The Case to IncludeComics in the
Curriculum
Comics and the
Common Core:
NYCC 2013
Amie WrightNYPL
Emily Weisenstein
Madison Public Library
Stephanie Gabelmann
Boonton HolmesPublic Library
What is the Common Core?
45 states - New standards for Math & English Language Arts + Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science & Technical Subjects
● Students graduating Grade 12 without critical skills including: the ability to read complex text, conduct evidence-based research, or analytically deconstruct complex images
● Students moving between states – disparity of educational standards between states
● Global Economy
Why the Common Core?
Better readers = more successful adults
1. No more fiction
2. 100% Leveled Reading
3. Unified Curriculum
4. Specified ‘common core’ materials
4 Myths about the Common Core
what the Common Core is - 3 instructional shifts
What does this have to do with comics?
Comics & the Common Core
Common Core wants kids reading 'on level' with increasing ‘text complexity’...how do graphic novels fit with this?
Levelled Reading:
● Lexile & Comics – issues and concerns
Other goals:
● focus on primary source content
● firsthand accounts
● compare/contrast evidence
● multiple perspectives
● multiple formats
Did you know that Leveled Reading - like Lexile - is only a part of text complexity?
Comics & the Common Core
Common Core is about creating better readers
Students who are more critical, engaged, analytical, inquisitive, better, more confident readers.
Best way to do that…?
Comics make better readers
The evidence is in…..
1. Reading for pleasure puts kids ahead in the classroom
2. Comics may help people retain information better than traditional books
3. ALA Declaration for the Right to Libraries – more librarians = better test scores
...so why the resistance?
Comics are Common Core aligned
• Comics do make better readers
• More involved teachers & librarians does = better students
Not to mention so many great graphic novels…..
…so why the resistance?
AMAZING new comics
The Bad
Reputation Why are comics
and graphic novels often
viewed as inappropriate or non-quality
literature?
The Senate Subcommittee Hearings on Juvenile Delinquency (1954)
● Young people + comics = juvenile delinquents● Only horror and crime comics
were investigated
● Members of the comic book industry, politicians, educators and doctors were present at trial
● Trials were televised
Comics on Trial
Comics on Trial
● Biased representation
● Comics were represented in an unfavorable way
● The new Comics Code Authority toned comics down
● Comics remained linked with crime, horror and delinquency in the mind of the public
Questionable Content: Comics have limited subject matter, right?
Wrong! The opposite is true. Comics are not limited to superheroes, aliens, crime, violence…..
Many subjects translate successfully into graphic novels:
History/Historical Fiction, Science, Biography,
Geography, Math,Classics, Poetry,
Mythology/Tall Tales/Folklore
Questionable format: Serious books can’t have fun, colorful pictures, can they?
● Text-only books are perceived as superior to books with pictures
● Children begin reading with picture books, and as they become “better readers” the pictures begin to disappear
● Information can be presented in many different ways
● Graphic novels are simply an alternative way of presenting information.
If a reader gains understanding, should it matter in which format the information is presented?
So...Can Comics Help Students?
Yes! Students of all ages and reading levels
can benefit from graphic novels.
Graphic novels have proven their worth in
the medical world
Dr. Michael J. Green published a comic-style article in a
reputable medical journal
Dr. Green also teaches a graphic novel course to
medical students at Penn State College of Medicine
Graphic novels can offer:
● Increased motivation○ The graphic novel format is appealing
to school-age children
● Enthusiasm to explore a wider range of subject matter
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
Graphic novels can offer:
● Support for struggling readers:○ Less intimidating to lower level readers,ESL students○ Illustrations provide visual clues to help interpret text,
vocabulary, and emotion
● Challenge for advanced readers through complex plot lines, characters, etc
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3a Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
Graphic novels and Common Core Curriculum
How can graphic novels help overall learning?
● Wide range of topical non-fiction and fiction titles● 65% of the population are visual learners● Easily accessible
● What is visual literacy? ○ To understand, interpret, and make meaning from
information presented in visual form. ○ Sequential art and storytelling○ Understanding visual cues
Visual Literacy
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail.
Sequential Art and Storytelling
From Robot Dreams by Sara Varon
Learning to ‘read’ a picture
From Drama by Raina Telgemeier
From Dramaby Raina Telgemeier
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail.
● What is visual literacy? ○ To understand, interpret, and make meaning from
information presented in visual form. ○ Sequential art and storytelling○ Understanding visual cues
Traditional books
can’t teach this!
Visual Literacy
• Huge selection of STEM based graphic novels
• More accessible for reluctant students
• Visual learners benefit from images, graphs, & diagrams
• Format aids retention
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.7 Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 Model with mathematics….’They (students) are able to identify important quantities in a practical situation and map their relationships using such tools as diagrams, two-way tables, graphs, flowcharts and formulas.’
