ABOUT THIS COURSE
Hello, I'm Sharon Jamison your instructor for this course. I have taught this trade books course since 1998 along with Young Adult Literature (X460), Content Area Literacy, Middle School Methods and Leadership in Technology (plus assorted other listings!) Though I stepped down last year from my full-time position in the secondary program, I will continue to teach some courses online. This is one of my favorite courses to teach because of my enduring love for children's books. Unfortunately, in the 6 weeks allotted to us, we can only touch the surface of children's literature. My hope is that you will learn enough and like some of the books enough to continue reading the works of wonderful children's authors. The students you teach, or will teach, deserve teachers who are knowledgeable about children's books and can share their passion for reading with them. Something important to know about me is that I hold students to high expectations. Students do not get an A or B just for enrolling in the course. This is why I have provided a sample blog posting so that the expectations for written discussion are clear. However, should a student encounter difficulty, I am always willing to work with her/him when a personal or other issue arises that necessitates a deviation from our game plan.
One of the greatest drawbacks of an online course is our inability to hold discussions that allow us to share our feelings and opinions about books with the whole class. There are just too many students for online real time conversations. We have to use blogs to share in small groups instead. However, there is some benefit to this because I have learned over the years that many students who are reluctant to speak in class are very comfortable in an online format where they can share their thoughts in text. It also forces more reflective thinking since writing helps us to think more deeply and to clarify our thoughts. That said, students who could, possibly, get by without doing the reading in a face-to-face class, find that it challenges them to actually do the reading or, unwisely, to try to fake it.
The books chosen for this course reflect the diversity of children's literature. In a classroom, it is important to balance readings taking into account representations of gender, genres, ages and interests. You will probably find books you love, hate, are offended by, feel are inappropriate for children or, perhaps, wish you had read when you were "that age". You don't have to agree with everyone in your discussion group! It's ok for opinions to differ AS LONG AS THEY ARE INFORMED OPINIONS! One of my favorite memories from teaching middle school students was when they had read a book that confused them and sought enlightenment from the author by writing him a letter. He responded and answered all their questions. Children really do want to know and understand. Reading is the gift that allows them to do this and it's why I teach.
HAPPY READING!!
One of the greatest drawbacks of an online course is our inability to hold discussions that allow us to share our feelings and opinions about books with the whole class. There are just too many students for online real time conversations. We have to use blogs to share in small groups instead. However, there is some benefit to this because I have learned over the years that many students who are reluctant to speak in class are very comfortable in an online format where they can share their thoughts in text. It also forces more reflective thinking since writing helps us to think more deeply and to clarify our thoughts. That said, students who could, possibly, get by without doing the reading in a face-to-face class, find that it challenges them to actually do the reading or, unwisely, to try to fake it.
The books chosen for this course reflect the diversity of children's literature. In a classroom, it is important to balance readings taking into account representations of gender, genres, ages and interests. You will probably find books you love, hate, are offended by, feel are inappropriate for children or, perhaps, wish you had read when you were "that age". You don't have to agree with everyone in your discussion group! It's ok for opinions to differ AS LONG AS THEY ARE INFORMED OPINIONS! One of my favorite memories from teaching middle school students was when they had read a book that confused them and sought enlightenment from the author by writing him a letter. He responded and answered all their questions. Children really do want to know and understand. Reading is the gift that allows them to do this and it's why I teach.
HAPPY READING!!