Department
of English
Course
Instruction Plan
Course: ENGL 434 Children’s Literature Spring 2009
Instructor: Dr. Sheryl O’Sullivan 3 units
Office:
email: sosullivan@apu.edu Home 909 534-5989
The Department of English introduces students to significant works of the literary imagination, guides their development in language and composition, and encourages them to read attentively, reflect deeply, write cogently, and express themselves creatively, all to glorify God and serve others.
Description:
The
course in children’s literature affords an opportunity to read extensively in
the genres of literature suitable for children. Development of critical skill
in selecting and evaluating available literature will enable students to become
more effective parents, teachers, and citizens responsible for the interaction
of children with literature appropriate to them. Although this is not a methods course in teacher education,
students are encouraged to consider the importance of literature in the
curriculum. The course covers classical as well as contemporary literature
suitable from children through pre-adolescence.
Meets general
studies elective requirement for Language and Literature.
Learning Objectives: Students completing this course will be able to:
1. experience the pleasure of literature for children, and appreciate how that pleasure may be shared with a new generation of readers. Bibliography, workbook exercises, exams
2. develop critical skills in evaluating and appreciating the different purposes of literature, from aesthetic to moral development to cultural transmission to language development. Bibliography, exams
3.
build a repertoire
of fine children’s literature from various genres. Bibliography
4.
gain knowledge of reference resources
useful for locating and assessing children’s literature, and for introducing it
into classroom work. Library assignment, workbook
exercises, exams
5.
improve in the
skills of group discussion, in collaborative learning, in researching
and reporting on research, in writing reaction and response papers for critical
analysis, and in oral presentation of information. Text set presentations, literature circle assignments, exams
6.
be able to identify the components of a balanced
and comprehensive reading/language
arts program, including phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, vocabulary
development, comprehension skills, and the uses of literature. Bibliography, exams
7. understand the interrelatedness of the various modes of language (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and be able to identify the stages of language development in each of these modes as they relate to both first and second language development. exams
8.
understand how children’s
literature may be used to enhance the intellectual, emotional and spiritual
development of children. Bibliography,
exams
9.
think critically about the
influences of faith in their use of children’s literature with children of all
levels. Bibliography
Texts:
Textbook
O’Sullivan, S.
A Festival of Talent,
Kendall/Hunt, 2007.
Children’s works
Huck,
Clements,
Andrew. Frindle.
Lowry, Lois. The Giver.
George,
Christine. Old Elm Speaks.
Grimes,
Nikki. Dark Sons.
Parks, Linda Sue. A Single Shard.
Requirements:
1. Attendance and Preparation--20%.
Because significant class time will involve you in shared conversation and reporting, there is no adequate alternative to being here. Excessive absences or partial classes will probably make it necessary for you to drop the class. These events will also lead to a lowering of your final grade. Assignments for reading and submission of work are for the day listed in the schedule of class meetings. Be prepared to discuss the reading assigned and to submit out-of-class exercises on the day listed. If you miss class on a lit circle day or text set day, it counts as a double absence. If you do need to miss a class, it is up to you to do whatever is necessary to recover from this absence.
2. Annotated Bibliography- 30%. Three book reviews are due on every day in the
schedule labeled as a TEXT SET day.
These will normally be for 2 picture books and one chapter book of the appropriate
genre. I will check these off on the day
they are due. These 24 books will serve
as the base for your annotated bibliography.
In addition to the 24 books in the text sets, you should also write up
the 6 books we read together for class.
You then need to choose 10 more books to read and review so that your entire bibliography consists of 40 books
(15 chapter/25 picture). Follow the
format given for each review. Pay particular attention to
winners or runners-up of the following major awards: Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta
Scott King, Pura Belpre, Robert Sibert, Orbis Pictus or Michael Printz.
3. Author Report-20%. Each
person will choose one author or illustrator from the list given to do an
author report on. The report should
consist of a poster or other visual portraying the life and work of the
author. Do not do a power point for
this, though you may connect to an internet site for additional information if
you like. Your report should focus on
the author’s work, and should include displays of the author’s books. You may use 4 of the books you use for your
author report in your annotated bibliography.
4. FieldWork- 10%. Each
person will spend a minimum of three hours reading aloud to children. You may use the children in the programs
provided in class or find your own kids.
Plan carefully what you will
read, observe carefully what happens, and take notes afterward. After you have done all of your reading, you
should write up what happened there using the theory of reader response to inform
your observations. The paper should be
about 2-3 pages.
