Mapping Words and Images: Writing

Graphic Novels with Adolescents

Nancy Frey, Bucky Carter, and Doug Fisher

Polling Question

I can define a graphic novel and describe its characteristics.

A. Strongly agreeB. AgreeC. DisagreeD. Strongly disagree

Next question

I currently or recently have used a graphic novel in my classroom.

A. YesB. NoC. Not applicable

Last question (for the moment)

I have used graphic novels in my classroom for teaching elements of English language arts (other than reading):

A. YesB. NoC. Not applicable

Today’s PurposesParticipants will learn:• Basic elements of the format• The role of imagery in writing• Linking words and images to prose content

• Ways to introduce GN composition to learners

• Teaching literary devices through GN composition

A Working Definition of a Graphic Novel

Common Use of GN

• Content– Maus

• Reading Comprehension

They’re Already Doing It

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj4gTPPq6Po

Introducing Graphic Novel Composition to Students

Images and Words

The best writers and artists are…• observant• able to draw inferences about the human condition

• skilled at capturing defining moments that tell universal stories

“Seeing comes before words.” John Berger

Linking Words and Images Through Composition

• Graphic novels and prose texts do not replace one another--they foster deeper understanding of both

• Using short graphic novel compositions highlights the composition process

• Link graphic and prose composition so that they enhance one another

Observing Images

• What do you notice?• What are the essential elements?

• What is the artist’s message?• What feelings does it provoke?

• Do you agree or disagree?

Writing to Images“I see a child with his hand stretched out, pleading for a penny. The artist wants me to see the hand is huge, like it can never be filled. I think that’s his message, that the world’s hand can never be filled. I feel so discouraged by that. Why should we try?”

Synthesizing Images“These three images are telling a story. Each has a hand in it, and it makes me think about ‘giving a hand’ to someone else. Hands can tell a lot about a person. The hands are praying, and demanding, and in a fist to fight poverty. That is what happens with a problem. First we pray because it’s really a bad problem, and then we demand that it gets fixed by someone. People have to see that a problem can be fixed only when we start fighting the problem instead of praying that someone else will fix it.”

Questions about introducing graphic novel composition?

Teaching Literary Devices Through Graphic Novel Composition

Please refer to the lesson plan sent prior to this session

Teaching Literary Devices

• Introduce the literary device and model its use in illustration and prose texts

• Provide collaborative learning time for students to locate and identify similar examples

• Guide students in the construction of their own short story using the literary device

• Students provide a written summary of the story to accompany visual text

Frey, N. & Fisher, D. (2006). Teaching literary devices with comics. National Association of Comics Art Educators. Available at http://www.teachingcomics.org/lesson_plans/lit.php

Written Student Summary of “Black and White”

“These white and spotted cats have been enjoying their own hood for a long time. No one ever walks on their turf. But they spot something and can’t figure out what’s going on. They say, “You’d think he’d want to be with his own kind.” They can’t believe a black cat would show his face. Just like these cats, people stop and whisper when we’re walking in a neighborhood where there’s not a lot of African-Americans. We can spot the clues early, like foreshadowing. Those clues tell us what to expect.”

Questions about writing for literary devices?

Bucky: Add Lesson Plan

Questions about…?

Resources• Eisner, W. (1985). Comics and sequential art.

Tamarac, FL: Poorhouse Publications.• Eisner, W. (1996). Graphic storytelling and

visual narrative. Tamarac, FL: Poorhouse Publications.

• Frey, N. & Fisher, D. (2006). Teaching literary devices with comics. National Association of Comics Art Educators. Available at http://www.teachingcomics.org/lesson_plans/lit.php

• McQuade, D., & McQuade, C. (2006). Seeing and writing 3. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.