Shelly kaur essay draft

COP2 Essay

Shelly Kaur

Books VS. Films: Which is more effective in terms of encouraging the social development of the children of today?

Introduction Books or films? This is a question that is commonly discussed within the realms of entertainment, however, rarely goes beyond the debate of which is better. This essay aims to further explore the ongoing discussion but in terms of the encouragement and aiding of social development in children, and more predominantly, which is more effective in doing so. Extend The purpose and power of children’s books and films Children’s books and films have a great deal in common. They both communicate some form of narrative and their main purpose (most of the time) is to entertain but more theoretically, they create a means of escape from existence. A new world where they can let their imaginations run wild and an ephemeral new life in which to envisage themselves in.

Academic, Dr Louise Joy, believes that children’s narrative is so effective in doing this, that adults too resort back to books read as a youth, in pursuance of a retreat from reality. She suggests that they ‘offer a world where self-consciousness is overthrown and relationships are straightforward’ (2011). This could therefore represent the power of children’s books and films, and their capability to fully capture an individual’s attention and mind temporarily. This makes for the perfect opportunity to communicate with adolescents- a time where their attention is grasped- and educate them in the importance of social skills, as well as progression and development in society- which is not prioritised within the domain of education.

The importance of narrative- narrative theory Narrative theory is…

How children learn- Different types of learners, two of which are visual and Reading and writing • • •

Albert Bandura- children learn through observation, models Dugan Laird – Sensory Stimulation Theory- children learn through stimulation of the senses. 75% of adult knowledge was learnt through seeing Jerome Bruner- Information is stored differently depending on the age of the child.

1-6 years: Iconic- visually, through images. 7+ years: Symbolic- through language, through words.

There are a multitude of theories about the way children learn; The Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky. L, 1978) The Stages of Cognitive Development (Piaget. J, 1958) and Behavioural

COP2 Essay

Shelly Kaur

Child Development theories (Watson. J. B, 1913. Pavlov. I, 1897. Skinner. B. F, 1957) to name a few. One of the most common theorists of children’s learning and development is Albert Bandura. He suggested that children learn through a process of observation and the practice of detecting traits and actions in the behaviour of ‘models’- a term coined by Bandura to describe those being observed. These ‘models’ could potentially take the form of characters, meaning children can learn from those within stories and narratives that they are invested in, whether this be a film or piece of literature. However, Jerome Bruner’s theory suggests that the importance of children’s learning lies within the way the information is stored. His theory states that there are 3 stages of Representation that lead to the cognitive development of children and that these occur within a specific age range. The first, Enactive (action-based) takes place up until the age of 1, the second, Iconic (image-based) takes a child through the ages 1-6 and lastly, the Symbolic stage (language-based), occurs in children ages 7+. Given that most social development occurs between 2 and 5 years (Wittenberg. H, 2013) this suggests that the most important stage in terms of this argument would be the Iconic stage, where information is stored in the form of pictures. This is also supported by Dugan Laird’s Sensory Stimulation theory and research he found which states that ‘the vast majority of knowledge held by adults (75%) is learned through seeing’ (1985).

Visual elements- animation, illustrations Considering the theories previously discussed, it is evident that visuals are important in assisting the social development of children with regards to learning. Both children’s books and films can possess visual elements, and they do, more recently through animation or book illustrations. Some of the most popular examples of visuals within books would be picture books and fairy tales (which will be discussed further in the next paragraph) and the development of animation software in recent times for film is phenomenal. The stunning visual elements of both books and films draws children in and makes for a more dynamic, exciting experience, beginning the argument of which is better at a reasonably level position.

Fairy tales- morals/ life lessons – not being read anymore- bad influence Fairy tales are known for artfully teaching children life lessons and morals which are key skills in social development – ‘children intuitively understand that these stories represent the essential developmental steps towards independent existence’ (Bettleheim. B, 2013). They are also ideal in providing an unfamiliar world, profoundly disparate from our own, for children to lose themselves in the enjoyment of. A world of enchanting fantasy and folkloric characters. However, it could be said that fairy tales now teach the wrong lessons, or more accurately, have bad influences on children, having been written hundreds of years ago.

Some of which include stereotypes of gender, give children nonsensical expectations about the way they must look and how they must act and also teaches children that in a lot of cases it is okay to do something bad if your intentions are good. Furthermore, an article featured in The Guardian, written by Abbie Longstaff, points out that a lot of fairy tales

COP2 Essay

Shelly Kaur

contain a breach of basic human rights (2015). This may be one of the reasons that has contributed to the fact that parents are no longer reading their children fairy tales in this day and age, but more predominately, it is due to the fact that there are more current books out there for children to read now- Michael Rosen’s ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ and Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ for instance, are more contemporary than fairy tales and more popular nowadays.

Technology• •

The impact of technology on todays children - pressure Children prefer watching tv to reading

The children of today are under a lot more pressure socially, in terms of fitting in, due to the rise of technology. So many children desire materialistic things due to being in an environment where nearly everyone is infatuated with having the latest gadgets. It is now a social norm to use some form of technology on a day to day basis and in most cases, for the majority of the day. This obsession with mobile phones, laptops, television and video games has resulted in a decline in the amount of reading carried out by children. An article in the Independent newspaper titled ‘Children are reading less’ states that in a survey carried out, they not only found that children were reading less but also that children prefer watching television than reading. The text also proposes the concern that one fifth of the 21,000 children that took part in the survey expressed that 'they would be embarrassed if a friend saw them with a book.' (2012) 150 words

Fairy tales being made into current films- able to adjust lessons taught to suit current views within society Some feel that most of the lessons taught in fairy tales are extremely useful in learning about the how to behave within society and that we should still be reiterating these stories to children today. Find reference. However, recently it has become apparent that fairy tales are making their way back into people’s lives through film and animation. A classic example is the unquestionably popular ‘Frozen’, a production of Disney (2013) that ‘took over the world’ (Konnikova. M, 2014). A new and ameliorated edition of the somewhat frightful story- The Snow Queen, published in 1845 by Hans Christian Anderson. The tale has been retold from a different perspective and teaches children the wrongs and rights within a societal setting. Examples/ reference needed. A Numerous amount of these fairy tale recreations are going against the conventional themes commonly found in traditional children’s stories (in order to suit changes in society now) and are aiming to teach children more appropriate lessons. Talk more about Disney. – reflects the times, resulting in both children and adults loving them.

