Going Graphic: Comics at Work in the Multilingual Classroom

by Stephen Cary

Comics are a natural for second language development. Their unique mix of abundant, comprehension-building visuals and authentic text readily engages learners, contextualizes language, and offers a window into the culture. Yet despite their obvious advantages, comics remain unfairly branded as inappropriate classroom reading material, misunderstood and woefully underutilized. No more. In Going Graphic teachers will find a comprehensive guide to embracing comics and effectively using them in any multilingual classroom. Building on the latest brain-based research, second language acquisition theory, and progressive literacy principles, Stephen Cary offers twenty-five proven activities for comics-based instruction in all classrooms, especially TESL/TEFL settings, and for all grade and English-proficiency levels. These activities help nonnative and native learners alike meet a broad range of content and English-language development standards. In fact, Cary has given you literally everything you need to start successfully integrating comics into your classroom tomorrow, Thanks to Stephen Cary you'll have an exciting new way to improve the abilities of your second language students. Squeeze into your tights, adjust your cape, and prepare for some high-flying learning while Going Graphic .

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

218 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2004

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! I am so excited to incorporate comics as text in the classroom. Wonderful ideas, stories, studies, etc. Although this book was specifically written about using comics to teach English to speakers of other languages, it lends itself for use in English/Language Arts classroom, as well.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of graphic works for many many years, prior to being a school librarian, this is the real deal. Melding reading theory with ELL research and his own interest in the art form, Cary makes a great case. Accompanying exercises and examples of student work makes this a great teaching text from beginner to advanced teachers.

[Adam Bessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first "teaching comics" books - and hopefully, one of many to come. A good starter kit, especially for K-12.