ENGL 235 - Children’s Literature

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours: [Reading Level 3 and Writing Level 3 ]

This course is a survey of literature for children in the elementary grades, aimed at developing techniques for using books with children, storytelling and the criteria for book selection.
OFFERED: fall and spring semesters

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Students will select literature for children in accordance with their developmental levels and changing interests.

Objectives:

Classify various types of children’s literature including poetry and plays, picture books, traditional literature, non-fiction, fantasy, and realistic, historical, and multicultural fiction.
Research quality children’s books through using the public library and Internet.
Discuss the various types of literature appropriate for use with children.
Prepare for, and participate in, book talks that prompt an understanding of, and appreciation for, selected award-winning children’s books.

Goal 2: Students will evaluate various genres of children’s literature by utilizing specific criteria.

Objectives:

Select appropriate children’s literature for various age groups and population.
Critically assess current problems and issues in children’s literature.
Evaluate the works of major authors and illustrators, and literary awards.
Document developmental challenges in the selection of children’s literature by directly working with children.

Goal 3: Students will write perceptively about children’s literature.

Objectives:

Interpret how children’s books reflect their stages of development and various interests using reader response logs.
Reflect on ways the literary themes and situations connect to one’s life experiences using reader response logs.
Assemble an annotated bibliography to illustrate and to promote age-appropriate books for children.
Analyze the main literary elements in children’s literature.