Dear Reader,
My name is Kara Smith and I am a undergraduate at Texas Christian University studying Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education. This website is a creation from my class, Children's Literature where as a group we explore topics such as the Holocaust, LGBTQ, special needs, bulling and homelessness. Throughout this course I have developed a deeper understanding of the power of literature and it's ability to be a great learning tool for children as they are reflecting on topics and gaining knowledge in many areas.
Those with special needs and disabilities have always been a subject of importance to me as I grew up with a neighbor who was exactly my age, but with down syndrome. At first I truly did not notice the differences between us, but as I grew older I began to see them. This is why intervention with bibliotherapy is so important as it educates children to understand the situation of the other, instead of the child making their own judgements which could potentially be hurtful. I believe that critical literature is the foundation for critical thinking and reflecting on these important subjects can help those who are in these situations to not feel as outsiders in their classroom. Moreover, books that portray characters with disabilities are important tools for helping all readers learn about, understand, and relate to people with disabilities.
My website is designed to provide more resources, knowledge and information about bibliotherapy concerning disabilities and special needs. Also, the importance of addressing not just this issue but other issues through critical literacy in your classroom. You can change the world in your classroom, you just have to start the conversation!
Thanks for visiting my website!
Kara Smith
My name is Kara Smith and I am a undergraduate at Texas Christian University studying Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education. This website is a creation from my class, Children's Literature where as a group we explore topics such as the Holocaust, LGBTQ, special needs, bulling and homelessness. Throughout this course I have developed a deeper understanding of the power of literature and it's ability to be a great learning tool for children as they are reflecting on topics and gaining knowledge in many areas.
Those with special needs and disabilities have always been a subject of importance to me as I grew up with a neighbor who was exactly my age, but with down syndrome. At first I truly did not notice the differences between us, but as I grew older I began to see them. This is why intervention with bibliotherapy is so important as it educates children to understand the situation of the other, instead of the child making their own judgements which could potentially be hurtful. I believe that critical literature is the foundation for critical thinking and reflecting on these important subjects can help those who are in these situations to not feel as outsiders in their classroom. Moreover, books that portray characters with disabilities are important tools for helping all readers learn about, understand, and relate to people with disabilities.
My website is designed to provide more resources, knowledge and information about bibliotherapy concerning disabilities and special needs. Also, the importance of addressing not just this issue but other issues through critical literacy in your classroom. You can change the world in your classroom, you just have to start the conversation!
Thanks for visiting my website!
Kara Smith