Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course provides opportunities for students to explore children's literature by reading and sharing fiction and nonfiction books from various genres:  picture books, folktales and the oral tradition, fantasy, concept and chapter books, poetry, biographies, realistic and historical fiction, multicultural and international books, and graphic novels.  Students will be exposed to books which have won different types of awards such as, but not limited to, the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King and Young Reader's Choice Awards.

Emphasis is placed on being able to choose books for different age and grade levels to promote and integrate literature into the curriculum.  Students will gain experience
and knowledge in evaluating books based on various curricular criteria including analyzing  literary, artistic, and cultural elements. Students will learn to analyze text using a culturally responsive lens exploring bias, stereotype, and cultural messaging, and consider ways to frame and select content for K-12 students. Students will analyze status quo cultural representations in children's literature and consider non-dominant themes in order to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse K-12 audience. Students will engage in book discussions/sharing techniques along with developing activity/lesson ideas.

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The content of this course will be delivered through lecture, video, and class discussion/sharing. Other techniques will be used depending upon the size of the class, student background and instructional materials available.

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will specify the methods used to evaluate student progress and criteria for assigning a course grade. Methods may include one or more of the following: attendance, class participation, examinations, book reviews, reading lists, written or oral presentations.

1. Describe the various types of major awards (such as the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King and Young Reader's Choice Awards).
2. List and describe the use of basic artistic elements in picture book design.
3. List the literary elements of fiction.
4. Identify and analyze cultural elements using a culturally responsive lens exploring bias, stereotype, and cultural messaging, and consider ways to frame and select content for K-12 students.
5. Analyze and Evaluate nonfiction books based on content, structure, style, authenticity, and accuracy,
6. Read and report on assigned reading of children's literature.
7. Develop activity/lesson ideas based around children's literature and promoting curricular connections and integration.
8. Define and recognize the following genres: picture book, folktales, poetry, fantasy, realistic and historical fiction, biographies, nonfiction, multicultural, and graphic novels.