Using Storybooks as a Character Education Tools

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the views and implementations of preschool teachers in “giving character education through picture storybooks”. Descriptive review method was used in the research and supported with focus group interviews. For this reason data were took from two study groups (for the descriptive study group n=245, for the focus group n=24 teachers). Study results show that character education is the important for the teachers, teachers use picture storybooks that support character education,  however they find themselves partly competent in giving character education with picture storybooks, and think story books useful and effective in terms of character education, believe that teachers should be a role model in character education, and methods like drama, play, question-answer, and brainstorming are much preferred for an effective character education. Upon these results, enhancement of books that support character education in children’s literature and courses aimed at character education in preschool teaching departments can be suggested.

Keywords: Picture storybooks, values, character education, preschool education.