Welcome to Children’s Literature!
Mrs. Scanielo
A203
Course Objectives: This FUN elective/half-year course will explore a variety of children’s literature through various genres. These genres will include picture books, fairy tales and folklore, nursery rhymes and poetry, nonfiction and modern fantasy. The course will work on several levels. First, it will hopefully take students back to their “childhood and youth” giving students an opportunity to re-visit some of these classic works through an academic lens. Second, it will give students the tools to read these works critically. Overall, this course is aimed to provide a sense of the “breadth” of children’s literature as well as the opportunity to explore these works both critically and creatively. Most importantly, the class will be examining the ideologies embedded in the texts as well the ideologies that guide our culture, particularly in terms of children and the literature they read. This course will be tackling several questions throughout the semester. What is children’s literature? What is its purpose? What are some common themes seen in these works? What are adult expectations of children as set forth in these texts? What might these works say about culture? Why study children’s literature in the first place? Students will be given the opportunity to engage in a variety of creative writing assignments and projects. These assignments will focus on the styles, purposes, themes, and messages found in the works studied in class.
Expectations: Students are expected to come to class prepared, on time, and be seated bell to bell. I will mark you late! Students are to possess a positive and respectful attitude. It is also expected that all students actively participate in the classroom, pay attention, and complete their assignments. Meeting these expectations will result in student achievement throughout the year. This class is really engaging and fun, so most importantly I want the students to enjoy it.
Grading: Everything counts in this class and follows the district grading policy. Most of the assignments will be creative projects, technology driven projects, reflective writing and group discussion. I use a point system which is easy to understand. For example, major projects are usually worth 100 points and writing assignments 40. Each marking period, there are at least eight assessments which are evenly distributed throughout and vary in category (test, quizzes, classwork, projects, performance writing). Homework can only be worth a maximum of 5% of the grade. Students are responsible for any missed work from absences and the work is to be completed within a timely manner. Late work is accepted, but points will be taken off. Writing is graded using rubrics recommended by the New Jersey Department of Education. My expectations are clear, rubrics are very straightforward, and current averages can be viewed on OnCourse at all times.