Much has been written about children's literature as a genre; but very little material exists on how to use it in diverse South African classrooms where teachers prepare young learners in literacy skills. Introducing Children's Literature equips the prospective teacher with a strong theoretical introduction to the genre and details how children can be encouraged to become enthusiastic readers. This books also provides insight into the developmental stages of a child; the history of South African literature, with particular reference to the oral tradition; the role of the adult in establishing a reading culture; practicalities of introducing stories and literature to children in different phases from diverse contexts; the use of illustrations and technology to enhance other literacies; techniques of storytelling and selecting appropriate texts; the influence of the hidden curriculum in terms of moral development, stereotyping, sanitising and representation. The authors collectively have decades of experience in teacher education, teaching at the chalkface and raising their own children to enjoy reading. Many practical suggestions for using children's literature in the classroom makes this book a necessity for teachers, student teachers and parents.

The day-to-day complexities of teaching in real South African classrooms are challenging for novice or beginner teachers. Although new teachers are equipped with knowledge and competencies from their years of study, often there is a gap between what they know and applying their knowledge in a "real" classroom. Practical guidelines for novice teachers provides an important resource for novice or beginner teachers in that it bridges some of these theory-practice gaps and aims at providing teachers with skills to remain motivated, professional and successful during their first years in the classroom. Written by experienced teachers who talk new teachers through the various critical aspects of teaching, the advice is practical and based on real classroom experiences. This book tackles a wide range of aspects that are not always covered in other books for new teachers, such as African perspectives to teaching, how to look after your finances as a teacher, dealing with sensitive curriculum topics, and more. The book provides guidance and hands-on information for dealing with: - Teaching as a career in South Africa - what does it really entail? - You as a new professional - what does this mean, how does it change your identity and how do you look after yourself? - Our learners - how to deal with the diversity of learning styles, temperaments and behaviours in one classroom - Classroom matters - from surviving the first day to making your own inexpensive resources - Beyond the curriculum - from coaching to organizing a school function - Tips from top teachers in real classroom