Teaching with Graphic Novels
How do I use graphic novels in the classroom?
I took a little break last week so I could gather enough information to answer the rather large question;
“How do I use graphic novels in the classroom?”
Full disclosure, I am not a teacher! Therefore I will not be answering this question directly. I have instead put together some wonderful resources for you to explore how to best to use graphic novels in your classroom.
The first place I am going to recommend is the Comic Boom Podcast - Comics in Education. Here you will find a huge back catalogue of episodes in which host, former school teacher Lucy Starbuck Braidley, talks to creators and educators alike. It’s heartening to hear all of the amazing initiatives that are happening in the UK and around the world to support comics in education.
Some episodes I recommend;
Gabi Putnoki from the Graphic Novel Reading Room - Love the concept of this pop up library dedicated to graphic novels and comics
Engagement, Range and School Comic Con with Lucas Maxwell - Perhaps a new way to get readers engaged with book week in Australia?
Comics in the School Library - Librarian Gemma Sosnowsky shares lots of practical advice on how to maximise the use of comics in your school library
Scholastic have some wonderful tips on using graphic novels in the classroom and even building them into your curriculum.
Still not sure where to start? Many graphic novels out there that can be used in the classroom will have teacher notes available. In your web browser, simply type in the title of the book and add ‘teacher notes’.
Graphic novels can be used as part of classroom book clubs and you could even reach out and ask the creators to visit your school to speak with the students!
Read: Teacher notes! Here you can find notes for Remy Lai’s award winning Ghost Book. Teacher notes will be available for Inked when it is released too and I’m super excited for these.
I have completely run out of questions to answer! So next time, I’m going to give you a sneak peek at Inked… coming April 1st 2025.
Until then, grab a graphic novel!
Karen
Have a question about graphic novels? Have a graphic novel you love and would like to share? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you.
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Pre-order Inked, a middle grade graphic novel by Karen Wasson and Jake A Minton