Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Mastery!

Character development is often crucial for establishing a connection with child readers because it allows them to see themselves reflected in the characters’ experiences, emotions, and growth. When young readers encounter well-developed characters with relatable traits or challenges, they can empathize more deeply with those characters' journeys. This connection enhances the reading experience by encouraging emotional investment in the story.

Characters who undergo significant development often face challenges that resonate with children, such as friendship issues, family dynamics, or self-discovery. When children relate to a character's struggles or triumphs, it can foster a sense of understanding and engagement with the text. Additionally, strong character development can facilitate discussions about important social and emotional themes, further enriching a child's reading experience.

Complex themes, humor, and imagery are also valuable literary elements but may not resonate in the same way. While humor can engage readers and imagery can enhance the visual experience, it is the relational aspect of character development that typically forges the strongest emotional bonds for young readers.