ChabotCollege

Course Outline for ECD 61, Page 1

Fall 2001

Chabot CollegeFall 2001

Replaced Fall 2010

Course Outline For Early Childhood Development 61

LITERATURE FOR THE YOUNG CHILD

Catalog Description:

61 - Literature For The Young Child3 units

Selection, evaluation and use of fiction, non-fiction, prose and poetry from existing written and/or recorded children's literature for appropriate class presentation. Includes puppets, flannel boards and props. Role of books in early literacy. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]

Prerequisite Skills:

None.

Expected Outcome for Students:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.demonstrate understanding of the history and development of children's literature;

2.show familiarity with the various genres of children's literature and how each might be integrated into the curriculum;

3.evaluate criteria for children's picture books, fiction, and nonfiction;

4.know the elements of fiction and illustration as they apply to evaluation and analysis of literature;

5.appreciate the aesthetic quality of illustrations in children's picture books, as well as to perceive the illustrations' contributions to the story;

6.understand developmental stages and types of books appropriate to use within each stage;

7.design and teach literature lessons which encompass a variety of literature-related activities and purposes;

8.demonstrate an ability to read orally both prose and poetry in an entertaining fashion and to develop storytelling techniques;

9.know many notable children's books and their authors and illustrators;

10.show awareness of the way diverse cultures (past and present) are portrayed in children's literature;

11.demonstrate skills in selecting anti-bias literature for children;

12.demonstrate familiarity with various internet sites related to children's literature as well as other literature-related media such as CD-ROM; videotapes, and audiotapes.

Course Content:

1.Definition of children's literature

2.History and development of children's literature

3.Genres of children's literature

a.Traditional literature

b.Poetry

c.Fantasy and science fiction

d.Realistic fiction

e.Historical fiction

f.Informational books and biographies

g.Picture books

4.Evaluation of genres

5.Reading aloud

a.Rationale

b.Stages of reading aloud

c.Dos and don'ts of reading aloud

6.Presenting literature

a.Storytelling

b."Booktalks"

c.Audio-visual stories

d.Flannel board stories

e.Puppetry

7.Internet resources

8.Multicultural/International literature

9.Teaching strategies using literature

10.Planning the literature curriculum, supporting

a.Language development

b.Intellectual development

c.Personality development

d.Social and moral development

e.Aesthetic and creative development

Methods of Presentation:

1.Lectures, discussion, and demonstrations

2.Guests

a.Storyteller

b.Children's librarian

c.Classroom teacher

3.Audio-visual materials

4.Internet

5.Visit public/college library

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1.Typical Assignments

a.Reading and writing:

1)Read the chapter "Defining Literature for Children". Find a copy of a fiction book that you enjoyed as a child and provide two typed

pages of written rationale to explain why it is your "all-time

favorite" children's book. Describe the book, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses based upon the elements of fiction (plot, characters, setting, theme, and style).

2)Select and read three folktales from four different continents and cultures, such as Asia/Japanese, African/Nigerian, North America/Native American, and Europe/German. Use the description of common features usually found in folktales. Then examine the settings, the narrative style, and the characters in the selected folktales for the degree of consistency within and between cultures. Report your findings in at least three typed pages with attention to spelling and grammar.

b.Group project:

1)Select three picture books. Process the following information for each book:

a)Discuss the themes (characters, settings, plot, author's style) found in your book. What was strong and/or weak about the author's handling of this element?

b)Which story elements did you find in the illustrations, but not in the text? In the text, but not in the illustrations?

c)How do the illustrations contribute to the story?

d)How does the illustrator's choice of medium, artistic style, or visual elements affect the story?

e)Which aspects of this book may or may not make it appealing to children?

f)hat visual clues may enable non-readers to enjoy this book by themselves?

g)Why is this book appropriate for read aloud to children? Why or why not?

c.Presentation:

1)Choose one of the following activities:

a)Select and learn a story for storytelling or select a trade book and develop a booktalk about it. Before presenting to the class, either present to a group of children or have someone videotape your presentation. Report your reactions to the chosen activity and critique yourself, noting both strengths and weaknesses of your presentation.

d.Portfolio Assignment:

1)Choose from the Caldecott list (winners and honor books) ten

picture storybooks that are of particular interest to you. For each

of the selected books, analyze the illustrations' contribution to the

story in terms of line, color, shape, texture, and composition.

Record your findings for each book.

2.Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

a.Reading assignments:

1)Preparation for class discussion

2)Group response to weekly topic

b.Homework assignments:

1)"All-time favorite" book with written rationale

2)Example of an excellent and a poor read aloud picture book with written evaluation of each book

3)Multicultural or international literature books (3) with written response to the questions:

a)How is the microculture represented?

b)Are the images current?

c)Is there evidence of stereotyping?

c.Presentations:

1)read aloud presentation of an age-appropriate story for a chosen age group of children using the "into, through, and beyond" format.

2)Storytelling or "booktalk" with self critique, noting strengths and weaknesses

d.Portfolio Assignment (choice of one out of six assignments)

e.Class activities (require excellent attendance and participation)

f.Mid term

g.Final examination or final project

3.Frequency of Evaluation:

a.Weekly reading assignments

b.Frequent homework assignments

c.Frequent class activities

1)Class discussion

2)Group response to topics

3)Attendance and participation

4)Midterm

5)Final test

Textbook(s) (typical):

1.Literature for Young Children, 4th edition, Joan Glazer, Published by prentice-Hall, 1999

2.The New Read-Aloud Handbooks, 4th edition, Jim Trelease, Published by Penguin Books, 1995

Special Student Supplies:

None.

Tf: A:\CURRICUL\FALL 00\ECD61.DOC

Revised 1-19-01