I love helping my eighth grade students realize that they ARE readers -- that "real" readers listen to audio books AND read graphic novels! I love being able to give students choices about what to read so they can feel engaged and successful. The graphic nonfiction and graphic novels that I'm requesting will be added to the lists of choices for Lit Circles (book groups) for two units: 1) Taking a Stand/Overcoming Adversity and 2) the Holocaust and Japanese-American Internment.
Graphic nonfiction and graphic novels promote comprehension and critical thinking by engaging students with visual text.
Experiencing success with a book promotes a lifelong love of reading for any student. I also have several English Language learners and below grade level readers in my classroom. Graphic novels give these students the opportunity to participate in reading class on their level, and become confident readers and speakers.
Reading graphic nonfiction and graphic novels not only builds my students' confidence as readers but also helps them learn to comprehend and think critically about other visual texts like advertisements, videos, films, commercials and news broadcasts. Media literacy and critical thinking are important skills for all 21st century global citizens, and my "Lit Circle" (book group) activity promotes effective speaking and listening skills through discussion based on a shared reading experience.
Finally, these particular books promote empathy and cross-cultural understanding. The authors and their subjects (in memoirs) and characters (in historical fiction) come from diverse backgrounds and tell inspiring stories of people who have overcome devastating circumstances and have persevered in the face of adversity. I love being able to promote inclusivity and diversity through the book choices I offer to my students.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Lockwood and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.