Aims of the course
- To explore the range of children's non-fiction (information) books in different subjects and formats for various age ranges
- To experiment with writing a variety of children's non-fiction
- To consider the market and audience for children's non-fiction, including opportunities for both traditional and alternative methods of publication
Learning outcomes
- To understand the role and aims of non-fiction books for children
- To recognise a range of suitable structures, formats and styles appropriate for children's non-fiction
- To understand the process of planning, writing and revision, and the opportunities and restrictions of working with artwork to produce illustrated non-fiction
- To try writing children's non-fiction using suitable content, styles and structures
- To practice preparing an outline and sample of a non-fiction text suitable for approaching publishers and agents
- To understand publishing process and opportunities in relation to children's non-fiction
Schedule (this course is completed entirely online)
Orientation Week: 20-26 May 2024
Teaching Weeks: 27 May-30 June 2024
Feedback Week: 1-7 July 2024
Teaching Week 1 - Fun with facts
This week we will explore the variety of structures and subjects explored by children’s non-fiction books.
Learning outcomes
By studying this week participants should:
- Understand different structures in children’s non-fiction, including narrative (story line) and expository (explanatory)
- Know the importance of choosing a suitable subject, title and structure to suit the reader’s age
- Be able to outline and plan a non-fiction book
Teaching Week 2 - Research and writing
This week we will learn how to research and write effectively: recording relevant information accurately, and writing in an appropriate format and structure from it.
Learning outcomes
By studying this week participants should:
- Be able to identify suitable sources of information
- Know how to research a topic and record research findings, assessing and noting sources
- Understand the needs and prior knowledge and experience of the target readers to guide research
- Choose which information to include
- Structure information clearly and logically, and present it in an engaging, exciting and accessible way for the target age group
- Consider aspects of inclusivity and the concerns of an international audience
- Research and write sample text on a chosen topic
Teaching Week 3 - Style and voice
This week we will explore how different writing treatments can achieve different effects. Narrative voice, first person, use of dialogue, letters and diary entries.
Learning outcomes
By studying this week participants should:
- Know what ‘style’ and ‘voice’ are in writing, their effects, and how they are created
- Identify aspects of style that make text entertaining, engaging and exciting
- Try writing in different styles to engage a young audience
- Know how to convey information clearly and simply in an age-appropriate style
- Understand how to create an ‘open’ text that acknowledges uncertainty and disagreement in a subject
Teaching Week 4 - Words and pictures
This week will show how artwork of different types (illustration, photos, diagrams) are integral to most non-fiction books, and how to write for illustrated text.
Learning outcomes
By studying this week participants should:
- Know how text and images interact in most children’s non-fiction
- Understand the different types of artwork and design elements and the writer’s role in collaborating with design professionals
- Consider the potential of more challenging layouts, such as lift-the-flap and pop-up books, in presenting information
Teaching Week 5 - To market
This week will introduce the world of children’s book publishing, highlight potential openings, and show how best to approach publication.
Learning outcomes
By studying this week participants should:
- Understand the markets for children’s non-fiction
- Recognise that every book needs some rewriting and editing, and understand the role of other professionals in perfecting and producing a book
- Understand how the publishing industry works, and the roles of agents and publishers
- Know what is involved in writing an outline or proposal to approach agents and publishers
- Know what to expect in a publishing contract
- Understand the difference between traditional and alternative publishing models, and opportunities in each
Each week of an online course is roughly equivalent to 2-3 hours of classroom time. On top of this, participants should expect to spend roughly 2-3 hours reading material, etc., although this will vary from person to person.
While they have a specific start and end date and will follow a weekly schedule (for example, week 1 will cover topic A, week 2 will cover topic B), our tutor-led online courses are designed to be flexible and as such would normally not require participants to be online for a specific day of the week or time of the day (although some tutors may try to schedule times where participants can be online together for web seminars, which will be recorded so that those who are unable to be online at certain times are able to access material).
Virtual Learning Environment
Unless otherwise stated, all course material will be posted on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) so that they can be accessed at any time throughout the duration of the course and interaction with your tutor and fellow participants will take place through a variety of different ways which will allow for both synchronous and asynchronous learning (discussion boards etc).
Certificate of participation
A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/assignments for the duration of the course.
What our students say
"Met and exceeded! The tutorials and writing activities were so very helpful. Writing for children (especially non-fiction) requires a whole different set of skills. It was also great to focus on related topics such as book censorship, illustrations, and so on."
"I didn't know what to expect. I was delighted that the course was offered and I was a part of it. The course was so interesting right from the beginning and as the weeks were passing, it got better and better. I loved all aspects of it, and I only wish it didn't end. I am quite satisfied and I could say that it was one of the best courses I have ever attended!"
"The tutor (Anne) was incredibly well prepared for everything and very speedy in her responses and feedback. The course was timed and planned to perfection. Each week followed on from the previous week logically and naturally and was easy to follow."
"Anne was superb! The material she presented for children's non-fiction was very interesting, challenging and enchanting. The feedback for each of the participants was very enlightening. Anne helped each of us with our book ideas and writing activities and made the flow of the course run smoothly. The discussion forum's dynamic was fun and enriching. I loved Anne's sense of humor and the quality of books and exercises she shared with us."
