6 Things You Should Know About Children’s Literature

1. Your ‘pay off’ of studying children’s literature is unbelievably rewarding.

As far as challenges go in my student life, this class tops the list.  More impressive is that this class has been the most rewarding learning experiences of my college career!  If there is anyone who is considering this class I want to share with you that it can be completed successfully with learning outcomes such as being able to interact in an educated manner in an online literature community, speak about authors purposes and become familiar with books different generas.  In addition, you will learn to distinguish with accuracy different awards that are issued within American Children’s Literature.  You will also have legitimate fun learning to communicate in the digital world of blogging.

2. You will learn that children’s books are more than entertaining but in fact that they are educational.

Anyone reading simple picture books will find that children learn colors, shapes and are introduced new situations.  Moral and/or values are often embedded in the theme of books in order to support civility.  Non-fiction chapter books are filled with far way places around the world and leave children filled with knowledge about historical events.  Other books are intended to take children on adventures begging them to use their creative thinking abilities.

3. You will experience life through a child’s perspective and find it fascinating.

The first place to begin looking is in http://kidlitosphere.org/an online community that is endless in resources.  Any individual can instantly become connected to Q&A’s, news and a variety of members to help expand your knowledge.

4. You will learn how to incorporate reading stories in lessons.

A teacher planning lessons, can use Read Aloud’s (books) as supplements.  Children report Read Alouds as being engaging and an enjoyable whole group experience.  These books can be award winning books, an example is the Newbery Award winners http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal or any other book that has not received awards examples can be found on the list of top Read Alouds http://www.scholastic.com/100BestReadAloudBooks/.  While reading, a teacher can blend in amscience, history or a social studies lesson

5. While learning about children’s literature you need to know that diversity is an issue.

Due to the lack of diversity in children’s lit. many children of color are not finding themselves mirrored in books.  Instead they find that they are able to peer through a window in to the world of white children or read about animals acting human like.  This inability to see themselves leads to a disconnect for children.  You will learn the importance of increasing diversity in children’s book as our nations classrooms fill with diverse students.  As well you will learn how to find authors who publish books that speak to this topic.

6. You will PERFECT the art of goal setting.

• Plan your week with time for goal attainment or focus each day.
• Work you plan.
• Take time to assess your progress and make changes as needed in your schedule to ensure attaining your goal.
• Sacrifice something you do in your daily life at the beginning of your challenge and replace it with activities that move you closer to your goal.