Children's Literature

Course Syllabus and Grading Policies

Teacher Contact Information
Name: Margaret Brown
Extension (in school): 5256
Cell Phone: 596-9656
Email: mbrown@bradfordareaschools.org
Web: http://www.teacherweb.com/pa/bradfordareahighschool/mrsbrown/Table1.stm
Prep (Best Conference Time): 7th Period
Preferred Method of Contact: email or cell phone

Textbooks & Resources
Mythology, Aesop's Fables, "Read" Magazine, Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book, The Ugly Duckling, The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web, A Wind in the Willows
Web: http://www.lookybook.com

Other Resources & Materials
Materials Required Daily for Class: Pencil, Binder or Folder for Papers
Computer Needs/Access: Blackboard, Teacherweb, Study Island, Internet
Websites: Listed on the Teacherweb page or embedded in lessons
Blackboard Access: Use BASD's Website for Link and Sign-in
Supplemental Materials: Library Resources (for other material)

Course Information
General Course Description: Students will work to analyze and synthesize children's literature, and they will incorporate methods for helping to improve child literacy. Students will complete lessons in grammar, spelling, writing, vocabulary, and reading comprehension from the Resource Worksheets. All students will work to improve vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension skills through the use of exercises, activities, and tests. Topics to be Covered: Children's Literature focuses on literacy, learning, literature, writing, publishing, producing, publishing and portraying. Students will be working on the background and history of children's books while writing and producing their own material.


Course Objectives
Learning Goals: Students will learn the vernacular for literacy, literature, and publishing. They will learn story structure, story boards, genres, literary devices, writing techniques, rudimentary illustration, theme work and how to apply and synthesize that information. Students will also learn about the history of children's literature, including influences and issues. Through the coursework, students would gain an understanding of, and appreciation for, children's books and children's literature.


Knowledge / Skills Students will Gain: Techniques for Improving Literacy, Vocabulary, Scripting, Plotting, Rudimentary Illustration, Application of Literary Devices, Reading Assessment, Tools for Evaluating Literature

Instructional Philosophy
Expectations for Student Performance: Participation is a must. Students must be on time in order to gain all participation points. Students need to bring materials to class, and not leave to go to lockers. All assignments must be completed on time. Make up missed work within two days following absence.
Emphasis: Projects, Assignments, Tests and Quizzes
Collaboration: Individual Work, Group Work

Course Policies
Attendance: This course is greatly dependent on participation. There is very little room absence.
Late Assignments: 5 point deduction per day
Make-up work due to absence: Two days from the date of an excused absence. Five points will be deducted for assignments turned in later. Incompletes are assigned at the discretion of the teacher.
Homework: Unfinished classwork, projects, rehearsal, studying
Academic Dishonesty: Zero point value assignment

Tutoring and Other Academic Assistance
I am available by appointment 2nd Period, 7th Period, or after school.

Teaching and Learning Strategies
Format of Class: After an introduction to each unit, the teacher becomes a facilitator. Students work individually and collaboratively on assignments. Blackboard, other internet and media, and hands-on experience are all integral parts of the class experience.
Required Activities: Participation in class, completion of assignments and creative works, use of computer and internet, video publication, book publication, interactive session with elementary students.
Predominant Strategies Employed: Jigsaw, RAP, scripting, KWL.

Course Outline

Literacy

Early Childhood Books

History

Literature from Early Childhood to Young Adult

Literary Devices

Scripting

Setting

Performance

Storyboard

Illustration

Writing

Publishing

Delivering Material to Children

Grading Procedures / Assessment Plan
40% - Assignments
40% - Projects
20% - Tests and Quizzes
____
100% - Total Points