• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.612-623
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to explore children's reactions in the process of reading books dealing with death. As a result, there was a reflection of their religious assumptions. The participants interpreted the stories based on their belief systems. If the stories did not match with their assumptions, they used another strategy. Also, it is indicated that they recalled death-related memories and applied those stories to their own loss experiences and social events. Furthermore, they recognized the importance of their own everyday lives rather than immersing in death itself. It means that death-related stories help the participants express their passion towards life and resolve to live their lives to the utmost. Contrary to their first drawings before reading books, their second drawings contained the joy of living and reflected the details of death they developed while reading books. Also, the colors they used in their second drawings were brighter than the previous ones. Their passionate attitude towards life above was equally shown in their poems as well. In conclusion, reading death stories turned out to be a process in which children develop and reflect on their understanding of death. Abundant opportunities to express their own feelings are offered. Furthermore, it is showed that death stories can help the children love their lives and provide a strong will for their living sincerely. Based on the results, some educational suggestions were provided.