Social Issues: Connecting Children to Their World by Elizabeth Strehle

Elizabeth Strehle's article uses homelessness as an example of a social issue that we need to introduce our children to. Children have preconceived notions of the world around them but if they aren't given the opportunities to discuss and explore this world, their learning will never be enhanced. Children are full of questions that they are longing to get answered. When they hear of things on the radio; such as tragic things happening, questions form and brains start working. Children are just as much a part of the world as adults and they are wrapped up in its reality just like we are. The difference is that they are still confused and trying to sort it all out. According to Strehle, we can help sort out this confusion through literature. "Literature is powerful! A book can reflect life as we know it and allow us to understand the world of others." (Strehle, 213)
Strehle's article effectively illustrates how to utilize children's literature to help explain the reality of social issues. Books can serve as discussion starters for certain issues that children may have questions about.
Strehle uses the books Way Home by Libby Hathorn and Smokey Night by Eve Bunting to help explain the point she is trying to make. "I decided to select two picture books written by different authors, linked by inner city settings and realistic characters, to explore the theme of homelessness, to discover how a teacher might enhance the understanding of social issues through literary discussions." (Strehle, 214) She summarizes each book and highlights important points in each to explain what each book can do for a reader exploring social issues.
I can appreciate the idea of using literature to enhance understanding. Social issues can sometimes be a difficult topic of discussion but Strehle offers an effective and approachable way to introduce them to students. Expanding on ideas is important in itself; expanding on issues that children have preconceived notions on is another something that can really be beneficial. By allowing students to discuss and explore real world topics like homelessness we are broadening their horizons and opening their minds to the world around them.
Strehle, Elizabeth. "Social Issues: Connecting Children to Their World." Children's Literature in Education 30(1999): 213-220.