CHL2601 Assignment 8
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE September 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, 1.1 Discussing the Questions
1.1.1 What role does reading for fun play in building a positive relationship with children’s
literature? Reading for fun is crucial because it connects reading with pleasure and enjoyment,
rather than it being a chore. When children are allowed to choose books they are interested in,
they become more motivated and engaged. This builds a positive association that can last a
lifetime, fostering a love for reading and making them more likely to explore new books and
genres on their own. It’s about intrinsic motivation over extrinsic pressure.
1.1.2 How do stories in children’s literature help children develop their own identity as
readers? Stories act as mirrors and windows. When children read books with characters or
experiences that they can relate to, they see themselves reflected in the stories. This validates
their own identity and helps them feel seen. When they find genres or authors they love, they
begin to define themselves as "a person who loves fantasy" or "a person who loves stories about
animals." This process helps them build confidence and a sense of ownership over their reading
choices, shaping their unique identity as a reader.
1.1.3 In what ways does reading stories help children build empathy and understanding of
others? Reading stories is a powerful tool for developing empathy. When children read about
characters from different backgrounds or who are experiencing different emotions, they are
essentially walking in someone else's shoes. This exposure to diverse perspectives helps them
understand that not everyone thinks and feels the same way they do. It cultivates compassion and
encourages them to consider others' feelings in their own lives.
1.1.4 How did colonial influence shape early children’s literature in South Africa? Colonial
influence profoundly shaped early children's literature in South Africa by introducing Western-
centric themes, characters, and languages. The stories often promoted a Eurocentric worldview,
which marginalized and sometimes misrepresented indigenous cultures and oral traditions.
English and Afrikaans became the dominant languages of publication, leading to a lack of stories
in indigenous languages. This resulted in a disconnect for many children who couldn't see their
own cultural context reflected in the books they were given.
1.1.5 Why is it important for children to read stories that are culturally relevant and
contextually appropriate? Culturally relevant and contextually appropriate stories are
important because they affirm a child's identity and sense of belonging. Reading stories that
reflect their own language, community, and traditions helps to build their self-esteem and makes
the reading experience more meaningful. It makes learning to read less of an abstract skill and
more of a personal connection to their world, which strengthens their comprehension and
engagement.
1.1.6 What does the term "Africanisation" mean, and how does it relate to children’s
literature in Africa? "Africanisation" refers to the process of centering African values,
philosophies, languages, and cultural practices in various fields, including education and
literature. In children's literature, this means moving away from Eurocentric models and creating
stories that are rooted in African experiences, folklore, and contemporary life. It involves
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE September 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, 1.1 Discussing the Questions
1.1.1 What role does reading for fun play in building a positive relationship with children’s
literature? Reading for fun is crucial because it connects reading with pleasure and enjoyment,
rather than it being a chore. When children are allowed to choose books they are interested in,
they become more motivated and engaged. This builds a positive association that can last a
lifetime, fostering a love for reading and making them more likely to explore new books and
genres on their own. It’s about intrinsic motivation over extrinsic pressure.
1.1.2 How do stories in children’s literature help children develop their own identity as
readers? Stories act as mirrors and windows. When children read books with characters or
experiences that they can relate to, they see themselves reflected in the stories. This validates
their own identity and helps them feel seen. When they find genres or authors they love, they
begin to define themselves as "a person who loves fantasy" or "a person who loves stories about
animals." This process helps them build confidence and a sense of ownership over their reading
choices, shaping their unique identity as a reader.
1.1.3 In what ways does reading stories help children build empathy and understanding of
others? Reading stories is a powerful tool for developing empathy. When children read about
characters from different backgrounds or who are experiencing different emotions, they are
essentially walking in someone else's shoes. This exposure to diverse perspectives helps them
understand that not everyone thinks and feels the same way they do. It cultivates compassion and
encourages them to consider others' feelings in their own lives.
1.1.4 How did colonial influence shape early children’s literature in South Africa? Colonial
influence profoundly shaped early children's literature in South Africa by introducing Western-
centric themes, characters, and languages. The stories often promoted a Eurocentric worldview,
which marginalized and sometimes misrepresented indigenous cultures and oral traditions.
English and Afrikaans became the dominant languages of publication, leading to a lack of stories
in indigenous languages. This resulted in a disconnect for many children who couldn't see their
own cultural context reflected in the books they were given.
1.1.5 Why is it important for children to read stories that are culturally relevant and
contextually appropriate? Culturally relevant and contextually appropriate stories are
important because they affirm a child's identity and sense of belonging. Reading stories that
reflect their own language, community, and traditions helps to build their self-esteem and makes
the reading experience more meaningful. It makes learning to read less of an abstract skill and
more of a personal connection to their world, which strengthens their comprehension and
engagement.
1.1.6 What does the term "Africanisation" mean, and how does it relate to children’s
literature in Africa? "Africanisation" refers to the process of centering African values,
philosophies, languages, and cultural practices in various fields, including education and
literature. In children's literature, this means moving away from Eurocentric models and creating
stories that are rooted in African experiences, folklore, and contemporary life. It involves