Why shouldn’t we use films to educate children in the importance of social skills?

COP2 Essay

Shelly Kaur

The importance of narrative in a child’s journey through social development has been made clear through previous points made in this study, but the question this essay aimed to answer is why can this not be achieved through film? Throughout their education children are taught all important literary skills and the ability to read and write to a high standard through core subjects taught within schools universally. Outside of this, technology is a significant part of their lives, and will be for many years to come due to constant technological enhancement, which is a strong reason to take advantage of this and use it as a tool to educate children in skills they are not appropriately educated in- this being social skills.

Other reasons why films are better in terms of this argument • •

Talk about Music- music is powerful- neurology- oliver sacks?

Watching films might encourage children to read more- see reference.

Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident through this discussion that films and books are vital to the social development of children. Although books hold more value with regards to teaching further skills such as literary competence and allowing the mind to really be immersed within the narrative of the book from a first-hand point of view, we cannot ignore the fact that technology is constantly improving and is becoming a huge force that influences the lives of not only children, but everyone. We cannot change the fact that children find more pleasure in engaging with technology than reading books and rather than simply disapproving, we should be using this as an opportunity to reach out to young people. Utilise the power of technology and focus more on helping children to recognise the importance of social skills in a way that they will understand. Needs refining and extending. Can I say ‘we’?

Find IMAGES TO ANALYSE

COP2 Essay

Shelly Kaur

Bibliography Bandura, A. (1977) Social learning theory. 2nd edn. United States: Prentice Hall.

Brody, R. (no date) ‘A Monster Calls’ and the Stifling Lessons of Children’s Movies. Available at: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/a-monster-calls-and-the-stifling-lessons-ofchildrens-movies (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Brookes, O. (2011) Theories of learning. Available at: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsld/resources/theories.html (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Bruner, J.S., Olver, R.R. and Greenfield, P.M. (1966) Studies in cognitive growth: A collaboration at the center for cognitive studies. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Children are reading less (2012) Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/children-are-reading-less8113993.html (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Children need fairy tales Bruno Bettelheim’s the uses of enchantment (2013) Available at: https://www.ucy.ac.cy/nursery/documents/children_need_fairytales.pdf (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

DiProperzio, L. (2015) Social development milestones: Ages 1 to 4. Available at: http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/social/social-developmentmilestones-ages-1-to-4/ (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Edwards, A. (2011) Does Harry Potter magic away the stresses of modern life? Adults seek refuge from reality in children’s fantasy. Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article2040705/Escaping-reality-How-stresses-modern-life-drive-adults-seek-refuge-childrens-books.html (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Fallows, J. (2014) Kids actually read the books that movies are based on. Available at: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/09/kids-actually-read-the-books-thatmovies-are-based-on/380395/ (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Kelly, K. (2010) What technology wants. New York, NY, United States: Tantor Media.

Kimmel, EricA. (no date) Can children’s books change children’s values? Available at: http://ascd.com/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_197011_kimmel.pdf (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Kimmel, Eric.A. (no date) Can children’s books change children’s values? Available at: http://ascd.com/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_197011_kimmel.pdf (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Konnikova, M. (2014) How ‘Frozen’ Took Over the World. Available at: http://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/how-frozen-took-over-the-world (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Limited, C. (2010) Books vs films: The Infographic. Available at: http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/books-vs-films-the-infographic (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

COP2 Essay

Shelly Kaur

Longstaff, A. (2015) A history of human rights abuses in fairytales A history of human rights abuses in fairytales. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/may/22/humanrights-in-fairytales-abie-longstaff (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Parry, B. (2013) Children, film and literacy. Basingstoke, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan.

Sharp, R. (2011) Why do adults read children’s books? Blame modern life. Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/why-do-adults-read-childrensbooks-blame-modern-life-2359349.html (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

TheBookAddictedGirl (2013) Are books better than films? Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/06/discussion-books-better-than-films-adaptations (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Trust, B. (2016) Books vs films. Available at: http://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-andblogs/blogs/booktrust/850 (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Unesco Department of Mass Communications (1976) The influence of the cinema on children and adolescents: An annotated international bibliography. Westport, CT, United States: Greenwood Press.

Warner, M. (2016) How fairytales grew up. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/12/how-fairytales-grew-up-frozen (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Williams, R. (2007) The Technology and the Society. Available at: http://emmti.wikispaces.asu.edu/file/view/tv_williams_long.pdf (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Wu, T. (2014) As Technology Gets Better, Will Society Get Worse? Available at: http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/as-technology-gets-better-will-society-get-worse (Accessed: 29 January 2017).

Questions for Pete: • • • •

I am aware that more triangulation is needed but I’m not sure where I could triangulate within my subject?

Struggling with images- Do you have any suggestions?

Bibliography contains some references that I have not used yet but may use- If I don’t use these, but have looked at them, do I include them in my bibliography?

Also, I have put the accessed date as today’s date as I cannot remember the actual date visited, would this be okay?