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Peer Review

Dragons in Children's Literature

Reviewed:

Jun 26, 2011 by Teacher Education
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Quality: 4.5 stars
Effectiveness: 4.5 stars
Ease of Use: 4.2 stars
Overview:

Dragons in Children’s Literature is a compilation of resource materials (picture books, novels, poems, collections, web links, background resources, student book reviews, song, and artwork) regarding the depiction and use of dragons in a variety of children’s literature.
Type of Material:

Collection
Recommended Uses:

Individual, in-class, or homework tasks revolving around developing literary analytical skills.
Technical Requirements:

Internet browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:

To acquaint users with background and current information about dragons in literature To provide resources that connect readers with dragon literature To learn how to analyze literary use of dragons in children's literature To compare and contrast uses of dragons in a variety of children's literature
Target Student Population:

Elementary, middle and high school students and parents as well as undergraduate and graduate students .
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

None

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

Provides numerous examples from a variety of modalities and grade levels.
Concerns:

This topic seems rather narrow. A note about ways to use the immense array of resources would be helpful.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

Web site provides introductory material and insight into use. The various examples provide the user with several views of uses of dragons in children’s literature . As an instructor this resource appears be very easy to use with both individuals and groups. Could easily be used in coursework for education majors. Students could use this material prior to reading a new piece of literature for background; as well it could inspire students with new titles to explore.
Concerns:

Narrow topic.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

Extremely easy to use with any of the 3 browsers tried. Provides a variety of educational and leisure uses. Has an extensive array of materials. Annotations make it easy to design tasks for or use as a resource.
Concerns:

Searches on the site work for general information, like "dragons," but not for specific authors or titles. Some links are dead.
Other Issues and Comments:

Green background on main page is distracting to the eye and makes it difficult to read some of the yellow text.
Creative Commons:
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