ENG 354: Children’s Literature 

Spring Semester                                                                    Lyn C. Howell, Ph. D.

Milligan College                                                                    FOB 101, 461-8484

Clark 101                                                                                lchowell@milligan.edu                   

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A study of children's literature designed to acquaint the student with the literary contributions suitable for elementary grades.

 

MILLIGAN COLLEGE TEACHER EDUCATION MODEL:

Milligan College teacher education faculty has adopted a dynamic, organic model represented by a drawing of a living tree. The theme, “A teacher as a reflecting and caring person” describes how a teacher implements the Christian values, knowledge, and interpersonal skills developed through study and experience. The teacher guides constructivist students who can think and plan. Aware of the worth of children and the importance of their development, the teacher models a caring support for their growth. This model is a strategy to synthesize teacher education beliefs and to activate current knowledge base in the Milligan College curriculum. Basic Assumptions relate to the ”roots” of the Milligan tree, and include the heritage of the unit and instruction, the professional education knowledge base, content knowledge in various programs of study, and the context of our ongoing work with partner schools in the community and region. Basic Intentions relate to the “trunk and limbs” of the Milligan tree, and focus on our commitment to produce high quality, reflective and caring teachers whose effects promote learning in all P-12 students. Basic Expectations relate to the “fruit” of the Milligan tree, and focus on the performance outcomes of our programs of study and their impact on P-12 student learning.

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TEXTS/READINGS:

 

Huch, C.S., Hepler, S., Hickman, J., Ziefer, B.Z. (2001). Children’s Literature in the

elementary school. 7th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

 

 Additional children’s books

 

OBJECTIVES:

Objectives for this course are as follows:

1. Become familiar with literary contributions suitable for children

2. Cite the contributions of outstanding authors and illustrators of children's literature

3. Identify specific criteria for evaluating various genre of children's literature

4. Become acquainted with graphic media used to illustrate children's books

5. Analyze books for stereotyping

6. Identify books effective for cultural diversity

7. Understand how to create a balanced reading program.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

The expectation is for active participation. Part of your job is to participate in both oral and written form, in both large and small group assignments. Ask about those points you don’t understand and consider how to paraphrase in order to help classmates. A portion of your grade will be based on your presence and participation.

 

Additional requirements include:

Readings

One of the following: The Little House, Burton; Sylvester & the Magic Pebble,  Steig; or Grandfather’s Journey, Say

2 of the following: The Little House, Burton;  The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Asbjornsen & Moe; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Martin & Archambault; Ira Sleeps Over, Waber

 Sarah, Plain and Tall, Number the Stars

Quizzes – unannounced

Presentations

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 an alphabet book, a counting book, and a baby book.

 Storytelling

 picture book and critique

 mid-term

 Book report

 literature web

Newberry Critique

 Children’s book

 Literature Program

 

EVALUATION/GRADING POLICY:

Assignments are due on the assigned date. Assignments not turned in on the due date will incur a substantial penalty. Assignments over a week late will not be accepted.

 

A = 94+                                   A- = 92+                     B+ = 90+
B = 84+                                   B- = 82+                      C+ = 80+
C = 74+                                   C- = 72+                     D+ = 70          

D = 64+                                   D- = 62+

 

You are encouraged to turn in assignments by email attachment. If you choose to do so, they must be emailed before the class period that they are due. Assignments sent by email will be returned by email. Please check with me if you do not receive your corrected assignment or an acknowledgement of my having received it prior to the next class meeting.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is both expected and required. If you are not present you will miss the discussion and your classmates will miss hearing your insights. A portion of your grade will be based on your attendance and participation.

 

I expect students to be ready to begin on time. Excessive tardiness will affect your grade.