LIB 528 Children's Literature, K-5

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

An introduction to children's literature for educators. Students will read from a variety of categories and book genres appropriate for children in grades K-5. Emphasis is on the characteristics, responses and appeals of a broad range of quality literature to encourage children to experience the pleasures of reading.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to K-5 students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Readings of books, articles, and Internet with postings to discussion board; classroom-based assignments for K-5 students; culminating project.

STANDARDS

This course supports the following International Reading Association's 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals:

1.4	Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of reading (phonemic awareness, word identification and phonics, vocabulary and background knowledge, fluency, comprehension strategies, and motivation) and how they are integrated in fluent reading.
2.2	Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches and methods, including technology-based practices, for learners at different stages of development and from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
2.3	Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
3.2	Place students along a developmental continuum and identify students' proficiencies and difficulties.
3.3	Use assessment information to plan, evaluate, and revise effective instruction that meets the needs of all students, including those at different developmental stages and those from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
3.4	Effectively communicate results of assessments to specific individuals (students, parents, caregivers, colleagues, administrators, policymakers, policy officials, community, etc.).
4.1	Use students' interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program.
4.2	Use a large supply of books, technology-based information, and non-print materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.4	Motivate learners to be lifelong readers.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Students will:

Identify and describe basic artistic elements of picture books.
Evaluate and analyze children's books based on the artistic elements
Participate in multiple art forms (drama, music, art, poetry, reader's theater, literature, storytelling) as a basis for academic engagement and development of literacy.
Be familiar with a variety of high-quality and awarding winning authors of diverse children's literature, both classic and contemporary.
Identify bias-free, age appropriate, relevant, and diverse literature, and utilize it as a means of motivate children to engage in meaningful literacy activities, but, most importantly, to cause them to love reading.
Identify selection and evaluation criteria for children's books.
Demonstrate effective cross-cultural literature, creative dramatic, and read aloud activities as a means of engaging children in both competency and a genuine passion for reading.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 3 elective credits in the Literature thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for individual professional development. Please consult an advisor at your home institution about adding this course to your program.

INSTRUCTOR

Dolores C. Johnston, MA, has taught language arts in grades four through eight. She coordinated a pre-school storytelling program in the small town where she had her first teaching job. Currently, Ms. Johnston is a library media specialist in the West Linn/Wilsonville School District. She manages technology in her school and collaborates with teachers to integrate technology and information skills and literature into the curriculum.

TARGET
AUDIENCE

K-5 teachers, teachers seeking a reading endorsement, school library/media specialists, and children's librarians interested in using children's literature in classrooms and libraries to strengthen young readers' motivation and connections and to expand student knowledge and perspectives.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend 9 hours per week for 10 weeks in course-related activities (e.g., reading assignments and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written reports/papers and classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

No required text. Instead, students are expected to extensively choose and read children's literature from a list of required LIT CIRCLE and PARTNER books. Extensive BIBLIOGRAPHIES will be provided by the course.

CONTACT

For more details on this course, please contact Dolores Johnston (instructor) or Val Katagiri (PSU coordinator).