Now for a topic near and dear to my heart...graphic novels. Growing research demonstrates that, contrary to popular opinion, reading graphic novels takes more cognitive effort than reading traditional, all-print materials. (Lavin, 1998; Bylsma, 2007) Readers are bombarded with art and print through a series of panels, word balloons and captions which detail the novel's characters, setting, plot and action. GNs require readers to be actively engaged in the process of decoding and interpreting a range of literary devices--narratives, metaphors, humor, symbolism, and point of view--in way that reaches multiple intelligences. GNs are also an excellent way to engage developing readers.
Recently, graphic novels have also branched into the realm of non-fiction and biographies.
The Children's Cooperative Book Center at UW-Madison has an excellent list of graphic novels for all ages. My favorites include the Bone series by Jeff Smith, Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike, and a the new series of Graphic Classics (Dracula, Frankenstein, Tom Sawyer, etc...). I would also encourage you to check out the works of Art Spiegelman...WOW.
In addition to reading graphic novels, your students (of all ages) are able to create their own graphic novels online through a variety of websites. This is a great way to emphasize aspects of the writing process (character development, dialogue...as well as Six Traits) in ways that are timely, immediate, and engaging.
10 Ways to Create Comics Online from Free Technology for Teachers is a great starter list of websites.
No comments:
Post a Comment