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The Importance Of Oral Interpretation Of Children 's Literature

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While many assume that oral interpretation of Children’s Literature is simplistic, often children are in fact tougher critics than adults. The particular children’s book that I selected to read was Amelia Bedelia written by Peggy Parish for many reasons. For example, when I was younger I read all of the Amelia Bedelia series and found them to be entertaining. In addition, Amelia Bedelia is a clumpy maid who is eager to please her new boss. However, Amelia Bedelia does everything literally (instead of changing the towels, she changes them by cutting them). Overall, the book is silly, resulting in one laughing throughout all of Amelia Bedelia’s adventures. In order to be successful in an oral interpretation one must consider the various steps of “Analysis through Performance,” which include playing, testing, and choosing (along with repeating and presenting). By testing and analyzing performance possibilities one can discover additional ways to present the selected text. As stated by Ronald Pelias, it is important to “explore the characters and situations within the [text] through performance, letting others live through your own voice and body” (Jaffe 2006). Firstly, starting with playing or “approaching your piece from a playful attitude, being flexible, creative, and willing to try a range of possible vocal and bodily behaviors” (Jaffe 2006). In order to analyze Amelia Bedelia from a playing perspective, I must look at Amelia Bedelia as a character and let her come to

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