Barns refleksjoner om forholdet mellom natur og mennesker i litterære samtaler om bildeboka De to gamle og livets tre

The study investigates how kindergarten children reflect on the relationship between nature and people through conversations about the picture book called The Two Elders and the Tree of life (Les Deux Vieux et l’Arbre de vie). The purpose is to highlight the complex interaction between trees and humans as it is presented in children’s literature.

The study highlights the children’s ability to independently create meaning. Through imaginative, empathetic and critical perspectives, the children were able to reflect on nature’s needs and intrinsic value. Based on the story, the children came up with suggestions for new forms of interaction between people and nature. The children had playful and thought-provoking reflections on the various conditions necessary for a seed to germinate. The results show that an open dissemination method in which children are allowed to participate without pre-determined learning objectives can create space for both play and deep reflection

The study is part of the Lydhør i Kongsgården project, which involves a Norwegian kindergarten department. Throughout the project, the Two Elders and the Tree of life picture book was disseminated and dramatised. A group of between five and eight children aged 4 and 5 years participated in the project. The data material consists of field notes, audio recordings of literary conversations with the children, photographs from the dissemination of the book, as well as the children’s own drawings. The researchers analysed the material focusing on the children’s reflections after experiencing the book.

Krogstad, A., & Hovik, L. (2023). Barns refleksjoner om forholdet mellom natur og mennesker i litterære samtaler om bildeboka De to gamle og livets tre. Nordic Journal of Art & Research, 12(2), 1–25.