1. The case of the ESL Classroomand the graphic novel Teaching Literature

2. The number of ESL students in US schools has been rising dramatically.

3. This presents a challenge across the curriculum

4. Immigrant children often experience what is referred to as “culture shock”

5. They try to make sense of a strange new culture, while holding on to their own cultural identity

6. Children are simultaneously Trying to ‘fit’ in Trying to hold on to their culture Struggling to learn a new language Struggling to master subject area content

7. English Literature Is possibly the biggest challenge for ESL students

8. What makes English literature so challenging to ESL students? 1. the obvious: vocabulary and grammar 2. imagery 3. idiomatic expressions 4. slang 5. regional dialects 6. social dialects

9. And… Every text, whether fictional or non-fictional, Is bound to the culture that created it.

10. The Role of Graphic Novels

11. There is something to be said for Graphic Novels. They… Look less threatening because of pictures Make reading literature less intimidating, less formal Help students understand the plot by illustrating the main events and the characters’ feelings Help students learn new vocabulary by associating words with visual representations

12. Therefore… Graphic novels are very popular with all student populations, but are possibly most helpful to ESL students

13. Possible solution to the Literature Dilemma: Graphic novels are available not only as the stories of Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and all sorts of other very popular heroes, but also as classical literature.

14. Ask your librarian about graphic novels!