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

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

Online Course 3 semester hours graduate credit
Instructor: Sharron McElmeel 
Summer: June 5 - August 11, 2017

Tuition, Due Dates, and Registration

Who Should Enroll?

• Classroom teachers
• School library media specialists
• Reading specialists
• Reading interventionists
• Speech pathologists
• Title I teachers
• Special education teachers

You Will Learn

This course focuses on key areas with the national reading standards including:

• the role of children’s literature in the development of children to build knowledge for developing a curriculum that promotes “a progressive development of reading comprehension
• suggestions for “a diverse array of contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of subjects
• inclusion of classic myths and stories from around the world
• reading as a means of developing vocabularies and conventions of language
• an opportunity to model integration of technology with literature related activities
• criteria for evaluation and selection of materials
• determination of the reading interests, needs, and abilities of children
• reading, listening and viewing guidance in the classroom, in school and public libraries
• recent developments in contemporary literature for children

Description

Evaluation, selection, and teaching of literature in the elementary school language arts program based on the foundation of historically significant books, and with a focus on authors and illustrators writing for today's young readers. 

Discuss exciting new ways to integrate children's literature into curriculum activities, including integration of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

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.

Meet your goals for

• professional development
• license renewal
• graduate credit electives
• transfer credits to another university or library media specialist or reading certification program
• a refresher course

Textbook

An e-textbook will be provided when you login to the course. You may open the e-book to read online from your laptop or desktop. The e-textbook software is compatible with an iPad, Kindle Fire or fully internet capable device. It is not compatible with a Kindle Reader. 

Galda, L., Sipe, L.R., Liang, L.A., and Cullinan, B.E. (2017). Literature and the Child, 9th Edition. Australia: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 978-1-305-64236-2

If you prefer to read a hard copy of the textbook instead of reading via your computer or tablet, you may purchase the book from an online bookstore such as amazon.com. Be sure to allow for delivery time. NOTE the ISBN number and 8th edition.

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 (including biography), and historical fiction books
11. Survey books used in the classroom and library and assess goals for creating a climate of understanding and appreciation of 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
13. Brainstorm ideas and plan activities to build a literacy awareness and supportive literacy environment to implement in the community; to support reading, diversity, and build a total literacy-focused community

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. Building a Literacy Environment in the Community
9. Multicultural and Ethnic Diversity
10. Creating Literature Connections (implementing standards)

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

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 board component each week. 

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.

This is not a self-paced course.

Sign Up Soon!

Register online

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

For More Information

Request Information Online 
Contact Us: School of Education 
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751 
Phone: 715-232-2693
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