Graphic Novel Readers Unite!

This week at the Ashley Library, fourth grade took a trip into Graphic Novel land. We talked about the evolving definition of graphic novels and how students can help to shape that definition. It was a fun tie in to the idea of misconceptions and the idea that it is sometimes hard for people to look past what they think they know.

We then focused on how to read a Graphic Novel. Most of us admitted to being a little (ok maybe even a lot) confused when reading Graphic Novels at times. We talked about panel placement and author's purpose as well as some other nifty tricks when thinking about Graphic Novels. After all, we are processing information from TWO sources - not just one! 

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We followed up with a quick look at four small, but mighty details that are present in every Graphic Novel: Speech Bubbles, Thought Bubbles, Emanata, and Motion Lines. I was so impressed with all of the critical thinking that went on in each of our sessions! 

​To wrap up, we broke into stations and put our learning into action! Each table group was given a set of panels to read and explore. Then their job was to answer a question that pertained to either Inferencing or Character TEKS. Students had to provide evidence from text and pictures as well as from their prior knowledge. 

"I loved learning about Graphic Novels. What I learned most was about reading the panels left to right and top to bottom."
​    - Brooklyn

"I learned most that when you read them they can tell you emotions."
​    - Arjun

graphic_novel_stations.pdf
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In the end, we had a great time! We learned that those crazy Graphic Novels were in fact teaching us something after all. And now we are ready to out and conquer the world. I even have a few kiddos ready to become Graphic Novelists themselves. 

​What Graphic Novel are you reading today??