READ 590: Children's Literature: PK-5 (3-cr)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This course is designed for learners to interact with a wide variety of children's literature that includes a representation of ethnic and cultural diversity. In so doing, learners will share books and book related experiences with children. Learners will focus on current and traditional works as well as authors and illustrators of books for children at the early childhood and elementary level. In addition, learners will explore instructional strategies for using literature to teach reading and content subjects in the classroom.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to early childhood or elementary-level students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Textbook, library, and online readings with posted weekly reflections; posting to whole class discussion forums; providing feedback to other learners; four practical, applied assignments plus an integrative capstone project.

STANDARDS

This course supports the following International Reading Association's 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals:

2.3	Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.1	Use students' interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program.
4.2	Use a large supply of books, technology-based information, and non-print materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.3	Model reading and writing enthusiastically as valued lifelong activities.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

This course incorporates assignments that require practical application of ideas learned. Learners will increase their understanding of all genres and examine criteria to evaluate literature and develop ideas to promote the use of it in the classroom and for recreation. An emphasis will be placed on searching for books that can play significant roles in the lives of children.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 3 elective credits in the Literature thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for individual professional development.

INSTRUCTOR(S)

Dr. Jo-Anne Lau-Smith, Assistant Professor of Education, Southern Oregon University. Eight years of public school teaching experience; 7 years teaching in University of Hawaii system. (BA, M. Ed., University of California, Los Angeles; Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa)

Patricia H. Brann, Adjunct Professor, SOU School of Education. 36 years as classroom teacher, K-8. Master teacher, educational consultant and complex instruction mentor. (BA, Mount St. Mary's College, Santa Monica, CA; MS in Ed, California State University, Hayward)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Early childhood and elementary teachers and those seeking a Reading Specialist endorsement.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend approximately 11 hours per week for 8 weeks in course-related activities (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written reports/papers and classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

A textbook is required for this course. You will be sent the textbook title and suggested purchase locations when you register for the course.

COST

No course in the ReadOregon curriculum will cost more than $300 per credit, including all fees, for students in the ReadOregon program.

TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS

This online course requires access to the Internet with Word/WordPerfect for written assignments. Recommended minimum computer configuration is:

PC running Windows 95 or newer
Macintosh Quadra 700 or better or Power PC
Modem 28.8 or faster, or other network connection
Sound card and speakers (optional)
32 Megabytes or greater of system RAM
Adequate hard disk drive

CONTACT(S)

For more details on this course, please contact Rebecca Olien or Angela Huftill at Southern Oregon University.