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An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature

Cilt: 6 Sayı: 1 30 Temmuz 2026
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An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature

Öz

This study utilizes a holistic single-case design from qualitative research methods to examine the empathetic perceptions of seven preschool children aged 60-72 months toward individuals with special needs through selected works of children’s literature. This research aims to develop empathetic awareness among typically developing children and analyze this process. Seven high-quality children’s literature works that constitute the material of the study were selected to represent groups with physical disabilities, ASD, ADHD, speech and language disorders, and specific learning disabilities. The selection of the works was based on the representation of the characters as “active subjects,” literary quality, and adherence to ethical values. The suitability of the selected books for the target age group and their content validity were confirmed in accordance with the opinions of three academics specializing in preschool education, special education, and children’s literature. Data obtained from interactive book reading sessions conducted during the seven-week application process were collected through semi-structured pre – and post-interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis. The findings show that children’s literature not only enhances children’s cognitive knowledge but also supports them in forming emotional bonds with individuals with special needs and developing empathetic reflection. The research results highlight the critical potential of high-quality children’s literature in building a “culture of understanding and acceptance” in inclusive educational settings.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Children’s literature, Empathic approach, Children with special needs

Etik Beyan

Ethical approval under article 21 was obtained by the Istanbul Aydın University Faculty of Education Ethics Committee with decision number 2025-05, dated 22.05.2025.

Kaynakça

  1. Adomat, D. S. (2012). Drama’s potential for deepening young children’s understandings of stories. Early Childhood Education Journal, 40(5), 343–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643.012.0519-8
  2. Aktepe, V., & Sümer Dodur, H. M. (2025). Turkish teachers’ views on the inclusion of children with special needs in schools: A mixed-methods study. Social Psychology of Education, 28(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218.025.10070-4
  3. Allan, J. (2010). The sociology of disability and the struggle for inclusive education. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 31(5), 603–619. https://doi.org/10.1080/01425.692.2010.500093
  4. Alloway, T. P. (2023). Bunların hepsini nasıl hatırlayabilirim? Sola Kidz Yayınları.
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  6. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://dn790004.ca.archive.org/0/items/APA-DSM-5/DSM5.pdf
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  8. Arıkan, A., Tomris, G., Yılmaz Bursa, G., & Tuna, D. M. (2021). Özel gereksinimli bireylere yönelik farkındalık geliştirmede okul öncesi çocuk kitaplarımız nitelikli mi? Ana Dili Eğitimi Dergisi, 9(1), 19–44. https://doi.org/10.16916/aded.797738
  9. Ata Doğan, S. (2025). Okul öncesi dönemde çocukların empati becerilerine yönelik araştırmaların sistematik incelenmesi. Trakya Eğitim Dergisi, 15(1), 170–190. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/tebd/issue/93942/1591302
  10. Ateş, E. ve Balkır, C. (2022). Exploring teachers’ opinions about problem behavior in students diagnosed with ADHD. European Journal of Special Education Research, 11(3), 106–123. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v11i3.6075

Kaynak Göster

APA
Balkır, C., & Akgül, Ş. (2026). An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature. Temel Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 6(1), 163-197. https://doi.org/10.55008/te-ad.1852139
AMA
1.Balkır C, Akgül Ş. An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature. TEAD. 2026;6(1):163-197. doi:10.55008/te-ad.1852139
Chicago
Balkır, Ceren, ve Şennur Akgül. 2026. “An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature”. Temel Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi 6 (1): 163-97. https://doi.org/10.55008/te-ad.1852139.
EndNote
Balkır C, Akgül Ş (01 Temmuz 2026) An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature. Temel Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi 6 1 163–197.
IEEE
[1]C. Balkır ve Ş. Akgül, “An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature”, TEAD, c. 6, sy 1, ss. 163–197, Tem. 2026, doi: 10.55008/te-ad.1852139.
ISNAD
Balkır, Ceren - Akgül, Şennur. “An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature”. Temel Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi 6/1 (01 Temmuz 2026): 163-197. https://doi.org/10.55008/te-ad.1852139.
JAMA
1.Balkır C, Akgül Ş. An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature. TEAD. 2026;6:163–197.
MLA
Balkır, Ceren, ve Şennur Akgül. “An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature”. Temel Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi, c. 6, sy 1, Temmuz 2026, ss. 163-97, doi:10.55008/te-ad.1852139.
Vancouver
1.Ceren Balkır, Şennur Akgül. An Analysis of Preschool Children’s Empathic Perceptions of Individuals with Special Needs in the Context of Children’s Literature. TEAD. 01 Temmuz 2026;6(1):163-97. doi:10.55008/te-ad.1852139