The indirect input of Geography in children's literature

Abstract

This study analyses the most commonly used English set readers in Maltese Primary State Schools, being the Oxford Reading Tree and Tree Tops schemes, for their geographical components. Oxford Reading Tree is mostly used with Years 1 to 4, while Tree Tops is frequently used with Years 5 and 6. A book review template was created after some research in the field, to help evaluate this geographical element. The book reviews are divided in three headings: Physical Geography, Human Geography and environmental awareness, to help clarifying ideas. A crosscurricular reference with other subjects is also made. The content is then matched with the national curriculum and syllabus of the corresponding year. Eventually, a suggested activity or activities are given to help the educator in addressing the geographical input found in the book. Most of the books that were reviewed had a significant amount of geographical content in them.