Wrap-Up

Well, its been a minute since I've posted on this bad boy, but I figured as class is coming to a close what better time to reflect on the semester than now? I think that this class has been a very valuable one, especially in regards to how to approach teaching issues of diversity and multiculturalism in the classroom; overall I really did enjoy this course. I think that it was very enjoyable and unique because we focused on issues that are way too often overlooked or underrepresented. I feel like the content taught and the knowledge I obtained over the course of the semester has been very valuable, and it will continue to be valuable both in my personal life and my life as a teacher, as it is knowledge that many people unfortunately are not aware of. I think that when people consider children's literature they typically think of literature that is not very deep, that is easily written, and that is irrelevant for anyone who is not a child. This course has done an excellent job of teaching that this is by no means true. It stresses the importance of diversity and mulitculturalism in children's literature. It has provided me with an abundance of new information that I belive is very important to consider both in the real world and in a classroom setting. This class has helped me to realize everything that contributes to the overall realm of children's literature by focusing on aspects that are visible on the surface and also by exposing what lies below the surface of the text, even down to the illustrations. I think that everybody should have to take this course; it is so eye-opening and presents so many issues that are important not only to teachers, but to the common person.