Throughout history, there has often been a stigma attached to being different from the majority. Even in times of globalisation, stereotypes and other forms of generalisation are still one of the ways we face the challenges of everyday life, but if we are not critical enough, they can lead to negative discrimination. As this picture book is primarily aimed at readers who are not yet burdened by stereotypes, it can make a significant contribution to developing compassion and understanding of others.
In my research on the phenomenon of diversity in picture books, I first asked myself what are the expressive means and strategies of picture books, and then examined various anthropological perspectives and findings on diversity, stereotypes and tolerance.
In the empirical part of the thesis I described the ways in which I tried to transfer my theoretical knowledge to the pupils involved in my research, to those I teach at school and to my children at home. Through Igor Plohl's picture books, I tried to make children aware of the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities, and we also looked at picture books that address dyslexia or scotopic syndrome, autism, difference in general.
Through my master's thesis, teachers can become familiar with some important aspects of dealing with diversity, with different picture books for developing empathy and acceptance of others, as well as with specific didactic methodologies that can help them to raise awareness among their students.
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