Homeschool Fever

This theory says that children construct meaning from books based not just on text or the specific genre, but by relying on their own background knowledge. The reader’s personal experience, preferences, and feelings construct the true meaning of the text. Therefore meaning is found in the transaction between reader and text.

Importance: This theory is important because it helps teachers understand that children grasp knowledge and form meaning based on many different facets of life – including their age and background knowledge. It shows us that we must also look at a child’s current cognitive development, language development, and the role of personal experience when involved in a storyline.

Criteria to use when evaluating books based on this theory:

Book selection based on this theory involves understanding the child’s current development and how their age group views and understands books.

Infants/Toddlers (0-2): explores world w/senses, enjoys rhythm, music, reads “pictures”

* Invite participation, have rhythmic text, colorful & sturdy books

Early Childhood (2-4): Understand simple concepts (counting, ABC’s), wants to do it

themselves, likes to hold book and “read” familiar stories

* Have clear, eye catching pictures w/simple concepts, simple plots, songs, lilting

Primary (5-8): become independent readers, vivid imaginations, demands strict morals

* Have artistically excellent illustrations, supportive structure in books to read

alone, and rich language in books to read aloud

Intermediate (9-12): likes mystery, intrigue, humor, develops strength in independent

reading, forms strong friendships outside of family, are concrete thinkers

* Present realistic view of the world, develop strong characters, memorable plots,

stress growing up and friendship themes

Advanced (12+): accepts responsibility for self and action, seeks role models and heroes,

are self conscious, beginning to think abstractly

* Deal with social & personal problems, show the underside of people and

society, develop complex plots and strong characterization, vary stylistically

Fun Idea!
Considering Theme: many themes are applicable, such as friendship, maturity, honesty, and prejudice; work with students to develop a statement that represents the theme selected and have them explore different books based on the theme.

Why this theory is important:

It shows teachers (and children) that just because a child may come up with a different view of the book than another child does, this is normal based on the fact that different readers develop meaning from stories in different ways.