Chapter 11Cohen & Cowan

Literature

Key Terms

l

• Newbery Medal• Narrative text• Expository text• Genre• Biography• Autobiography

• Caldecott Medal• Nonfiction books• Response-based

curriculum• Literature circles• Readers Theatre

Focus Questions

1. What is a response-based curriculum?

2. What are the key components in organizing a literature-based curriculum?

3. How can you integrate literature into all subject areas?

Why should children’s literature be used in the classroom?

1. Highly motivating

2. Convey cultural values & themes

3. Promotes literacy development

4. Contributes to language development

5. Helps to become better writers

6. The emotional appeal of a good story helps to empathize with people

Award Winners

• Caldecott Medal

– Honors illustrator of “the most distinguished American children’s picture book of the year”

– www.ala.org/alsc/ caldecott.html

• Newbery Medal

– Honors “the most distinguished American children’s book of the year”

– www.ala.org/alsc/

newbery.html

Genres

• Narrative text• Expository (Informational) text• Poetry• Picture Books• Folklore• Fantasy• Science Fiction• Realistic Fiction• Historical Fiction• Biography/Autobiography• Non-fiction

Selecting Quality Literature

• Richness of story

• Emotional Connection to Reader

• Non-biased

• Culturally diverse

• Wide variety

• Matches curriculum & teacher’s goals

Electronic databases

• www.cbcbooks.org

• www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org

• www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc• www.leweb.loc.gov (Lib. of Congress)

(p. 412)

Multicutural Literature

• www.bookwire.com

• www.icdlbooks.org• www.cdchange.org• www.darsie.net

• (p.415)

Selecting Multicultural Literature

• Illustrations enhance text• No Stereotyping• Point of view of author• Corrects distortions or omissions• How are people characterized?• Language choices• Consider effect on child’s esteem• Question: What values are presented?• Why is text written?

Websites Supporting Children’s Literature

• www.acs.ucalgary.ca

• www.carolhurst.com

• www.sdscore.kas.ca.us

• www.aaronshep.com

• www.ala.org/alsc

• www.downhomebooks.com• (p.418)

Responding to Books

• Students are “active meaning-makers”

• They interpret literature through their own personal experiences

Response Activities

• Mural• Diorama• Puppet show• Video• Interviews• Talk show• Multimedia

presentation

• Technology• Role Playing & drama• Writing• Posters• Book covers• Travel Brochure• Advertisement• Models• Costumes

Organizing a Literature-Based Program

• Variety of books & materials

• Balance of activities

• Balance needs and skill levels with motivating, fun lessons

Four Key Components

1. Teacher-assisted and independent activities

2. Flexible grouping

3. Responses to Literature

4. Informal Assessment

Reader’s Workshop

• Foster love of reading

• Students chose books

• Respond in writing journals

• Conferences

• Share with small groups

Reader’s Workshop

• Read aloud/language experience story (10 min)

• Mini-lesson (10-12 min)

• Independent reading (20-25 min)

• Student sharing (10-15 min)