Care and Controversy in Children’s Literature (A Research Forum)
by Dina Ocampo, Ph.D. (PBBY-Sectoral Representative for Researchers)
Three highly respected researchers on children’s literature from the University of the Philippines shared their current work revolving around the theme “Care and Controversy in Children’s Literature” last 29 November 2021. The forum provided a venue to probe how children’s literature reflects, and ultimately shapes views about children and the social realities they are allowed to experience and engage with.
Dr. Lalaine Yanilla-Aquino discussed Filipino beliefs and values reflected in realistic children’s stories published over 38 years. Her paper entitled “The paradox of the Filipino child: Realistic Philippine children’s stories (1990-2018) presented an analysis of the child protagonist who deals with personal, social, socio-cultural, or socio-political issues in these narratives. Using the critical stylistics method, the study unmasked ideologies pertaining to the Filipino child and determined if the child protagonist is given agency, if her/his rights are protected and respected, and if s/he is valued as a member not just of the family but of the larger community. The presentation explored how children’s literature is used as an instrument in “keeping the (Filipino) child in her/his place.”
The second paper presentation explored the notions of care in select titles in Philippine children’s literature. Professor Maria Hazelle Preclaro-Ongtengco’s study focused on the following questions: What are the notions of ‘care’ in select titles of Philippine Children’s Literature? What are examples of giving care in these narratives? What are the modes of care being exemplified in local children’s books? To answer these questions, titles from from Philippine Children’s Literature used in early grades classrooms were selecting using an adaptation of Louis Rath’s three-step process: (1) choosing, (2) prizing and (3) acting. The stories identified were then content analyzed to determine the notions of care evident. The findings from this research affirm the relational nature of care. Notions of care as depicted in local children’s books range from the concrete (preservation of life) to the more abstract (acceptance of diversity). The act of caring necessitates both the acceptance of change and the exercise of agency. And finally, modes of care evident in the narratives were displayed verbally, through gestures or actions made by the main characters, and through representations made using the storybook illustrations.
The third paper by Professor Ana Margarita Salvador explored the topic: “Controversial Issues in Children's Books: Are Teachers Ready for Them?” In this study, five teachers underwent indepth interviews. Discussions probed into the reasons why they would or would not choose to use a certain of children’s books that may be deemed radical or controversial. Results point out to considerations of student needs and experiences, teacher readiness and values, school beliefs, parental approval, as well as how a controversial topic is presented in a children’s book.
This forum highlighted that children’s literature contains deeply embedded Filipino values as well as emerging perspectives that challenge these. Content analysis of stories showed that concepts and notions of children and childhood. The content, illustrations and style may limit or liberate the readers’ understanding of themselves, children, and the different life contexts of other’s people. In the same vein, teachers also have the power to curate the stories that children are exposed to and talk about in school. With excellent pedagogy, using these stories for lessons could not only develop comprehension among children but also result in fostering inclusion and embracing diversity in young readers.
Indeed, children’s literature provides insights about how adults in Philippine society view children, their rights, differences and needs. The presentations emphasized how these have changed through the years or across stories. Children’s literature depicts the evolving Filipino values, notions of care and controversy over time.
Lalaine Yanilla-Aquino, Ph.D.
Professor Maria Hazelle Preclaro-Ongtengco
Professor Ana Margarita Salvador
