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Reading Instruction and Children's Books

Although children’s librarians think learning to read is about books, teachers use buzz-words such as lexile, phonics and word walls.  Parents and students are often seeking grade appropriate reading materials.  Several methods are used to determine grade level.  In order for children’s librarians to effectively assist patrons, they need to understand how to interpret grade levels assigned to books by publishers and educators.

This course will provide children’s librarians with an understanding of different methodologies for reading instruction and ways that the grade-level of reading materials are determined.  Books, periodicals, websites and other material that children need to read will be evaluated from these perspectives.  Librarians will be encouraged to develop strategies for explaining these grading formulae to parents and to communicate more effectively with teachers as a result of their understanding.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to assist children, parents and teachers in selecting reading material that is appropriate for students who are developing reading skills.  You will:

  • contrast instructional methods used to teach reading in elementary schools
  • compute grade levels of children’s reading materials using accepted formulas
  • apply readability tests to books, periodicals, websites and other materials that children may need to read
  • interpret readability strategies and numbers for library patrons seeking appropriate material

Who Should Attend

Children’s librarians in public libraries and schools; library paraprofessional and support staff who are working with students, parents and teachers; teachers who are not trained in reading instruction would also benefit from this course.

Course Level & Prerequisites

This course is open to library staff and teachers of all experience levels; no prerequisites are required.

Instructor(s)

Katherine (Kate) Todd, Adjunct Instructor, Manhattanville College (email: EduKateTodd@gmail.com)

Date(s) & Time(s)

This is a five week Moodle course beginning on September 26 and ending October 28, 2011.

Credits &/or CEUs

College credit nor CEU's are available at this time.  ALSC's online courses are the equivalent of a one day face-to-face workshop.  A certificate of completion will be sent to each participant upon successful completion for each course taken.

Requirements vary by state and school district regarding certification and continuing education credits.  The decision to grant CEU credits remains entirely up to your state or school district.  If you are in need of credits, check with your state and/or school district before enrolling to determine eligibility.  Some states will review your certificate of completion and course syllabus to determine eligibility.  A PDF copy of the syllabus can be provided to you upon request.

Fee

Class size is limited to 30 students.

ALSC Personal Member: $95
ALA Personal Member: $145
Nonmember: $165

Member rates apply to personal memberships only.  Interested in joining ALSC?  Click here to learn more about ALSC and how to join.

Technical Requirements

Computer, internet connection, web browser.

How to Register

Registration is now open!  Visit the ALA Registration page to register online, or fill out the registration form and mail it in.  Course space is limited. 

Contact

Jenny Najduch
ALSC Marketing Specialist
jnajduch@ala.org
(800) 545-2433 ext. 4026

Sponsor(s)

Interested in sponsoring this course?  Contact Jenny Najduch, ALSC Marketing Specialist, at the email or phone number above.