Children grow up with stories containing animal characters. Those animals are most often represented with human characteristics such as the ability to talk etc. What effect do those stories have on children's perception on real-life animals? Do anthropomorphic stories teach children something about real animals, or are they only a tool to teach children more complex issues that are prevalent in human society?
Initially, anthropomorphic stories had a more significant purpose than entertaining children. They were rather used to teach children moral lessons in a humorous and creative way, appropriate manners and behaviour. Those messages and ideas are often conveyed by analogy. That is, animal characters are given similar traits and feelings as children so that the story becomes more accessible to the young audience. Children engage in these anthropomorphic stories from early childhood and pass those stories on to their children so that anthropomorphism continues to evolve as a significant tool for engaging young readers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Value of Children's Literature and Animal Stories
- 3. Learning through Children's Picture Books
- 4. How does Animal Fiction Influence Children's View on Animals?
- 5. Anthropomorphism in Children's Books: Do Anthropomorphic Animal Characters in Storybooks Encourage Children's Learning about the Animal or Foster their Prosocial Behaviour?
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the impact of anthropomorphic animal stories on children's understanding of animals and their learning outcomes. It explores whether anthropomorphism aids in learning about real animals and their biology, or if it fosters an unrealistic portrayal. The research also examines how the representation of animals and the narrative language influence children's learning and their views on specific species.
- The value of children's literature in child development.
- The role of picture books in enhancing learning and knowledge transfer.
- The impact of anthropomorphism in children's animal stories on children's understanding of animals.
- The influence of anthropomorphic animal stories on children's prosocial behavior.
- The potential limitations of anthropomorphic representations in accurately depicting animal biology.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the prevalence of anthropomorphic animals in children's stories and posing the central question: How do these stories affect children's understanding of animals and their learning? It previews the paper's structure and methodology, indicating that it will analyze existing studies rather than focusing on a single story. The chapter emphasizes that the paper suggests anthropomorphic stories might create an unrealistic image of animals, rather than enhance knowledge of their biology.
2. The Value of Children's Literature and Animal Stories: This chapter explores the multifaceted benefits of children's literature, emphasizing its role in fostering empathy, morality, creativity, and cultural understanding. It highlights how animal stories, with their history dating back to the 17th century, have served educational purposes, teaching children about values and social behavior. Specific examples like Sarah Trimmer's "Fabulous Histories" and Anna Sewell's "Black Beauty" are cited, demonstrating how animal stories can convey moral lessons and promote empathy towards animals. The chapter concludes by noting the various types of children's stories and the specific focus on humanized animal characters.
3. Learning through Children's Picture Books: This chapter delves into the role of picture books in children's learning, citing Strouse et al. (2018) and their research on the impact of picture book features on learning and knowledge transfer. It focuses on how developmental factors like symbolic development, analogical reasoning, and reasoning about fantasy affect children’s ability to apply information from books to real-world situations. The chapter highlights the complexity of transferring information from fictional contexts to real-world understanding, acknowledging the limitations imposed by a child's developmental stage.
Keywords
Children's literature, anthropomorphism, animal stories, picture books, learning, knowledge transfer, prosocial behavior, child development, animal representation, symbolic understanding, analogical reasoning, fantasy, reality.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview summarizes a paper investigating the impact of anthropomorphic animal stories in children's literature on children's understanding of animals and their learning outcomes. It explores whether anthropomorphism helps children learn about real animals or creates unrealistic portrayals.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the value of children's literature in child development; the role of picture books in learning; the impact of anthropomorphism on children's understanding of animals; the influence of anthropomorphic stories on prosocial behavior; and the potential limitations of anthropomorphic representations in accurately depicting animal biology.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a chapter on the value of children's literature and animal stories, a chapter on learning through picture books, and a concluding chapter summarizing findings. It analyzes existing studies rather than focusing on a single story.
What is anthropomorphism in the context of this paper?
Anthropomorphism, in this context, refers to giving animals human characteristics in children's stories. The paper examines whether this portrayal aids or hinders children's understanding of real animals.
What is the paper's approach to anthropomorphism in children's literature?
The paper suggests that while anthropomorphic stories might have benefits in fostering empathy and morality, they could also create an unrealistic image of animals, potentially hindering accurate knowledge of their biology.
What types of children's literature are discussed?
The preview focuses primarily on picture books and animal stories, highlighting their educational value and impact on children's development.
How does the paper address the learning process in children?
The paper considers developmental factors such as symbolic development, analogical reasoning, and reasoning about fantasy, exploring how these factors influence children's ability to apply information from fictional stories to real-world situations.
What are some examples of children's literature mentioned in the preview?
The preview mentions Sarah Trimmer's "Fabulous Histories" and Anna Sewell's "Black Beauty" as examples of animal stories that have conveyed moral lessons and promoted empathy towards animals.
What are the key findings or arguments previewed in this document?
The preview suggests a nuanced perspective on anthropomorphism, acknowledging its potential benefits while also highlighting its potential drawbacks in terms of fostering accurate understanding of animal biology. It emphasizes the complexity of transferring information from fictional contexts to real-world understanding in children.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Children's literature, anthropomorphism, animal stories, picture books, learning, knowledge transfer, prosocial behavior, child development, animal representation, symbolic understanding, analogical reasoning, fantasy, reality.
- Quote paper
- Yeganeh Khodaparast (Author), 2020, The Impact of Anthropomorphic Animal Stories on Children's Learning, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/584851
