Introduction
Children’s literature is an essential part of any educational program as it provides children with a window into different worlds and ways of thinking. It is a medium that can facilitate the development of emotional intelligence, empathy, and tolerance, crucial attributes in creating holistic learners who contribute positively to society (Patel, 2020). This essay will explore “Black Dog” by Levi Pinfold and explain why it is appropriate and beneficial for the Foundation Phase classroom. The essay will also contextualize the construct of childhood relevant to the picture book and learners, identify the moral/lesson raised in the story, and provide specific examples from the narrative and visual elements that support the book’s inclusion in the classroom to construct my argument.
The Construct of Childhood in Black Dog
Black Dog is a picture book that explores the theme of fear and how it can overwhelm and paralyze individuals, making them unable to appreciate the beauty of life (Pinfold, 2012). The story revolves around a family that wakes up one day to find a black dog outside their house, growing larger every day until it becomes a gigantic, fearsome creature. The black dog represents the family’s fears; the story is a metaphor for how fear can take over one’s life.
The picture book is suitable for children in the Foundation Phase classroom, which comprises children aged between five and seven years. At this stage, children are beginning to develop their emotional intelligence and are learning how to interact with others. They are also learning to express themselves and developing empathy and tolerance toward others (Patel, 2020). The book’s theme of fear is particularly relevant to children at this age as they are often confronted with new experiences and situations that can be daunting and overwhelming. Children can learn to confront and overcome fears by reading Black Dog, an important life skill.
The Moral/Lesson Raised in the Story
The moral/lesson raised in the story is that fear can be overcome with courage and love. When the family in the story finally confronts the black dog, they realize it is not as fearsome as it seems. They learn that the black dog is friendly and playful and that they have been missing out on its companionship because of their fears. The lesson here is that fear can prevent one from experiencing the beauty of life, and that courage and love are necessary to overcome it.
Specific Examples from the Narrative and Visual Elements
The narrative and visual elements of the book support the inclusion of Black Dog in the Foundation Phase classroom. For example, the illustrations are highly detailed and are drawn in a style that is both eerie and whimsical. Dark tones and shadows create a foreboding atmosphere, reflecting the family’s fears (Gaudio, 2020). However, the illustrations are also infused with humor and playfulness, which help to alleviate the tension and create a sense of optimism.
The narrative is also highly engaging and is written in style accessible to young readers. The repetition and rhythm create a sense of continuity and reinforce the book’s central theme. For example, the refrain “But the biggest, blackest dog was yet to come” is repeated throughout the book, which creates a sense of anticipation and suspense (Pinfold, 2012). The repetition also emphasizes the family’s growing fears and how they cannot overcome them.
Another example from the narrative and visual elements that support the book’s inclusion in the classroom is how the black dog is portrayed. Initially, the dog is depicted as a small, unassuming creature easily ignored. However, as the family’s fears grow, so do the dog’s size and ferocity. This visual transformation is a metaphor for how fear can distort one’s perceptions and make even the most harmless things seem threatening (Gaudio, 2020). By the end of the book, the dog has returned to its original size, and the family realizes that their fear has magnified the dog’s appearance. This realization is a powerful message for children, as it teaches them how to question their perceptions and recognize the role that fears can play in distorting their view of the world (Patel, 2020).
In addition to the visual and narrative elements, the book’s use of language is also noteworthy. The straightforward language makes it easy for young readers to follow the story. However, there are also moments of poetic language that add depth and complexity to the narrative. For example, describing the black dog’s eyes as “two black holes that seemed to go on forever” is both evocative and haunting, and it captures the family’s sense of dread and foreboding (Gaudio, 2020).
The Contribution of Black Dogs to Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, and Tolerance
Black Dog significantly contributes to developing young learners’ emotional intelligence, empathy, and tolerance. The book teaches children how to recognize and confront their fears, an essential life skill. It also shows them the importance of courage and love in overcoming fear and experiencing the beauty of life.
According to Thexton et al. (2019), the book promotes empathy by showing children how fear can distort one’s perceptions and create unnecessary barriers between individuals. The black dog is a metaphor for the unknown and the unfamiliar. The family’s fears represent the natural human tendency to be wary of anything different from what we are used to. By confronting their fears, the family in the story learns that the black dog is not a threat but a companion, a powerful message for children about the importance of empathy and understanding.
Finally, the book promotes tolerance by showing children that things are not always as they seem. The family’s fears of the black dog were based on their perceptions, distorted by their fears. By recognizing this, the family overcame their prejudices and embraced the black dog for what it was. This message of tolerance and acceptance is essential for creating an inclusive and open-minded society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Black Dog by Levi Pinfold is a picture book that is appropriate and beneficial for the Foundation Phase classroom. The book’s theme of fear and how it can be overcome with courage and love is highly relevant to young learners just beginning to develop their emotional intelligence and empathy. The narrative and visual elements of the book support the central theme, and the book’s use of language is simple and poetic. Overall, Black Dog significantly contributes to developing young learners’ emotional intelligence, empathy, and tolerance. It should be included in any classroom library to create holistic learners who contribute positively to society.
References
Gaudio, L., 2020. Black Dog: A Memoir. Southern Connecticut State University.
Patel, A., 2020. Developing a rich reading approach in the Early Years. The Power of a Rich Reading Classroom, p.125.
Pinfold, L., 2012. Black dog. Candlewick Press.
Thexton, T., Prasad, A. and Mills, A.J., 2019. Learning empathy through literature. Culture and Organization, 25(2), pp.83-90.
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