Language as a Tool to Build Relationships

The Importance of Books

Literature offers children awareness and appreciation for their own cultural heritage as well as those of others. It helps children develop emotional intelligence and creativity, nurtures the growth and development of the child's personality and social skills. The stories and themes may pass on from one generation to the next.

Children's literature can be an excel- lent starting point for celebrating the diversity of our world and people. By using stories that feature a range of characters and settings, we can hope to foster the values of tolerance and mutual respect. For instance, a study in 2006 found that reading stories that showed characters with disabilities developed improved attitudes and acceptance towards others with disabilities among its participants (Cameron & Rutland, 2006). Children read and explore picture books repeatedly. This repetition reinforces the ideas and messages they depict and emphasizes the need for quality diverse literature (Burke, 2013). Parents and educators can provide a counter-narrative to exclusion by providing books that challenge stereotypes with characters who are sensitive and emotionally balanced. It is important to select diverse literature that does not perpetuate negative stereo- types of already marginalised groups (Symeonidou & Loizou).