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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

Dates

September 20 - November 30, 2010

Description

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!

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 and 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 may be used as an elective in the Master of Science in Education Professional Development Concentration degree program and is one of the courses that meets Wisconsin 316 Reading Teacher licensure requirements.

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 from Amazon 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

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

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

No travel to campus required

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.

 

What Our Students Say...

"This course has been a wonderful introduction to my graduate school experience.  I have enjoyed the format and the clarity of the course, as well as the communication and information."
~ Leah Le Clair, 2nd Grade Teacher
Oshkosh, Wisconsin

"Teaching Children's Literature in the Classroom is an energizing and wonderfully guided journey through both contemporary and classic children's literature.  Sharron McElmeel's expertise in the field abounds, and the activities are certainly applicable to classroom practice.  Dialogue with colleagues is engaging and relevant to current teaching topics surrounding children and what they are reading.  Don't miss this class!"
~ Sadie Sveum, Elementary Teacher
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

"I have always loved teaching all areas of language and have been interested in getting a reading specialist or add-on certificate for quite some time.   However, living and working abroad made it impossible to take courses throughout the school year and by only taking courses in the summer it would take forever. The opportunity to earn this credit online is just what I have been waiting for."
~ Heather Knight, First Grade Teacher
Bucharest, Romania

"Not only do I have a wish list for new books but also I have discovered books in my collection. I have a more critical eye about multicultural books and activities along with a better grasp on whether a book is historical fiction or a misrepresentation of a historical event.

My basic theory about literature is that it should be fun. I found this class encouraged me to use that enjoyment of literature and share it with others. As a group this class was able to share its knowledge and experiences and help each other grow in our appreciation of children's literature."
~ Naomi Gelfand, Media Specialist
Rockville, Maryland

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

Accreditation

The School of Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496.

UW-Stout School of Education's undergraduate and graduate professional education programs including majors, minors, and concentrations are accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools (NCA) located at 30 LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: 312-263-0456 or 800/621-7440 fax #312/263-7462.

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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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