Graphic Novels : WWII Vision Board by Katie Mizak

George Takei - Ted Talk

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 15:45:17 UTC

This Ted Talk by George Takei will pair nicely with his graphic novel "They Called Us Enemy." It provides another multimodal learning opportunity. Visual learners will get to read and see images in the novel. Auditory learners will get to hear him tell his story in his own words. This auditory experience adds depth to the graphic memoir, making historical events more tangible and emotionally resonant.

ReadWriteThink - Comic Creator

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 15:55:03 UTC

When I have students start to make their own panels for their own graphic novels, this is an online tool that students can use to make their own digital panels or comics. This provides a digital way to make their own panels and is especially helpful for students who do not feel strong or confident in their own handwritten, artistic abilities.

Make Beliefs Comix

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 15:59:58 UTC

This is another online tool for students to make their own graphic novel panels or comics. Similar to ReadWriteThink, this allows students to make a digital comic or panels rather than have to do it handwritten. It provides another option for students who may struggle with handwritten artistry.

Gene Yang - explains layout of a comic

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 16:08:19 UTC

I would play the first minute or so of this video explaining the layout of a comic or graphic novel to introduce the concept of a gutter. I'm anticipating that students may struggle with the concept of the gutter. This video helps the students to hear of the concept from an artist. Multimodal learning opportunities provides more chances for students to understand the features of a graphic novel.

Introducing students to Graphic Novels

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 17:23:34 UTC

I really liked two lesson ideas from this article. The first that I would like to do is "Telling a story without words. To demonstrate how narrative operates in its most stripped-down form, have each student illustrate the following story: A man (or woman) is hurrying to catch a train. He runs. He runs faster. He runs faster still. He either boards the train or misses it. He reacts to his success or failure." The second I would like to do is "1. Have each student draw five different depictions of “sad.” They can use facial expressions, body language, words, color, or metaphor (i.e., a wilted flower), but each image must be limited to a single panel." We would then debrief the various ways images can express action and emotions. These activities (and sharing them with each other) will teach students to be on the lookout for for different plot points and character traits and emotions.

Anchor Charts

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 17:31:47 UTC

This article has two great images that I could post or print and use as an anchor chart to teach the vocabulary and elements of a graphic novel. This will provide students with an ongoing support as they read our graphic novel.

Anchor Charts / Elements of a Graphic Novel

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 17:33:36 UTC

I would like this image to use to teach how to read a graphic novel. While I could use it as an anchor chart, I'm also thinking of printing it or posting it on Schoology to review with the students. This will continue to offer support as we read graphic novels.

White Bird Lesson Activities

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 17:36:50 UTC

This website has some excellent lesson plan ideas and activities for teaching White Bird by R.J. Palacio. Some lessons and activities can be adapted for other graphic novels. This is support for planning my new graphic novel unit.

Canva Graphic Novel Panel Templates

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-27 17:56:16 UTC

Canva is another resource for students when making their own panels of graphic novels. I can have students make them digitally on Canva, or I can print them to make the panels by hand.

Characterization in Graphic Novels

kmizak1124 — 2025-05-29 14:58:07 UTC

This webpage explains how visual storytelling elements, such as facial expressions, body language, and panel composition convey character traits and emotions. The images are helpful to teach students this concept. I like how this is broken down and "kid-friendly." This resource demonstrates the unique aspects of visual narrative. Overall, it will help me teach visual literacy and critical thinking skills in the context of graphic literature. This is important because we refer back to characterization many times throughout the school year.