Children's Literature
Please become familiar with the Guidelines and Rubric found in the DropBox judges' folder. There are two categories of Children’s Literature, PK and K – 3. The only difference is in the appropriateness for the audience. For example, the PK books should have a limited vocabulary, the text to picture ratio will be smaller, and the theme should be presented so that a younger audience can relate.
NOTE: There is an error in one of the Guidelines. Students will NO LONGER be given any bonus points for having a bi-lingual text. This has been removed from the rubric, but Nationals did not remove it from one of the Guidelines.
You will be pre-judging
Students submit their books by digitally capturing each page. The above elements of the book can easily be evaluated using this procedure. Pre-judging is necessary because Virginia’s event is one day.
The next step is to read the book. Pre-judging is a time-saving measure so that judges may preview certain elements that are difficult to accomplish the day of the event. The book will look different in person; however, please keep in mind that the book should NOT be different.
Book #1 Book #2
Then open the book with sample comments. These comments were compiled using the judges’ comments from a previous year. You need not agree 100%, but this provides a walk-through of items to consider when evaluating your competitors.
Book #1 w/comments Book #2 w/comments
Return to the scoring rubric. How would you score the exemplar… and why?
To help you calibrate, please open the sample rubric that has been included. A compilation of judges’ scores and comments have been transcribed. It is important to keep in mind that you may differ in points awarded; however, you must be consistent among all competitors. The Guidelines will help in assigning scores.
Book #1 Rubric Book #2 Rubric
The day of the event, you will receive your rubrics. If any scores differ significantly among the judges, they will need to be discussed. This is especially important when we have more than one set of judges for a competitive event like Children’s Literature.
NOTE: There is an error in one of the Guidelines. Students will NO LONGER be given any bonus points for having a bi-lingual text. This has been removed from the rubric, but Nationals did not remove it from one of the Guidelines.
You will be pre-judging
- story
- illustrations
- grammar, usage and mechanics
- whether it is age-appropriate
- the completeness of the title page
Students submit their books by digitally capturing each page. The above elements of the book can easily be evaluated using this procedure. Pre-judging is necessary because Virginia’s event is one day.
The next step is to read the book. Pre-judging is a time-saving measure so that judges may preview certain elements that are difficult to accomplish the day of the event. The book will look different in person; however, please keep in mind that the book should NOT be different.
- There should be no improvements between what you pre-judged and what is presented at the competition.
- If the book was unfinished and submitted to meet the deadline for artifact submission, then any evaluation should be based on this version of the book.
- However, occasionally the colors will present better in person. You may change a score based on this, but note this on the rubric.
Book #1 Book #2
Then open the book with sample comments. These comments were compiled using the judges’ comments from a previous year. You need not agree 100%, but this provides a walk-through of items to consider when evaluating your competitors.
Book #1 w/comments Book #2 w/comments
Return to the scoring rubric. How would you score the exemplar… and why?
To help you calibrate, please open the sample rubric that has been included. A compilation of judges’ scores and comments have been transcribed. It is important to keep in mind that you may differ in points awarded; however, you must be consistent among all competitors. The Guidelines will help in assigning scores.
Book #1 Rubric Book #2 Rubric
- If you have any concerns, please reach out to heather.jones@doe.virginia.gov
The day of the event, you will receive your rubrics. If any scores differ significantly among the judges, they will need to be discussed. This is especially important when we have more than one set of judges for a competitive event like Children’s Literature.