Graphic Novels in the Schools– Beyond Independent Reading presents information on using graphic novels in the classroom. It defines graphic novels as full-length comic books that combine text and visual elements. The presentation discusses how graphic novels can be used to meet New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and engage students through activities linked to themes. Examples are provided of how graphic novels covering topics in language arts, social studies, and Holocaust studies can supplement classroom lessons.

1. Graphic Novels in the Schools– Beyond Independent Reading Presenter: Kelly McNeal, Ph.D. [email_address]

2. Introduction Discussion How familiar are you with graphic novels? What types of use do you see of graphic novels in Paterson Public Schools?

3. First…Why graphic novels?????? As we move further into the 21 st century, we move further away from traditional “print only” text reading from left to right and more into a world combining the simultaneous reading of text and visuals….which is exactly what the world of graphic novels is!!!!! EVERYONE needs to be print and visually literate!

4. Agenda Brief overview of graphic novels and basic vocabulary Examples of linking the texts to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards Questions and Discussion

5. First, what are Graphic Novels?

6. They are full length books written in comic form.

7. So, what is a comic?

8. A comic is defined by Will Eisner as “sequential art” Can you think of any examples of “sequential art?”

9. Examples of Sequential Art It can be argued that tapestries, cave drawings, and stained glass windows are examples of “sequential art.”

10. Graphic Novels are a medium, not a genre. (the first activity you do will further delve into this statement) Graphic Novels are Bound Books of Comics

11. So, what is the difference between a Graphic Novel and a Picture Book? Who was secretly asking themselves this question???

12. Typically, the reader (or listener) can understand a picture book without “reading” the pictures but a reader can not understand a graphic novel without reading the pictures. Pictures are an integral part of comics and graphic novels.

13. An Overview of Vocabulary Page: A Collection of Panels on one sheet of paper. Panel: Each divided section of a page containing it's own image and/or text. Gutter: The (usually white) space that divides the panels on a page.

14. Speech Bubble: Dialogue spoken by a character that is typically drawn to appear as though it is coming from that person.

15. Thought Bubble: Thoughts/feelings from a character, usually appearing as either a cloud or square colored box

16. Graphic Novels are a medium not a genre. Why is this an important statement for you, as media specialists?

17. Graphic Novels can be incorporated into lessons and activities to make them more engaging and motivating while simultaneously meeting New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards.

18. How Can You Further the Circulation of Graphic Novels? Strategically place them in the library Make students, teachers, parents, and administrators aware of what they are and what is in the collection Aid teachers in becoming aware of how to use them in their classrooms

19. How Can Teachers Use Graphic Novels in Their Classrooms? To supplement their classroom libraries. For read alouds (yes read alouds!!!!) Teachers can also use one page or several pages for a reading activity (this may motivate the students want to take the book out from the library!!!) Teachers can also use one page, one panel or several pages for journal writing prompts.

20. Using Graphic Novels in The LAL Class Can be used as “traditional” texts are used. For example: For recognizing how authors use humor, sarcasm, and imagery to extend meaning. For summarizing major points from fiction and nonfiction texts. To identify genre by their distinctive elements (e.g. tall tale-exaggeration).

21. To Focus In-Depth on Themes Re-Gifters Note: One of the American Library Association’s 2008 Best Books for Young Adults Themes Related to Language Arts: Love, Justice, The Individual in Society, The Individual Versus Self

22. King of Thorn Vol 1 Won award for the American Librarian Association’s Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens 2008 Manga (this is a type of Japanese graphic (which come in many different genres) novel and is read right to left) It is science fiction Themes to explore in the language arts classroom: the individual versus society, justice, and the individual versus nature

23. The Epic Tale Epics are large scale works that are larger than life. They are ambitious and deal with heroes and themes such as justice. One can indeed look at comics such as Batman as an epic tale. Taking on this view one can introduce students to epics using superheroes and make the transitions to reading classic epics such as the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer go more smoothly. Can you think of any other “modern day” epics?

24. Personification Definition: when you make a thing, idea, or an animal do something only humans can do. Maus, Bone :Out From Boneville , and Baby Mouse can all be used to teach about personification

25. Social Studies and Language Arts: Biographies

26. The Holocaust / Genocide Studies (a New Jersey Core Curriculum Standard Requirement)

27. Social Studies Current events, history, war, politics, archeology, shipwrecks, and crime!!!!!!!

28. Questions and Discussion?