, CHL2601
ASSIGNMENT 4
(PORTFOLIO) 2026
DUE 9 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1 (30 marks)
1.1.1 Explain how children’s literature can support young children in understanding difficult
social realities such as accidents, loss, or community trauma. (4 marks)
Children’s literature can support young children in understanding difficult social realities by
providing a safe and developmentally appropriate medium to process complex emotions.
According to the study guide, stories help children feel better about themselves by allowing them
to see their own lives mirrored in books and fictional characters as they deal with real-life issues
such as fear, loneliness, and the death of a loved one (CHL2601, 2020:23). Through stories, children
can step outside of themselves and learn from the characters' experiences, which helps in building
positive self-esteem and confidence in dealing with challenging situations (CHL2601, 2020:23).
Furthermore, literature helps children gain an appreciation of the universality of human needs,
which can help them understand that they are not alone in their experiences and develop a greater
capacity to empathise with others (CHL2601, 2020:23).
1.1.2 Discuss TWO key factors a teacher should consider when selecting children’s books to
address sensitive topics like death or safety for foundation phase learners. (4 marks)
When selecting children’s books to address sensitive topics like death or safety for foundation
phase learners, a teacher must consider the following two key factors:
Age and developmental level: The appropriateness of a book is determined by the learners' age
and developmental level. The study guide notes that when a book or topic is too advanced for a
specific child, their interest in reading will fade (CHL2601, 2020:45). Therefore, the content
must align with the cognitive and emotional maturity of the learners, as discussed in child
development theories (CHL2601, 2020:24-27). For instance, Piaget's pre-operational stage (ages
2-7) is characterised by egocentric thinking, so stories should be simple and relate to their
immediate world (CHL2601, 2020:26).
ASSIGNMENT 4
(PORTFOLIO) 2026
DUE 9 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1 (30 marks)
1.1.1 Explain how children’s literature can support young children in understanding difficult
social realities such as accidents, loss, or community trauma. (4 marks)
Children’s literature can support young children in understanding difficult social realities by
providing a safe and developmentally appropriate medium to process complex emotions.
According to the study guide, stories help children feel better about themselves by allowing them
to see their own lives mirrored in books and fictional characters as they deal with real-life issues
such as fear, loneliness, and the death of a loved one (CHL2601, 2020:23). Through stories, children
can step outside of themselves and learn from the characters' experiences, which helps in building
positive self-esteem and confidence in dealing with challenging situations (CHL2601, 2020:23).
Furthermore, literature helps children gain an appreciation of the universality of human needs,
which can help them understand that they are not alone in their experiences and develop a greater
capacity to empathise with others (CHL2601, 2020:23).
1.1.2 Discuss TWO key factors a teacher should consider when selecting children’s books to
address sensitive topics like death or safety for foundation phase learners. (4 marks)
When selecting children’s books to address sensitive topics like death or safety for foundation
phase learners, a teacher must consider the following two key factors:
Age and developmental level: The appropriateness of a book is determined by the learners' age
and developmental level. The study guide notes that when a book or topic is too advanced for a
specific child, their interest in reading will fade (CHL2601, 2020:45). Therefore, the content
must align with the cognitive and emotional maturity of the learners, as discussed in child
development theories (CHL2601, 2020:24-27). For instance, Piaget's pre-operational stage (ages
2-7) is characterised by egocentric thinking, so stories should be simple and relate to their
immediate world (CHL2601, 2020:26).
