Prior to Reading and Preview Activities
- Brainstorming/Activating Prior Knowledge
"What makes a hero/super hero?"
and/or
"What makes a villain/super villain?"
*This can also be a debate/group project
Before reading the graphic novel, fill out a chart with students (or break students into small groups that will report back and discuss with the class) on what makes a superhero. Ask for qualities, reasons why we need super heroes, what purpose (or purposes) does the villain/hero serve, what does each represent, and so on. This activity can then be revisited after reading the novel.
(See activities under Book 4 Summary, this activity can turn into an argumentative paper and/or group discussion)
Below is a blank chart that can be edited for your needs and an chart with possible answers to use a a reference.
| what_is_a_super_hero_blank.doc |
| what_is_a_super_hero_example.doc |
- Story Mapping
This activity can be done in small groups, or pairs. After the instructor explains and models how to work with the organizer (see below), students will map out what they think are key points in the story with a graphic organizer. This will help with comprehension of the text. (Also, paper topics could be selected from certain elements --such as theme, conflict, characters. symbols, dialect, mood, and protagonist(s)/antagonist(s).)
After completion, groups can report back to the class with their findings.
TN Standards:
English III (Grade 11) - Standard 1 - Language
CLE 3003.1.4 Consider language as a reflection of its time and culture.
Standard 2 - Communication
Speaking
CLE 3003.2.7 Participate in work teams and group discussions.
Standard 8 -Literature
CLE 3003.8.5 Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning and
comprehension from various literary genres.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
English IV (Grade 12) - Standard 1 - Language
CLE 3005.1.4 Consider language as a reflection of its time and culture.
Standard 2 - Communication
Speaking
CLE 3005.2.7 Participate in work teams and group discussions.
Standard 8 -Literature
CLE 3005.8.5 Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning and
comprehension from various literary genres.
| story_map.docx |
- Follow the Characters (Character Analysis)
This activity can be done in small groups, or pairs. After the instructor explains and models how to work with the organizer (see below), characters can be assigned or selected. (See Character List) As the student reads, he or she can fill in the organizer to gain a deeper understanding of his/her character. (This could be turned into a prewriting exercise for a paper.)
After completion, groups (or individuals) can report back to the class with their findings.
English III (Grade 11)
Standard 1 - Language
CLE 3003.1.4 Consider language as a reflection of its time and culture.
Standard 2 - Communication
Speaking
CLE 3003.2.7 Participate in work teams and group discussions.
Standard 3 -Writing
CLE 3003.3.2 Employ various prewriting strategies.
CLE 3003.3.3 Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect paragraphs into a
coherent whole.
CLE 3003.3.4 Revise documents to develop or support ideas more clearly, address potential
objections, ensure effective transitions between paragraphs, and correct errors in logic.
Standard 4 - Research
CLE 3003.4.2 Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as
well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
CLE 3003.4.5 Use a standard format to arrange text, to cite sources, and to document
quotations, paraphrases, and other information.
Standard 7 - Media
CLE 3003.7.2 Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images,
painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
Standard 8 -Literature
CLE 3003.8.5 Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning and
comprehension from various literary genres.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
English IV (Grade 12)
Standard 1 - Language
CLE 3005.1.4 Consider language as a reflection of its time and culture.
Standard 2 - Communication
Speaking
CLE 3005.2.7 Participate in work teams and group discussions.
Standard 3 -Writing
CLE 3005.3.2 Employ various prewriting strategies.
CLE 3005.3.3 Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect paragraphs into a
coherent whole.
CLE 3005.3.4 Revise documents to develop or support ideas more clearly, address potential
objections, ensure effective transitions between paragraphs, and correct errors in logic.
Standard 4 - Research
CLE 3005.4.2 Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as
well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
CLE 3005.4.5 Use a standard format to arrange text, to cite sources correctly, and to
document quotations, paraphrases, and other information.
Standard 7 - Media
CLE 3005.7.2 Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images,
painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3005.7.3 Recognize how visual and sound techniques or design (e.g., special effects,
Standard 8 -Literature
CLE 3005.8.5 Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning and
comprehension from various literary genres.
| character_analysis_grid.jpg |
Buehl, Doug. Classroom Strategies for Interactive Learning. 3rd ed. Newark: International Reading Association, 2009.
Print.
Miller, Frank. Batman: The Dark Night Returns. 9th ed. New York, NY: DC Comics, 2002. Print.
Print.
Miller, Frank. Batman: The Dark Night Returns. 9th ed. New York, NY: DC Comics, 2002. Print.
