Sherry Chlit12

MyBookCASE An Argument for English Curriculum

Purpose
Understand the difference between childrens literature and the literature canon, and the debate over what literature should be taught in English Language Arts Draw on your own experiences/course readings to articulate a position regarding this curricular issue Big Questions: What literature should be read by children? Why? How?

Process
Option 1

(note: these steps are guidelines for process, not product: see step 5 for how to synthesize steps 1-4)

Option 2
1. Make a list of formative literacy experiences (learning to compose, interpret, research). 2. For each experience on the list, reflect on why it was important to you (e.g., write a paragraph or two under each item). 3. Generalize from your experience: as you look at these moments together, what do they suggest about what is important for children, and why? 4. Read the following four short pieces (in the order below) about literacy: a. http://www.wisc.edu/writing/podcasts/trans cripts/wc_brandt3.pdf b. http://web.mac.com/mikerosebooks/Site/Ex cerpt.html c. http://al201.wikispaces.com/file/view/Lo(20 04)Language.pdf d. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AZVCjfWf8&feature=fvw 5. Pretend it is 20 years in the future and, like the author of the final piece, you are making an argument about English curriculum (maybe its for teachers, for the school board, or for a presentation at the NCTE conference). Use your own experience and the readings to make a case for what literacy practices should be taught in English Language Arts, and why, using whatever medium and genre you choose.

1. Make a list of books you read as a child (age 6-13) that were important to you. 2. For each book on the list, reflect on why it was important to you (e.g., write a paragraph or two under each title). 3. Generalize from your experience: as you look at these books together, what do they suggest about what is important for children, and why? 4. Read the following four short pieces (in the order below) about ELA curriculum: a. http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1958/E nglish-Education.html b. http://educationnext.org/e-d-hirsch-and-civiceducation/ c. http://www.csun.edu/~krowlands/Content/Acade mic_Resources/ Literature/Canon/Burke-Canon%20fodder.pdf d. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/v28n3/sa lvner.html 5. Pretend it is 20 years in the future and, like the author of the final piece, you are making an argument about English curriculum (perhaps youre speaking to teachers at a department meeting, addressing the school board, or delivering a presentation at the NCTE conference). Use your own experience and the readings to make a case for what literature should be taught in English Language Arts, and why, using whatever medium and genre you choose.

Assessment
Criterion Process All parts completed fully and on-time in professional manner Purpose uses details/evidence thoroughly and specifically to make point(s) Audience clearly arranges relevant details/evidence for audience Genre selects an appropriate medium and suits conventions to the task Engagement demonstrates self-awareness and willingness to take risks 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0