Gabby Solves The Glitter Pen Problem

Features of graphic novels

Responsible decision making: Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions

"What’s in a Comic?”

• This video teaches kids about the features of a comic.
• Before watching, tell kids to look out for four features they might find in a comic.
• After watching, ask for kids’ help to fill out a list of comic features on chart paper. The features mentioned in the video are panels, speech bubbles, thought bubbles, and onomatopoeia.
• Tell kids to look for those features in the mini graphic novel. They can fill in our “Comic Features Hunt” skills sheet after reading.

Set a Purpose for Reading (5 minutes)

• Open your magazines to “Gabby Solves the Glitter Pen Problem.” Ask kids: What kind of story is this? (a comic, or a mini graphic novel)
• Next, read the Think and Read prompt on page 13: “As you read, think about: How would you feel if someone were careless with your things?” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

• Kids can read this story individually, in small groups, or as a class.
• As they read, ask kids to note who is being a good friend and when.

Extend the Story With an Activity (20 minutes)

• Kids can “finish” the story with the “What Happens Next?” printable. They’ll fill in the voice bubbles for the characters and create their own comic panel.
• This activity helps develop the skill of making inferences.
  

Assessment: Quiz (10 minutes)

• Pass out the quiz to assess comprehension of the article.
• We also offer a lower-level quiz.
• Both quizzes are now available in multiple-choice and written-answer formats.

ELA Focus: Comic Feature Hunt (10 minutes)

• Pass out the Comic Feature Hunt printable.
• Kids can use the mini graphic novel to fill it out and learn about the different features of comics/ graphic novels.

Independent Learning: Slide Deck Lesson Plan (30-40 minutes)

• Our Slide Deck Lesson Plan can be done by students independently at home or during center time.
  
• Look in your Resources section for the “Slide Lesson.” It’s a self-contained group of slides that guide your students through the mini graphic novel.
  
• This easy-to-use group of Google Slides walks your students through reading the story independently, answering three questions after reading, and then recording the features of a comic they found.
  
• It’s a simple way to take the resources we have already created and put them in one place so you don’t have to create anything new!