Children get influenced more by stories with human characters 

Children learn moral lessons more effectively from stories with human characters than with “cute” human-like animals, a new study has revealed.
Experts found that four to six-year-olds shared more after listening to books with human characters than books with anthropomorphic (human-like) animals.

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What researchers say?

• The researchers found that since many kids in this study did not see these characters as similar to themselves.
• They may be less likely to translate social lessons from these stories into their everyday lives.
• These findings add to a growing body of research showing that children find it easier to apply knowledge from stories that are realistic
• Overall, children were more likely to act on the moral of the story when it featured a human character.

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About the study:

• During the study, kids listened to a story with either human or human-like animal characters who spoke and wore clothes.
• Each book taught children about sharing with others.
• Children’s altruistic giving was assessed before and after the reading.
• Most kids said the animals lacked human characteristics.
• The researchers said one of the reasons some children did not act generously.
• Because they did not interpret the anthropomorphic animals as similar to themselves.
• The researchers also suggested that books with realistic characters lead to better learning for kids.
• Books that children can easily relate to increase their ability to apply the story’s lesson to their daily lives.

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“It is important for educators and parents to choose carefully when the goal is to teach real-world knowledge and social behaviours through storybooks.”