EDM082-Children's Books in Education

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Email: m.a.perkins@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:
This module would provide students with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the whole range of children’s books which are required to teach literacy successfully from FS to KS3

Aims:

• to develop an understanding of the role of children’s books in literacy learning and across the curriculum;
• to understand an appropriate level of literary theory;
• to experience literary study at appropriate levels for teachers of literacy;
• to consider how to develop literary study with young learners;
• to become familiar with children’s books across the range of genres;
• to develop an awareness of the world of children’s publishing;
• to enable students to carry out their own research into children’s books, their impact on literacy learning and the creation of young readers.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:

• critically evaluate the literary and visual qualities of children’s books;
• select children’s books for pedagogical purposes - including reading for pleasure;
• read, understand and evaluate research into children’s literature;
• to conduct a small-scale research project into students’ reading habits;

Additional outcomes:
Enhanced literacy teaching.

Outline content:

• an introduction to the range of children’s books;
• close reading of novels and short stories;
• close looking at picture books and graphic novels;
• poetry for and with young readers;
• literary quality in the early years;
• reading non-fiction for pleasure and learning;
• reading the world - events, places and issues in children’s books;
• children’s books and becoming a reader FS to KS3;
• children’s books and the wider curriculum;
• promoting books in school.

Global context:
One session will consider ways in which children’s books can open readers’ eyes to the world around them. It will include: reading non-fiction, both for both pleasure and learning; children’s books in translation; and, how children can be introduced to social and moral issues; e.g. challenging racism through children’s literature and the portrayal of world events, such as war.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Interactive seminars;
• Group discussions and readings;
• Practical tasks in pairs and groups;
• Presentations.

Other information on summative assessment:
There will be one written assignment of 5,000 words. The topic and title is to be negotiated with the module convenors.

Formative assessment methods:
Sessions will involve the whole group and generally take the form of interactive seminars. Students will be expected to read extensively during the term and will be asked to carry out classroom-based or literary tasks in preparation for some sessions. Contributions to seminars will not be assessed but each student is expected to take an active role in discussions and to prepare one brief [typically 10 minutes] presentation on a topic agreed with the tutor. In order to prepare for the module, students should read widely, selecting books from a wide range of texts written for children and young people.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:
n/a

Requirements for a pass:
Students must achieve 50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission within one calendar month of the notification of failure

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books: There are no required texts for this module. Students are encouraged to read / purchase a range of children's books.
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 21 December 2016