Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
Region V (Bicol)
Libon Community College
Libon, Albay
MC LIT 1 – Children and Adolescent Literature
The Didactic Period
Books for Teaching Children
I. OBJECTIVES
Define the Didactic Period and explain its significance in literature and education.
Recognize how children's books from this period aimed to educate and entertain
simultaneously.
ACTIVITY
II. INTRODUCTION
The Didactic Period was a time when literature focused on teaching moral,
ethical, and intellectual lessons. Writers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Thomas
Day emphasized education through real-world experiences and storytelling. Didactic
works, including fables, fairy tales, and philosophical narratives, aimed to both entertain
and instruct, shaping the values and knowledge of their readers.
III. DISCUSSION
DIDACTIC
The term didactic refers to content designed to instruct or educate, often with a
focus on moral or ethical lessons. Derived from the Greek word didaktikos, meaning
"apt at teaching," didactic works aim to convey information and guidance. While the
primary intent is educational, the term can sometimes carry a negative connotation
when the instructional aspect is overly pronounced, leading to a tone that may be
perceived as preachy or pedantic.
DIDACTISM
Didacticism is a literary movement encompassing written works that both instruct
and entertain
ORIGINS OF DIDACTICISM
Didacticism began before the written word. Early cultures dispersed knowledge
Didacticism began and entertainment through oral storytelling. Spoken fables, parables.
and myths were a means to educate as well as amuse.
Fairy tales are an early example of didacticism. They started as an oral tradition
and eventually passed from culture to culture, with each society putting their own spin
on the tales to ensure they captured their community's norms. The first written fairy tale,
believed to be "The Smith and the Devil, dates to 1300 BCE
THE DIDACTIC PERIOD
Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a French philosopher who started a new
philosophy in the education of children. His book Emile embodied the philosophy that
children be given freedom to develop their natural interests and learn from actual
experience. He advocated that children be taught about the real things and the world in
which they live. Another writer of this period was Thomas Day who published his History
of Sanford and Merton, a story about a good little boy and his teacher and both tried to
reform a bad boy. The Peter Parley books were informational books about countries of
the world, about the wonders of science and about historical figures.
BOOKS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN DURING THE DIDACTIC PERIOD
During the didactic period, it's important to select books that are engaging, educational,
and age-appropriate for children. Here are some recommended books for teaching
children during this period:
Aesop's Fables: These timeless tales are not only entertaining but also impart
moral lessons through animal characters and simple narratives.
Grimm's Fairy Tales: This collection of fairy tales offers a mix of enchanting
stories that can captivate young readers while conveying important life lessons.
Dr. Seuss Books: The imaginative and rhyming stories of Dr. Seuss are not only
fun to read but also help in developing children's language and literacy skills.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: This classic picture book not only
teaches children about the life cycle of a butterfly but also introduces them to
days of the week and counting.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: This book encourages
imagination and creativity while addressing themes of emotions and behavior.
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: This heartwarming story about friendship and
loyalty can be a great way to introduce children to more complex themes and
characters.
These books are not only entertaining but also provide valuable lessons and themes
that can contribute to the educational development of children during the didactic
period.
IV. GENERALIZATION
The Didactic Period was a significant era in literature and education,
emphasizing the dual purpose of instruction and entertainment in children's books.
Writers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Thomas Day advocated for learning through
experience and moral storytelling, shaping how children were educated. Didactic
literature, originating from oral traditions such as fables and fairy tales, evolved into
written works that reinforced societal values and ethics.
V. EVALUATION
Submitted by:
BENEDIC LAWRENCE CERENO
BSED-ENGLISH 2B
Noted:
MARIA NIÑA BANDA MAEd
INSTRUCTOR
