Your culminating assignment this semester is in two parts. Part 1 is an annotated book list, while Part 2 is your book list
visually translated into an infographic.
Part 1
As we have discussed this semester, the canon of
children’s literature often fails embrace a broad spectrum of today’s young
readers. While this is beginning to change, an education in purely canonical literature
can still exclude a significant portion of kids. You final project will address
this issue.
1. Choose one reading group you would like to target:
- Picture Books: Ages 0-5—Designed for pre-readers with a
heavy emphasize on developing identification skills (e.g. letters, numbers,
colors, shapes)
- Early Readers: Ages 5-7—Scaffolded for young readers at various
levels of literacy (e.g. Level 1, 2)
- Chapter Books: Ages 7-12—Designed for intermediate readers;
heavy emphasis on storytelling through prose, though illustrations may be
present
- Middle Grade: Ages 12-14—Fairly new designation; primarily
targeted toward 6th -8th grade readers
2. Design a reading list comprised of 10 books (50% canonical tittles and
50% newer, more inclusive, titles). You may choose up to two books from our
readings this semester.
3. Write a one-paragraph overview explaining the rationale
behind your reading list. For example, what is your goal and how do these books
help you achieve it?
4. Organize your books in an MLA Style works cited page.
5. Briefly annotate each book’s citation. For each entry,
include a very brief summary, as well as the function it serves in the overall goal
of your reading list.
Example:
Savage, Landon. The New
Chair. New York: Scholastic, 2015. Print.
Landon
Savage’s middle grade book,
The New Chair, is about Steven, an active ten-year-old
soccer player. One day, while playing with his friends, Steven falls from a
tree and breaks his back. The ensuing story deals with him coming to terms with
the loss of the use of his legs. It is a heartwarming story about acceptance
and perseverance. As one of my goals with my book list is to help kids become
less afraid of those with disabilities, this book can help to demystify people in
wheelchairs. Additionally, the vocabulary is a bit higher than
my other choices, so I hope it will challenge my students.
Part 2
For second part, you will translate your reading list into
an
infographic. This infographic
will highlight each of your books as a sort of visual reference guide. Include 6-8 titles (3-4 canonical titles, 3-4 new titles) in your design.
Infographics are most easily utilized in PowerPoint (or a
comparable program). Additionally, if you are experienced in it, you may also
utilize Photoshop. This assignment must be delivered electronically (email).
A well-executed infographic will:
- Have a title that articulates the goal(s) of your reading
list
- Have a concise thesis as the subheading—important
- Utilize a design that enhances the goal(s)
of the book list
- Clearly highlight 6-8 relevant titles
Due:
Week 15: Wed 5.1
BOOK LIST INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 1; BRING 1-2 HARD
COPIES OR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION)
Week 16: Wed 5.8
BOOK LIST INFOGRAPHIC (DRAFT 2; BRING 1-2 HARD COPIES OR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION)
Week 17: Thu 5.16*
FINAL BOOK PROJECT, PARTS 1 & 2—EMAIL BY 6 PM
