Developing Imaginative Engagement in Young Children Using Children’s Literature

Abstract

Given the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of the United States, an important part of citizenship education is helping children learn how to engage respectfully and dialogically with people whose beliefs and ways of life may differ significantly from their own. Such engagement is necessary for peaceful co-existence, as well as in the pursuit of goals for the common good. This article presents the concept of imaginative engagement as one way to develop such skills and understanding in young children through the medium of children’s literature. Imaginative engagement and its importance to citizenship is described, followed by an explanation of ways that children’s literature can help students develop imaginative engagement, with a caveat on the limitations of using children’s literature. The article ends with some suggestions for ways to use appropriate texts in the elementary classroom, as well as the crucial role of the teacher in this process.