5. Final Exam--20%.
A final exam will measure your understanding of the primary texts, including
trade books we read, classroom notes and your assimilation of information from
text set and literature circle reports.
Grading Scale:
A 4.0 C+ 2.3
A- 3.7 C 2.0
B+ 3.3 C- 1.7
B 3.0 D+ 1.3
B- 2.7 D 1.0
Late, Make-up and Extra Credit work: Late work is only accepted by prior arrangement, and almost always receives a lower grade.
Special
Needs Accommodations: If you require special arrangements to
complete assigned work, bring a statement from the
Academic Honesty: The mission of
Standards in
Grading: The grade of A is reserved
for work of highest quality—outstanding, exceptional. The grade of B is considered a very good
grade in this class, and is the grade most often given.
Technology: Laptops, cell phones, blackberries, or
any other types of electronic equipment are not allowed in class. The use of these technologies outside of
class is encouraged.
Summary of Assignments According to
Wesley Quadrilateral.
Scripture: Bibliography, course lectures/in-class writing
Reason: Author reports, Bibliography, Exam
Tradition: Bibliography (traditional literature)
Experience: Text set presentations, field exercise, literature circles
Integration of Faith
Topics
Book Topic Bible
Reference
Dark Sons God’s Presence Mt 28: 20
A Single Shard Redemption 2Cor 3:17-18
Frindle Values Ps 119:66-68
Princess Furball Images of God Phil 4: 809
Old Elm Speaks Creation Gen 1:11-13
The Giver Free Will Ps 143:8-10
Book Review Format. Due on Text Set Days. Bring books and reviews
Title Genre
Author Implied Reader
Illustrator (if applicable) Awards (if applicable)
One paragraph summary of the book
Critique (keep to about 2 sentences, may add third sentence for illustrations)
Several ways in which you would use this book with children
Literature Circle Jobs. Due on Lit Circle Days.
Bring book and written assignment.
1. Summarizer: Summarize book in no more than one paragraph.
Furball____________Bridge_____________Stars______________Wrinkle___________
2. Director: Prepare 4 of 5 provocative questions and lead discussion.
Furball____________ Bridge_____________Stars______________Wrinkle___________
3. Illuminator: Identify 4 or 5 important quotes. Include page numbers.
Furball____________ Bridge_____________Stars______________Wrinkle___________
4. Connector: Note 3 or 4 connections to other books, films, Scripture, life, etc.
Furball____________ Bridge_____________Stars______________Wrinkle___________
Resources for the Study of Children’s Literature
Websites
Databases—accessible through APU Libraries
EBSCO Host
ERIC
First Search
Humanities Index
Literature Online
Primary Search
Wilson Select
Selected Reference Books
Something About the Author, PN451
Newbery and Coldecott Medal Books, Z1037
Beacham’s Guide to Literature for Young Adults, PN1009
ENGL 434; Spring, 2009
Date Topic
1/12 Course
Introduction Mk
10:13-15
1/14 Critique
of kid lit Text ch 8
1/21 Defining
our terms
1/26 Diversity
in kid lit Text
pp. 44-48; 82-84; 142-144
1/28 Diversity—TEXT
SETS 3 Books
and reviews
2/2 MARSHBURN
2/4 Traditional
lit overview Text pp. 32-35; 71-81
2/9 Furball—LIT CIRCLES Furball Prep
Cinderella
and Furball
2/11 Trad
lit—TEXT SETS 3
Books and reviews
Dark Sons, Hansel and Gretl
2/18 Picture
books overview Text
ch. 1 and 2
2/23 Picture book—TEXT SETS 3 Books and reviews
2/25 Using
picture books Text
ch. 7
3/2 Author
reports Author
report due
3/9 Contemp. realistic fiction overview
3/11 Frindle—LIT CIRCLES Frindle prep
3/16 Contemp.
realistic fiction—TEXT SETS 3 Books and
reviews
3/18 St. Patrick’s Day literature
3/23 Historical fiction overview Text pp. 112-114
A Single Shard—LIT CIRCLES Single Shard prep
3/25 Historical fiction—TEXT SETS 3 Books and reviews
Fieldwork
paper due
3/30 Poetry overview and TEXT SETS Text ch. 5
3
books and reviews
4/1 Dark Sons, Old Elm Speaks
4/15 Using chapter books Text ch. 7
4/20 Fantasy
overview, TEXT SETS 3
books and reviews
4/22 The Giver—LIT CIRCLES Giver prep
4/27 Nonfiction—TEXT SETS 3 books and
reviews; text ch. 4
4/29 Controversy
in kid lit Annotated
Bibliography due
5/4 Final