Literature: Graphic Novels
These websites are about graphic novels and using comics in the classroom. There are lesson plans, activities, bibliographies, and articles for teachers. Learn the difference between a graphic novel and a comic book, and see examples of both. There are tutorials on drawing, lettering, and scripting so students can create their own characters and graphic novels. Included is an eThemes resource about cartoons for the classroom.
Grades
- 5
Links
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Teaching Graphic Novels as Literature
This online article explores ways to include graphic novels in your curriculum; includes summaries of some relevant graphic novels. NOTE: This site includes ads. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).
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Graphic Novels for Children: What, Why, and How for Public and School Libraries
This presentation explores using graphic novels with children. NOTE: This site includes ads. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).
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Using Graphic Novels with Children and Teens: A Guide for Teachers and Librarians
This discussion guide on graphic novels provides valuable information to educators about what graphic novels are, how suitable they are for various ages, how to evaluate them, how they promote literacy, prejudices related to them, whether they belong in the curriculum, what literary themes they explore, the benefits of studying them as a format, and recommended readings.
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You Can Do a Graphic Novel: Teacher’s Guide
This 42-page PDF Teacher’s Guide walks you through the process of teaching your students to design their own graphic novel.
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Graphic Novels for Multiple Literacies
This is a short article for educators about using graphic novels across the curriculum. Includes a bibliography.
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Comic Vocabulary Interactive
Here is an interactive glossary that covers common terms related to text and layout of comic art graphics.
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The Periodic Table of Comic Books
Click on an element to see a full page comic illustration that refers to that element. There are many examples of classic comic art. This site can also be incorporated into a science theme unit.
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Student Comics
Here is a gallery of comic art drawn by students. NOTE: This site has comments.
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Visual Language
Translating a written plot into pictures is a complex process. This page has a lot of information on how to write comics. Learn the terminology of comic art, the difference between a comic and a graphic novel, and the mechanics of visual storytelling.
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Comics, Cartooning and Graphic Novel Lesson and Unit Plans
This wiki provides lesson plans for teaching with comics, cartoons and graphic novels.
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Judging a Book by Its Cover: Creator Interview
his interview with a graphic novel art and design editor provides perspective into the world of graphic novels; it explores a look at the job description, her background, favorite projects, guiding philosophies, and the artist walks the reader through the creative process of some of her work. NOTE: This page contains ads. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).
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eThemes Resource: Cartoons for the Classroom
These sites feature comic strips that teachers can use in the classroom to introduce units or concepts. Includes popular comic strips such as Peanuts, For Better or For Worse, Zits, and many more. There are also biographies on famous cartoon artists and an interactive game that lets you create your own cartoon. Includes eThemes resources on superheros and political cartoons.
