this genre of literature, locating books and outlining strategies on how to use the books. She incorporated her research findings into the volume, and this newly revised edition updates these strategies. The book is designed for parents and early childhood professionals to help young children (birth through third grade) learn about disabilities and illnesses through children’s literature, and allow all children to have the opportunity to learn about diversity of ability much like they learn about cultural diversity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781891928253
Publisher:	Educator's International Press
Publication date:	07/19/2003
Edition description:	2nd Edition
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr. JOAN BLASKA was a professor at St. Cloud University for seventeen years, teaching in the Department of Child and Family Studies. She trained students to work with young children with and without disabilities. Dr. Blaska’s research areas include emergent literacy and literacy rich environments, diverse children’s literature and understanding the emotional impact of parenting a child with disabilities. Her book, “Using Children’s Literature to Learn about Disabilities and Illness,” is based on more than 10 years of research in the area of children’s literature that includes characters with a disability or illness. Dr. Blaska has worked extensively with early childhood programs on curriculum issues and with families who have children with disabilities.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Why It's Important for Young Children to Learn About Disabilities and Chronic Illness 5

Introduction 5

Influence of Books and Reading 6

Bias Free Curriculum 8

Inclusionary Programs 9

Emergent Literacy 9

Diverse Children's Literature & Materials 11

Diversity Self-Quiz 12

Chapter 2 Using Books With Young Children 15

Introduction 15

Reading to Infants 16

Reading to Toddlers & Preschoolers 17

Reading Aloud to Children 17

Additional Hints for Reading to Young Children 19

Chapter 3 Learning About Likenesses and Difference 21

Introduction 21

Children's Awareness of Differences 21

How We Are Alike, Yet Different 22

Annotated Bibliography: Children's Books About Differences 24

Chapter 4 Talking About Disabilities and Chronic Illness with Young Children 33

Introduction 33

Respect and Dignity 34

Using "Person First" Language 35

Spiraling Concepts Throughout the Curriculum or Throughout Time 38

Overview of Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses with Responses to Children's Questions 39

Chapter 5 Annotated Bibliography: Children's Books that Include Characters with Disabilities or Illnes 59

Introduction of Bibliographic Information 59

Annotated Bibliography 63

Chapter 6 Children's Books Cross-Referenced by Disability and Chronic Illness 147

Introduction 147

Books Listed by Disability and Chronic Illness 148

Chapter 7 Curriculum Panning Using Theme and Literature-Based Approaches 159

Introduction 159

Developing Text Sets 160

Using a Theme Approach 162

Using a Literature-Based Approach 163

Using Inclusionary Units Webs 165

Chapter 8 Children's Books Cross-Reference by Theme 169

Introduction 169

Books Listed by Theme 170

Chapter 9 Text Set Lesson 193

Introduction 193

Sample Lesson Plans 195

Text Set Lesson Plan Form 197

Appendix A Images & Encounters Profile-Tool to Review Books With Characters with Disabilities 199

Appendix B Children's Books That Include Persons with Disabilities or Illnesses Alphabetized by Title 201

Appedix C Children's Books Cross-Referenced by Category-According to How the Disability or Illness was Presented in the Story 209

Appendix D Activities for Teaching Young Children About Disabilities 219

Appendix E Publishers of Children's Books 225

Appendix F National Disability Organizations and Agencies 235

Index 239

Editorial Reviews

I am thrilled that Blaska has done a second edition of her important book. I have found the first edition an essential resource in my children’s literature classes. Both the guidelines for critiquing books and the well-organized extensive annotated book recommendations are invaluable to both me and my students.

From the Publisher