EDU 207: Dynamics of Children’s Literature

Goal: To examine and apply a high level of analysis to various genres of literature, ranging from folklore to contemporary realistic fiction and nonfiction. Pieces of children’s literature will be used as mentor texts to study published authors’ craft and style, stir the imagination, inspire the students to explore their personal writing potential, and use literature as the impetus for creating original writing. The ultimate goal of this course is to acquaint the students with the vast array of children’s literature, use it as a model for writing, and develop an engaging affect that can be used to convey excitement about children’s literature selections and engage children in the stories in meaningful ways.
Content: This course examines numerous genres of children’s literature as they relate to various content areas and to the craft of writing as well as the skillset needed to read these books out loud and engage children in the texts. The following topics will be addressed: Using children’s literature to discuss selected content areas; using literature to introduce and support the writing process in the writer’s workshop structure; appreciating the various dimensions of children’s literature as mentor texts; exploring the artwork in children’s literature and its relationship to the written text; using literature as a means of teaching and engaging students through effective and dynamic read aloud strategies.
Gen. Ed. Category: Foundation Building; Speaking
Taught: Spring
Field Experience Hours: 0
Prerequisite(s): None
Credit: 3
Degree Level: Undergraduate