For immediate release | May 1, 2012
ALSC summer online courses start July 9
CHICAGO — The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) announces the release of the schedule for summer 2012 online courses. Registration is open for all courses. Classes begin Monday, July 9, 2012.
ALSC online courses are designed to fit the needs of working professionals. Courses are taught by experienced librarians and academics. As participants frequently noted in post-course surveys, ALSC stresses quality and caring in its online education options.
The Caldecott Medal: Understanding Distinguished Art in Picture Books (six weeks, July 9 - Aug. 17, 2012) is taught by Kathleen T. Horning, director, Cooperative Children's Book Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison. For almost 75 years, the Caldecott Medal has been a sign of superior artistry and creativity in children’s picture books, given to only one book every year. With so many children’s picture books published each year, how is the Caldecott Medal winning book selected? What makes picture book illustration distinguished, and how has that definition changed over time? Learn about the history of the award, how the award has transformed books over time and how to look critically at picture book art.
Connecting with 'Tween Readers (four weeks, July 9 - Aug. 3, 2012) is taught by Edward T. Sullivan, rogue librarian/writer. Marketers and publishers define "tweens" as children who range in age from 8 to 14. For the purposes of this course, "tweens" are 10-12 year olds, children who are in the "double-digit club" but not yet teens. This course will examine the characteristics that make this age group unique; developmental needs and abilities; why children of this age group are particularly vulnerable to illiteracy; and unique activities and programs (including the utilization of currently popular technologies) libraries can offer to keep these children on the path to becoming lifelong readers. A primary focus of the course will be surveying the large body of quality literature available that has particular appeal for this age group.
Introduction to Graphic Novels for Children (six weeks, July 9 - Aug. 17, 2012) is taught by Janet Weber, youth services librarian, Tigard Public Library. Graphic novels are quickly emerging as one of the best tools for motivating kids to read and have become essential components of many library collections. But are you maximizing the benefits this format offers for your programming and patrons? Are graphic novels even a fit for your library? Explore these and many other critical elements surrounding graphic novels for children.
Reading Instruction and Children's Books (five weeks, July 9 - Aug. 10, 2012) is taught by Katherine (Kate) Todd, adjunct instructor, Manhattanville College. 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, including sight words, phonics, literate environment and pre- and post-reading activities.
Out of this World Youth Programming (six weeks, July 9 - Aug. 17, 2012) is taught by Angela Young, youth services librarian, Lorain Public Library System. If you are like most children’s librarians, you are no doubt faced with the continual challenge of providing programs that are not only fun and appealing, but also highly informative and educational. How do I fit all age levels? What is age-appropriate? How do I make old materials fresh again? Where do I even begin? This course will provide innovative ideas and suggestions on how to plan, promote, execute and evaluate your programs to work for you and your patrons.
Detailed descriptions and registration information is available on the ALSC website at www.ala.org/alsced. Fees are $95 for personal ALSC members; $145 for personal ALA members; and $165 for non-members. Questions? Please contact ALSC Program Officer Jenny Najduch at jnajduch@ala.org or 1 (800) 545-2433 ext. 4026.
ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit their website at www.ala.org/alsc.
Contact:
Dan Rude
Membership/Marketing Specialist
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
drude@ala.org1-800-545-2433 ext.2164
Featured News