Growing up I always loved reading the comic strips on the back of the news paper, well I still enjoy that today. So, I was excited to get to read Owly and To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel. I absolutely fell in love with the book Owly. I was completely drawn into the story and all the characters, especially Owly. This story seemed to be grade appropriate for my 1st graders. I am planning on reading it to them on Friday and discussing Wordless Picture Books. I can’t wait to see what they have to say about the story. To Dance: A Balarina’s Graphic Novel was also a great read. I loved how the pictures told the story, at times, better than the text did. I was drawn into this girl’s story and truly desired the best for her. I think this story would be a great read for older students, because they have more life experiences and could relate easier. However, I think my 1st graders, especially my girls would enjoy hearing this story read to them. I plan to do this in the future as well.
I never really thought about the effects Graphic Novels/Wordless Picture Books have on students until I read the articles. Graphic Novels and Wordless Picture Books provide struggling readers and ESL students with a since of confidence and encouragement to read. Being a 1st grade teacher, I never really thought about using Graphic Novels/Wordless Picture Books to help my struggling readers. What a great way to teach them to read without them even realizing it. Graphic Novels and Wordless Picture Books also help students increase their vocabulary skills, express themselves creatively, understand plot, relate to the characters, make inferences, and develop better comprehension skills. These skills are vital in learning how to become a better reader and writer. I loved the idea of having the class develop a Wordless Picture Book and read it to a lower grade level. What a great way to support and encourage your students. I really think my 1st graders would enjoy making a Wordless Picture Book based off the story Owly. I plan to start this fun adventure next week. I can’t wait to see the final outcome!
Nice to see another fan of wordless books…check out my book: Wordless Books: The Original Graphic Novels (see my website and blog) for an introduction to this genre.
DB