Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Question 1
1.1. In your own words, and based on what you have learned in Unit 1 in the Tutorial Letter 501,
define what children’s literature is. Your definition should be presented in a short paragraph of
three sentences.
Children’s literature refers to books specifically written for young readers, though this definition is
quite broad. These books are typically authored by adults, making children’s literature distinct, as the
creators are not the primary audience. Through these stories, adult perspectives shape children's
understanding, allowing writers to explore themes they consider valuable for young minds.
(Tutorial Letter 501 - Page 15)
1.2. One of the problematic ideologies that teachers need to be mindful of as it relates to
children’s literature is gender stereotyping. Name two strategies that teachers can employ, when
selecting reading material for their classrooms, to counteract gender stereotyping.
To counteract gender stereotyping when selecting reading material, teachers can use two important
strategies. First, they should ensure that books are accessible to all students, rather than assigning
certain types of books to boys and others to girls. Second, teachers should carefully review books to
identify any gender bias and select literature that promotes gender equality and inclusivity, ensuring
that all students, including transgender individuals and those of different sexual orientations, feel
represented and valued. Additionally, incorporating books that both challenge and reflect traditional
gender roles can help foster critical thinking and open discussions in the classroom.
(Tutorial Letter 501 - Page 129)
1.3. In your own words, name two advantages of multimodal storytelling.
Two advantages of multimodal storytelling are that it enhances language acquisition and helps
learners interpret literary texts more easily. This makes reading more accessible for second or
additional language learners, as well as for home language learners who may struggle with
understanding complex texts. Additionally, multimodal storytelling helps develop visual literacy
skills from an early age, which is crucial in today’s world, where individuals are constantly exposed
to mass media.
(Tutorial Letter 501 - Page 17)