paper

Nick Lubic
Dr. Adam Johns
ENGCMP 0200- Seminar in Composition
26 August 2008

The Real World

Society today has virtually assumed from birth that education is the most important aspect of life. The ideas behind this assumption have come from many sources, including he view of a parent through the eyes of a child. Kids are often denied the ability to truly see how the world operates, which is something that becomes necessary to understand as the child develops. Richard Scarry presents a new light to children in his book, “What do people do all day?”, by describing in a simple yet meaningfully way the many aspects of being an adult. For instance, a pasaage describing the fireman states, “They have to be ready to fight fires ALL THE TIME!! Brave fireman are always ready to protect our home from fire” (Scarry 24). Such a statement is trying to teach children how one job differs from another and certain jobs require certain skills and attributes. The passage is trying to emphasize the importance and bravery of a firefighter, something that is never too early to teach to a child. Richard Scarry is attempting to use simple pictures and descriptions to show how the world works and the work that is involved in tasks that seen rather simple.
The story involving the firefighters is just one of many jobs presents in the book. Scarry presents the topic in a way that children will understand by first describing action, such as sending a letter, then going into further detail of the people involved in sending the letter. It is basically shining light on a process that most children never knew existed. Knowing that these jobs do exist will open the eyes of a child, allowing them to dream of being something when they are adults. It seems as if children today see “work” as more of a place for there parents to go during the day rather than a job that they must do. He also tries to convince children that adults work hard for the life they have obtained, and that they should try to help out as much as possible. This is evident in the question, “Are you a good helper?” (Scarry 5). It is clear that Scarry is effectively teaching children how the real world operates.
Scarry also tries to show why adults perform these tasks and the rewards involved in doing so. This in turn, will give children the initiative to want to go out and contribute to the world that they live in. For example, the story begins with the exchange of good from person to person. Grocer cat purchases corn from farmer Alfalfa and then sells these goods to the rest of the community. Grocer cat then uses the money he earns to buy his family wonderful things. This simple event shows children the rewards of working hard and the determination necessary to get the things you desire. Most children take for granted the things that they receive and, though it may seem harsh, children need to understand the concept of working for rewards. Also, Scarry’s book teaches children the cycle of goods and services and the rewards for participating in this cycle. Overall, the manner in which he presents this information is effective and very easy for children to understand.
Scarry effectively presents quality information about the reality of the working world in a simple and comprehensive way. Not only does he describe several jobs in detail, but shows the way the world operates. After reading this, children will see the would through a different perspective, enhancing their understanding of the adult universe. The way in which Richard Scarry presents this information is both brilliant and intriguing because of how an adult or a child can relate to it. Complex processes like paper making are simplified in a way that is amusing for an adult, but very real to a child. Much can be said about this simple book, but it is clear that it presents information to a child in ways that many books could not, which is an accomplishment in itself.