The ASU-Beebe education department will present Children’s Literature Week, March 2-6. The sessions are free admission and will be held in the Abington Library, located at 204 N. Palm Street.
On Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m., “#LiteratureLife: Exploring History in the Classroom through Charlie May Simon’s Works” will be presented by James Wethington, archivist and engagement coordinator with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The UA Center for Arkansas History and Culture maintain a collection of Charlie May Simon papers that contain her original book manuscripts, photographs, and much more. Wethington’s presentation will discuss Charlie May Simon, one of the most prolific children’s literature authors from Arkansas, as well as look at examples from her novels and how teachers could use her novels to teach history and historical events in the classroom. “Literature empowers students to learn life lessons, empathy, self-reflection, and historical events,” Wethington said.
Then, on Tuesday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m., Maria Hoskins, of Mayflower, a literary artist, children’s book author and longtime community leader, whose career spans federal service, public policy and youth advocacy. Hoskins is the author of seven children’s books published through C & V 4 Seasons Publishing. Since her debut, Christmas Night on the Farm (2014), she has become known for heartwarming holiday stories that celebrate family, love and faith. Hoskins is also founder and coordinator of the Arkansas Authors’ Children’s Book Festival. Professionally, Hoskins has served in key public service roles at both the federal and congressional levels, serving as Community Outreach Specialist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Little Rock Field Office within the U.S. Department of Justice since 2011 and volunteers as executive director of Youth Advocate Resource Network in Mayflower.
On Wednesday, March 4 at 10 a.m., “The Orphan Train: Children’s Literature as a Historical Source” will be presented by Amber Bramlett, associate professor of education at ASU-Beebe. Bramlett will introduce books pertaining to the Orphan Train (1854-1929) and other historical events. In this session, participants will explore how picture books and middle-grade texts, especially those based on real events, can be used as meaningful historical sources in the classroom. The discussion will focus on how authors and illustrators interpret true stories and how these choices shape students’ understanding of the past. “Children’s literature can be a powerful way to introduce history to young learners,” Bramlett said.
Additionally, a Children’s Literature Library Scavenger Hunt, themed “Once Upon a Time…This Really Happened,” will take place throughout the week. Participants will have a chance to experience stories in a fun and engaging adventure.
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