Where I am, and Where I want to go - Inquiry project
As an Educator, I would love to see students actively engage in their readings. Until yesterday, I had not seen voluntary participation until we busted out the first book of the year. Many of the students moaned and groaned about how they didn't want to read a book (especially out loud). Everything changed once we opened the book.
The selected text (as seen above) was called Yummy the Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri. This is a graphic novel about an eleven year old kid from Chicago who ends up in a gang. Yummy was a real boy and this is a real story. The students connected with this story, even with it being 27 years old. They loved it so much that four students voluntarily read the whole book!
Seeing this spark in the students made me want to dive into the benefits of teaching reading and English through Graphic Novels for struggling students. I saw students' understandings of the text being read and they connected it to their lives! This shows understanding which is defined as being "less concerned about individual pieces of knowledge and is more focused on mastery of the core concepts of a discipline" (Lattimer xix). By already creating connections text to world, it shows a deep understanding of what they read.
I already know that graphic novels are a great way to get "nonreaders" to read. I also know that they have different levels of complexity and have thousands of settings and narratives. The imagery helps students to physically see the story, which can be beneficial to students who struggle with imagery in reading. It is also a fun way to get students engaged in their reading.
I want to know what some applicable ways you can integrate graphic novels into the classroom. What type of lesson plans can you create out of graphic novels (I have a few ideas, but not a ton). Do graphic novels boost confidence in readers? I also want to know what graphic novels take place in urban settings so students can connect to the reading more.
Resources for Graphic Novel
Hi Dylan,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is awesome that you were able to find a book for your students to read that they relate to despite it being from 27 years ago! I also agree that graphic novels are a great way to get all of your students interested- this also works for other World Languages! I will be interested to follow along with your findings this semester!
Dylan!
ReplyDeleteThis makes my English-teacher heart sing! I want to find room for graphic novel study for my students because it is a completely different type of high-interest reading! I will have to give this book a read, for sure. What types of activities are you brainstorming to do with this book? The possibilities are endless!
Best,
Rayen
I love that you are researching graphic novels. I read It's a Long Way Down the graphic novel last spring and I thought it was incredible and engaging. There are so many great books in this genre. -Grace Armstrong
ReplyDeleteMoments like this are worth it! I love how your students were engaged with the graphic novel! Ever thought about having your students create their own mini graphic novel or comic strips about their own lives (or about anything they have interest in)? I have many struggling readers (some said they hate reading) so I plan to change their minds with graphic novels too later this year! 😂
ReplyDeleteDylan, you have me fired up about Yummy. I have not read it but may have to get it. I think you focus on graphic novels is a very inviting doorway into reading. I too am a huge fan of graphic novels. I have a bunch that I can lend you if you make it to campus ever. For now I will share this one book that you may find helpful (not for your textset) but for you.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1464525.Building_Literacy_Connections_with_Graphic_Novels
Let's geek out on graphic novels some time.