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The Importance of Teaching Literature to Children

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The Importance of Teaching Literature to Children
"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." - C.S Lewis, a British scholar and novelist.

This wise saying is perhaps the most appropriate description of the importance of literature in our lives and especially to children. Literature reminds us of stories, epics, sacred scriptures and classical works of the ancient and modern times. Literature is defined as the body of written works of a language, period or culture, produced by scholars and researchers, specialized in a given field.

According to Manali Oak (2009), Literature not only describes reality but also adds to it. Literature is not merely a depiction of reality; it is rather a value-addition. Literary works are portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. They are a depiction of the different facets of common man 's life. Classical literary works serve as a food for thought and a tonic for imagination and creativity. Exposing an individual to good literary works, is equivalent to providing him/her with the finest of educational opportunities. On the other hand, the lack of exposure to classic literary works is equal to depriving an individual from an opportunity to grow as an individual.

Literature is necessary for children because they should start learning how to read and write at a young age. Literature is important because it can give us information, education, entertainment, insights and knowledge. It also helps the children find solutions to the problems.

Literature not only improves reading fluency through the expansion of vocabulary, but also increases children’s ' reading comprehension skills. Comprehension skills not only include retelling main events, but also include the ability to identify the author 's choice or words, central themes, character development, symbolism, irony,



References: “Manali Oak.” Buzzle.com: Intelligent site on the web. (accessed 2009). “Rachel Mork.” Life 123, Answers at the speed of life. (accessed 2008).

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