ERIC Number: EJ1036183
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Dec
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 46
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0045-6713
Elinor M. Brent-Dyer's Chalet School Series: Literature as an Historical Source
Lidbury, Clare
Children's Literature in Education, v44 n4 p345-358 Dec 2013
This article examines whether Elinor M. Brent-Dyer's Chalet School books--a series of girls' school stories spanning the late 1920s to the early 1970s--can be regarded as historical sources for the study of physical education and dance in girls' boarding schools during this period. An overview of her experience as teacher and headmistress, an examination of the training and role of PE teachers during this time, and observations on the role other staff played in games coaching and dance teaching confirms that this children's literature is an accurate representation. The incorporation of contemporary details in her writing, through referencing current events for example, strengthens the case for acknowledging this. However it is concluded that the source becomes less accurate in the latter half of the series when Brent-Dyer lost contact with the education world and with young people.
Descriptors: Childrens Literature, Physical Education, Dance Education, Educational History, Boarding Schools, Single Sex Schools, Womens Education, Authors, Physical Education Teachers, Teacher Role, Teacher Education, Staff Role
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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