MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Educational Leadership
Books and Media for Children
L. S. 415/515

Dr. Jan Hayes

Office: Jones Hall 301
Phone: 898-2894
e-mail: jhayes @ acad 1.mtsu.edu

Course Synopsis

The course covers materials suitable for elementary school children to include a study of recreational and curricular materials, related aids in selection of materials and how to use books, media and materials in the classroom setting.

Objectives

  1. Students will relate reading interests of children at various developmental levels.
  2. Students will demonstrate knowledge/mastery of basic selection aids and indexes to children's materials.
  3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of activities in introducing and using books and materials with children.
  4. Students will examine and evaluate library materials and show use of them.
  5. Knowledge of the library and library skills will be increased.
  6. Appreciation of variety of books and materials to be used with children will increase.(Kids' Page at MTSU Library)

Text: Children's Literature in the Elemenary School, Sixth Edition. by Huck, Hepler, Hickman and Kiefer

Requirements

  1. Attendance and participation
  2. Book Reports. Read one book representative of ten areas and give an oral book critique one book. You must include the following in your critique - Title, author, publisher, genré of book, and a critique covering theme, plot, style, characterization, setting, and illustrations. (Use those that are appropriate to each book). You must include both a Caldecott and Newbery book and the other eight must be selected from the following: Picture book, fantasy book, traditional literature, poetry book, historical fiction, realistic fiction, biography, and informational book, multicultural literature (Your class presentation may count for one AND you may do the critique early for me to help you know how to do it for the class.
  3. Minor project - Identify a unit topic appropriate for a grade level and prepare an annotated bibliography of books and media for that unit. A minimum of twenty sources is required. Wait until I give directions on how to do this as you will be using selection aids.
  4. Major Project - Give a report on Newbery or Caldecott children's book to the class. The presentation will include a critique, biographical sketch of the illustrator (Caldecott) or author (Newbery), artist's technique (Caldecott) or genré (Newbery), and a motivational or device to develop interest in the book.
  5. In class projects. In class small group projects on encyclopedias, informational books, periodicals, and bookbinding.

Grading Scale:

92-100 % = A
84- 95 % = B
76- 83 % = C
68- 75 % = D

Note: Graduate students are required to do an additional project in order to receive graduate credit. This will be assigned individually by the instructor.

Attendance: Attendance is a requirement of the course. Material will be included that is not available in the textbook and students will be held responsible for the material. Additionally, active involvement in the teaching/learning processes greatly enhance learning for everyone. Each day missed during the summer session is equivalent to a week during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Disability Statement:

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Students Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.