The selection of children\u27s literature for teaching values and ethics through use of art forms

Values and ethics taught through children\u27s literature can be effective in helping develop good character in students. Actively involving children in learning through art forms helps increase meaning and understanding. Art forms such as creative dramatization, pantomime, creative interpretation, role playing, and reader\u27s theater are concrete learning strategies that extend children\u27s literature. With these hands-on strategies, the outcome is that children will remember the values learned through children\u27s literature and apply them in their own life. This study is designed to select children\u27s literature for teaching ethics and values through use of art forms. The purpose is to answer the following questions: 1. Which children\u27s literature can be used to teach ethics and values? 2. Of that literature (selected for #1), which children\u27s literature can be used to teach ethics and values through use of art forms? The methodologies used are a literature review of relevant research articles and an analysis of children\u27s literature for elementary grade levels (k-6) related to this topic. In the studies reviewed, researchers examine ethics and values in children\u27s literature and the use of art forms. First, books are selected that meet criteria for quality children\u27s literature; then, criteria for ethics and values; finally, criteria for art forms. From the data and children\u27s literature reviewed, specific examples of children\u27s literature, with listed values and suggested art forms, are categorized by genre and presented as a selection of children\u27s literature for teaching values and ethics through use of art forms