Gabby Solves The Bossy Pants Problem

Features of graphic novels

Relationship skills: Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem solving

Watch the Video “What’s in a Comic?” (10 minutes)

• 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 Bossy Pants 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 tried to tell you how to play?” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Preview Vocabulary (5 minutes)

• Play the online vocabulary slideshow. The vocabulary words are: advice, solve, and responsibility.

• 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/SEL Focus: Dear Gabby

• Kids can write Gabby a letter about a question they would like her advice about. Then they can pretend to be Gabby and write the solution!

ELA Focus: Comic Feature Hunt

• Pass out the “Comic Features 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 Scavenger Hunt (30 minutes)

• We created a Scavenger Hunt Slide Deck for several stories in this month’s Storyworks 2, including the mini graphic novel. The scavenger hunt can be done by students independently at home or during class time.
• This is a self-contained group of slides that guide your students on a scavenger hunt through the whole issue. It’s not only fun; it  helps them make text-to-text connections.
• To find it, look in your Resources section. Scroll down to Activities. You will see the “Slide Deck Scavenger Hunt.”