University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

RDGED 703 Children's Literature in the Reading Program (grades K-5)

Online Course 3 semester hours graduate credit
Instructor: Sharron McElmeel
Tuition and Registration
June 10 - August 16, 2013

Description

Evaluation, selection, and teaching of literature in the elementary school language arts program with a focus on historically significant books, authors and illustrators writing for today's young readers. Discuss exciting new ways to integrate children's literature with curriculum activities.

The course will include: criteria for evaluation and aids for selection of materials; determination of the reading interests, needs, and abilities of children; and reading, listening and viewing guidance in the classroom, in school and public libraries, as well as, a discussion of recent developments in contemporary literature for children through wide reading of the literature - including listening and viewing media.

This course focuses on the following key areas in the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards

• Examines the role of children’s literature in the development of children to build knowledge toward developing a curriculum that promotes “a progressive development of reading comprehension.”
• Provides suggestions for “a diverse array of contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of subjects.”
• Supports inclusion of classic myths and stories from around the world.
• Promotes reading as a means of developing vocabularies and conventions of language.
• Provides an opportunity to model integration of technology with literature related activities.

If you are a classroom teacher, media specialist or reading specialist and haven't taken a recent children's literature update, this class is a must!

This is one of the required courses for individuals pursuing reading teacher certification, WI 316. This course is an approved elective in the Master of Science in Education online degree program. NOTE: You may enroll in this course to meet your goals for professional development, license renewal, or to complete graduate credits and transfer the credit to another university or library media specialist or reading certification program.

Textbook

Norton, Donna E. Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children's Literature, Eighth Edition (2011) Pearson-Merrill Prentice Hall. ISBN-13: 978-0137028757

Available new or used from http://www.textbooks.com or amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.

In addition to the textbook, participants will be asked to read widely in the area of children's literature. Specific titles will not be required, but readings on each topic or genre will be required to successfully participate in the class discussion.

Additional recommended articles will be available via the course website.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the role of children's literature in the development of children
   
   
2. Summarize language, cognitive, personality, and social developmental skills that can be strengthened through the use of children's literature
   
   
3. Analyze the factors that influence the responses of children to literature
   
   
4. Summarize the steps involved in creating a book from author/illustrator to final published book
   
   
5. Evaluate the style and illustrations of contemporary picture book illustrators
   
   
6. Develop a lesson plan for sharing the books of one illustrator and introduce the artist to young readers
   
   
7. Compare and contrast related titles in the folklore genre
   
   
8. Distinguish between traditional versions of a tale and the literary variants and fantasy created by a contemporary author
   
   
9. Model methods of sharing and enjoying poetry with young readers
   
   
10. Distinguish elements of fiction, informational, and historical fiction books
    
    
11. Survey books used in the classroom and library and assess goals for creating a climate of understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and ethnic heritages
    
    
12. Create a focus unit/program plan that correlates with a content area or an author/illustrator unit to demonstrate understanding of the body of contemporary children's literature and best practices for using literature with young readers

Content Outline

1. Introduction - Getting Acquainted
2. Understanding the Role of Children's Literature
3. Putting Books in the Hands of Young Readers
4. Investigating Children's Book Artists and the Books They Illustrate
5. Folklore and Literary Tales
6. Poetry
7. Fiction and Information Books for Older Readers
8. Multicultural and Ethnic Diversity

Alignment with Teaching Standards

Course objectives are aligned with the following teaching standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure (WI DPI) 1, 4, 7

Because this class is online and open to you 24/7, you may participate from your home or work computer during hours that are flexible and convenient for your work and family schedule and responsibilities.

The class is highly interactive with a significant discussion component. All discussion postings, projects and assignments will be submitted via the course discussion board and dropbox. Activities are conducted according to a schedule with specific due dates each week; there are no required "live" chat sessions.

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The School of Education reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

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Contact Us: School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone: 715-232-2253
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