Accuracy—one
of the criteria for both the Orbis Pictus Award and the Sibert Award for
nonfiction—is up for reconsideration. I do not say this lightly, but rather a
little reluctantly, since I have been looking for evidence of “correctness” of
information for many years. Yet, as Marc Aronson stated in his last post,
looking for reliable and balanced views is in his words “the
wrong approach for our time.” One book cannot suffice for providing use with a
single view of either science or social studies topics. And, now I find myself
agreeing.
We
need, instead, to show young readers that what we know—while generally
reliable—is also subject to change. A look at what scientists refer to as the
nature of science (NOS) tells us that scientific knowledge is tentative, yet
reliable. That is, it is subject to change. Similarly, a look at the Social
Studies C3 Framework tells us that history is about gathering evidence and
using it to develop arguments about the past. So if we are to promote
disciplinary literacy, we need to let readers know how to think the way
historians and scientists do. This has been referred to as teaching them the “rules
of the game” and inviting them to take part.
We
can begin to do this in small ways. Here’s an example. I just finished reading
Margarita Engle’s book Enchanted Air: Two
cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir. This book grabbed me on two levels. First it
reminded me of why literature has such a strong hold on me. The language is
beautiful and the narrative is gripping. I let go of any critical approach I
might have to just simply enjoy the poetic words and images. But, second, I was
eager to learn more about what it was like to grow up between two cultures—Cuban
and North American. I read with interest about how the author grew to love her
Cuban visits with family and the life she lived there, while balancing her
Californian life.
Here is an opportunity to show historical change. One way to
begin to learn about these changes is to follow the current news about Cuba.
Begin by consulting the Breaking World Cuba News from the New York Times at http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/cuba
Read Enchanted Air to
learn about how the author lived between two cultures and then update your
understanding of what is happening now by following the news and examining more
sources. I think that is a more realistic approach to accuracy.
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