Picture Book Portrayals of the Transition to Kindergarten: Who is Responsible?

Depictions of teachers and teacher practices in picture books about starting kindergarten

“…Researchers have also explored various aspects of the instructional environment teacher characters present to children, including how children’s literature depicts teachers’ classroom management skills (Belcher et al., 2019; Gemma, 2001; Sandefur and Moore, 2004), the varying roles teachers take in the classroom (Dockett et al., 2010; Gemma, 2001; Triplett and Ash, 2000), and the educational philosophy implemented by teachers (Cutler and Slicker, 2020; Dockett et al., 2010; Phillips and Sturm, 2013; Sandefur and Moore, 2004). Research regarding instructional environments in children’s books reveals an overall pattern in which teachers are shown as frazzled, tired, exasperated, and as being incapable of effectively managing classroom behavior (Belcher et al., 2019; Dockett et al., 2010; Sandefur and Moore, 2004).…”

“…The extant literature demonstrates that picture books hold a powerful presence in the lives of many young children—often endorsing and reinforcing cultural beliefs, including those regarding the school environment (Bergman Deitcher et al., 2019; Bishop, 1990; Cutler and Slicker, 2020). Books designed for the youngest of readers are frequently used to share educational, societal, and cultural information with children in a relaxed atmosphere (Bergman Deitcher et al., 2019; Chiong and DeLoache, 2013).…”

“…Analyzing children’s literature for the messages—both overt and covert—these books send to readers is common. Researchers have explored gender portrayals (Berry and Wilkins, 2017; Cutler and Slicker, 2020; Hamilton et al., 2006), race and ethnicity representation (Bishop, 1990; Martínez-Roldán, 2013; Rodriguez and Kim, 2018; Skrlac Lo, 2019), and disability depictions (Dyches and Prater, 2005; Kleekamp and Zapata, 2019; Leininger et al., 2010) in children’s picture books. The images of school settings, including teacher characters, in children’s books has also been addressed (Belcher et al., 2019; Marshall, 2016; Niemi et al., 2014), although few studies have focused specifically on kindergarten teachers, nor have they investigated the race, ethnicity, gender, and dis/ability status of teachers in relation to that of the depicted students.…”

“…Engaging in the shared reading of picture books about starting kindergarten is another popular strategy used by families and child care programs to help prepare children for kindergarten. Such books provide children with a frame of reference for supporting their knowledge and understanding of this new experience (Cutler and Slicker, 2020; Dockett et al., 2010; Phillips and Sturm, 2013), while also shaping their preconceptions and expectations about schools, classrooms, and teachers (Gemma, 2001; Niemi et al., 2014). However, little is known about the content, and specifically, the depiction of teachers, in children’s picture books focused on this topic.…”

Does Adlerian Play Therapy Increase Social, Physical, and Task Appeal More Than Content Mastery Services in Elementary School Students?

“…With this social spirit, children will create a reflection on themselves (Green, 2019). He will also learn moral values (Aminin et al, 2018), the ability to work together (Fitriyah et al, 2020), and be responsible for his life (Cutler & Slicker, 2020). Good social development also makes children active in learning and independent (Aghnaita, 2017).…”