STEM
Diagrams aid in understanding
Cultural Literacy
● Variety of multicultural graphic novels● Relatable stories and characters● Illustrations present a more complete picture of diversity ● Visual and textual immersion in a new culture
CCSS.ELA-Introduction: Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening, and they are able to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.
Illustrations immerse the reader in a new world
Social Studies
● Political cartoons are some of the earliest comics
● Present lengthy/dry texts in more approachable format○ 9/11 Report○ United States Constitution
● Visual representations enhance understanding
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7 Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Information Literacy
Our own AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner
● 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.
● 1.2.3 Demonstrate creativity by using multiple resources and formats.● 4.1.1 Read, view, and listen for pleasure and personal growth.● 4.1.3 Respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas in various
formats and genres.● 4.1.4 Seek information for personal learning in a variety of formats and
genres.● 4.1.8 Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning.● 4.2.4 Show an appreciation for literature by electing to read for
pleasure and expressing an interest in various literary genres.
Common Core Crosswalk: An AASL Guide on how the Standards for the 21st Century and Common Core align. http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/crosswalk
Creative Expression
● Poetic license● Unique format● Alternative storytelling● Thinking outside the box
● STEM to STEAM - Art and design should be included as an essential skill● A range of simple and complex artwork can be used to tell a story● Artistic variety● Artistic style
Artistic appreciation
CCSS ELA’s definition of technical subjects: A course devoted to a practical study, such as engineering, technology, design, business, or other workforce-related subject; a technical aspect of a wider field of study, such as art or music.
Comics create visual literacy - and they are directly tied to common core standards
Comics work best in pairs for the reluctant parent
Scenario #1: Parent hates comics
“Comics are kid’s stuff.”“There’s nothing of value in comics.” Worst of all: “No, you can’t check that out. Go get a real book.”
Comics can supplement curriculum
Comics can supply amazing firsthand information
Comics can visually convey a period in history
Scenario #2: Teacher hates comics
“Comics aren’t educational.”“We have no time for them in the classroom.”“Comics are ok as long as it leads to ‘real’ reading.”
“Isn’t it all just manga and superheroes?”“I have all the volumes of Naruto….” “I guess I just don’t understand them.”
[...let’s call them ‘comic reluctant’]
Comics use their format to display information in uncommon ways to tell unique stories.
Scenario #3: Library staff hates comics
It is not just superheroes...and even when it is, it is not always the traditional superhero
stories/formats - ex. above from Hawkeye #11
“Comics are just for kids.”“Comics are just for boys.”“I only like real/long books.”
Scenario #4: Kid hates comics
Two words: circulation statistics
Examples: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Babymouse Graphic History Squish
Also, maybe some ‘Understanding’ of comics as sequential art is needed
Scenario #5: Your boss hates comics
“We have a tight budget.”“Can we justify them in our collection?”“We never used to have them…”
Questions?
Common Core Curriculum Standardshttp://www.corestandards.org/
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learnerhttp://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/learning-standards
STEM to STEAMhttp://stemtosteam.org/
Common Core Visual Literacy and Technology Mentionhttp://www.ciclt.net/ul/garesa/CommonCoreVisualLiteracyTechnologyMention.pdf
‘Common Core Crosswalk’: An AASL Guide on how the Standards for the 21st Century and Common Core State Standards align.
http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/crosswalk
Reading Studies
● Reading for pleasure puts kids ahead in the classroom
● Comics may help people retain information better than traditional books
● Medical Students Study Graphic Novels
● ALA Declaration for the Right to Libraries librarians = better scores/better readers
Links
Booklists: ● Math Graphic Novel Guide courtesy of Indiana University Southeast Library:
http://libguides.ius.edu/content.php?pid=405346&sid=3322581 ● Science Graphic Novel Booklist courtesy of Booklist Online:
http://booklistonline.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=4268442&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
● Multicultural Graphic Novels/Comics/Manga courtesy of Townsend Memorial Library: http://libguides.umhb.edu/content.php?pid=285448&sid=2349644
● Graphic Novel Common Core List courtesy of Diamond Comics: http://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/597?articleID=135961
● NYPL Children’s Books 2012: Graphic Novels: http://on.nypl.org/GMiuzd
Teaching Resources: ● March: Book One Teacher’s Guide courtesy of Top Shelf Comics:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/contact/teachers-guide ● Using Graphic Novels and Comics in the Classroom from Edutopia:
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/graphic-novels-comics-andrew-miller ● Common Core Guides from Toon Books (lesson plans and activities):
http://www.toon-books.com/common-core-guides.html
Resources
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Graphic Novels
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Graphic Novels
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Graphic Novels
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Graphic Novels
Amie Wright Selection Librarian - MyLibraryNYCNew York Public Library [email protected] / @librarylandia
Stephanie Gabelmann Library Director Boonton Holmes Public Library [email protected]
Emily Weisenstein Children’s Services Supervisor Madison Public Library [email protected]
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