Istanbul will host a major gathering of educators and children’s literature experts this spring, as the Second Children’s Literature Teachers Congress prepares to address the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age. The congress, themed “Children’s Literature and New Approaches in the Digital Age,” will take place from May 20-22, 2026, at Yıldız Technical University’s Davutpaşa Campus Congress and Culture Center. The event aims to explore how critical thinking and digital literacy – key components of Turkey’s Century of Maarif Model – can be enhanced through innovative narrative techniques in children’s literature.
Organizers say the congress isn’t simply about adopting new technologies, but about fostering a generation of students who can synthesize information with artistry. The focus will be on equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to navigate the pedagogical, ethical, and aesthetic considerations of a rapidly changing media environment. This includes examining the role of artificial intelligence, gamification, augmented reality, and accessibility in shaping the future of children’s reading experiences.
The congress will be held under the honorary presidency of Turkey’s Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, signaling the government’s commitment to integrating digital literacy into the curriculum. Tekin recently stated that criteria related to digital literacy have been incorporated into the Turkey Century of Maarif Model, and that the Ministry published the country’s first “Artificial Intelligence Policy Document.”
A Multifaceted Program for Educators and Experts
The congress is designed to be a collaborative “feast of knowledge,” bringing together teachers, representatives from relevant institutions, authors, academics, and researchers. Participants will present papers, engage in interactive workshops, and participate in panel discussions centered around the theme of “Children’s Literature and New Approaches in the Digital Age.”
A diverse range of topics will be covered, including “Reading Awareness in the Age of Technology,” “Interactive and Multimedia Narrative Tools,” and “The Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Literature.” Other planned sessions will address the gamification of children’s literature in the digital world, the impact of digitalization on child development, and accessibility in children’s books. The congress will also explore the intersection of children’s literature with disciplines like visual arts and social studies.
Panel Discussions to Tackle Key Issues
Beyond paper presentations, the congress schedule includes a series of panels designed to foster dialogue on critical issues. These include “Raising Virtuous Individuals in the Digital World,” “Ethical Questions of Artificial Intelligence in Children’s Literature,” and “New Forms and Approaches in Children’s Literature.” Panels will also address the transmission of cultural heritage through digital children’s literature, digital reading guidance for teachers and parents, and the role of scientific texts in children’s literacy.
Hands-On Workshops to Enhance Skills
A key component of the congress will be a series of practical workshops aimed at equipping educators with new skills. These include “Digital Storytelling Workshop,” “Story Writing with Children and Artificial Intelligence,” “Visual Literacy and Book Illustration Workshop,” and “Gamified Literature Workshop.” Additional workshops will focus on the power of digital visuals in children’s literature, and introductory digital illustration techniques for children’s books. The “Digital Drawing 101: Illustration Production for Children’s Books” workshop will provide a practical introduction to the tools and techniques of digital illustration.
The 5th-grade curriculum for Information Technologies and Software, as part of the Turkey Century of Maarif Model, emphasizes classifying artificial intelligence applications and managing security measures in AI, according to materials published by the Ministry of National Education. The curriculum outlines specific skills and learning outcomes related to AI, including identifying ethical and security risks, and evaluating AI applications based on ethical principles and data security.
The congress reflects a broader national effort to integrate digital literacy and critical thinking skills into education. Researchers have also been examining how the Turkey Century of Maarif Model’s learning outcomes can be adapted for digital transformation using artificial intelligence. A recent study published in Milli Eğitim Dergisi details the development of a digital instructional tool for the Human Rights, Citizenship, and Democracy course, utilizing AI to create a learner-centered, interactive environment.
Further details about registration, paper submission, and the full congress program will be released in the coming weeks. Organizers anticipate a robust turnout from educators and experts eager to explore the future of children’s literature in a digital world.
The Second Children’s Literature Teachers Congress is scheduled to conclude on May 22, 2026, with a closing session summarizing key takeaways and outlining next steps for integrating digital approaches into children’s literacy education. Updates and announcements will be posted on the Ministry of National Education’s website.
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