Learn YA Lit with Me (Ch.14)

The one where Ms. Shattuck learns about "Graphic Novels."

I'm taking a class on Young Adult literature this semester at SHSU and am required to blog about each chapter that I read, so I thought I'd create a series to share with my blog friends. Welcome to Chapter 14.

Summary:

Graphic novels are a format of writing-not a genre, which means that graphic novels can fall under any genre into that which they are created.

The different parts of a Graphic Novel are:

• Caption

• Panel

• Thought Balloon

• Gutter

• Sound Effect

• Dialogue Balloon

They are sequential art that combines text and illustration. They can be read and enjoyed, and do not have to be used for educational purposes. They assist in vocabulary acquisition (but so does all reading) but are especially good for ESL and low level readers.

Reflection:

I know a lot of parents who push their students to be their best that believe graphic novels aren't higher level reading. Truthfully, graphic novels are good for both educational and entertainment purposes. Our curriculum this year added two snippets of a graphic novels within their offered texts, and my students enjoy the idea of illustrations. It helps them visualize, which is a current Texas TEK (and sometimes hard for a student to do). There are so many benefits to graphic novels.