Abstract:

Diary is a genre that has not been able to find much space in children's literature and have been underutilized in the process of Turkish language teaching. However, diaries can be used to develop different language and thinking skills, particularly writing skills, through several activities. Diaries can help students to develop a more analytical and critical thinking during secondary school years when abstract thinking skills are gradually shaped. The study first deals with the conceptual nature of the diary genre and the position of fictional and non-fictional diaries in children's literature and discusses the position of diary in Turkish Language Curriculum. It also focuses on possible benefits provided by the use of dairy in Turkish language teaching and the characteristics that need to be included in diaries and are suitable for child readers. It later carries out a brief review on the work Zlata’s Diary that is a diary example of children's literature. It also evaluates the usage possibilities of this work in Turkish language teaching. The study finally offers a variety of activities regarding how to utilize the diary genre in Turkish language teaching in order to develop different language and thinking skills. 

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