Date/Topic

Focusing ?s

Readings Due

Assignments Due

August 28

Building Community

Why do we study children's literature?

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September 4

Poetry

How does poetry contribute to learning in the classroom?

Essentials: Chapters 1 & 3

Poetry Book

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Literacy Timeline

Literature Response (Poetry)

Skeleton Outline: Chapters 1 & 3

Beginning Understandings (in class)

September 11

Poetry II

What are literature circles and how do they "work"?

What are story elements?

Essentials: Chapter 2

Literature Circles Article
(in class)

Love that Dog
Witness
Out of the Dust

Literature Response
(Poetry Novel)

Skeleton Outline: Chapter 2

Heritage Poem - Draft

September 18

Historical Fiction

How do literary characters help students develop their own identity?

What are reading strategies?

Essentials: Chapter 8

Cushman Book

Paired Picture Books:
Historical Fiction (in class)

Southwest Children's Book Choice

Literature Response (Cushman)
Character Map

Skeleton Outline: Chapter 8

Heritage Poem - Final

Reading Records (10) and Tracking Sheet

September 25

Realistic Fiction

What is inquiry?

What do we want to discuss/learn about difference?

What is Critical Literacy?

Essentials: Chapters 10 and 12

Esperanza Rising
Journey of the Sparrows
Habibi
My Name is Maria Isabel
Nory Ryan's Song

Critical Literacy Article (in class)

Literature Response (Realistic Fiction)

Skeleton Outline: Chapters 10 and 12

Goals for the Course

SW Children's Lit Web Site