Embedded Files
Unit Overview
Unit Overview
This unit delves into the graphic novel American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. Throughout the course of the unit, students will look primarily at how the aspects of a graphic novel (such as inference, closure, line, and color) come together to create meaning and mood. By the close of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of graphic novel terminology and be able to apply these terms through textual analysis and creation of their own panels. Furthermore, students will analyze how three seemingly discordant plots will come together to develop a theme revolving around identity. Finally, students will delve deeply into the concept of stereotyping and reflect upon how judgements such as this affect our perspectives and perceived identity. As a culminating assessment, students will construct their own panels that build off of the themes and perspectives of the main characters. These panels will demonstrate a strong use of graphic novel tools and vocabulary.
This unit delves into the graphic novel American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. Throughout the course of the unit, students will look primarily at how the aspects of a graphic novel (such as inference, closure, line, and color) come together to create meaning and mood. By the close of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of graphic novel terminology and be able to apply these terms through textual analysis and creation of their own panels. Furthermore, students will analyze how three seemingly discordant plots will come together to develop a theme revolving around identity. Finally, students will delve deeply into the concept of stereotyping and reflect upon how judgements such as this affect our perspectives and perceived identity. As a culminating assessment, students will construct their own panels that build off of the themes and perspectives of the main characters. These panels will demonstrate a strong use of graphic novel tools and vocabulary.
Unit Vocabulary
Unit Vocabulary
panel
gutter
closure
symbolism
allusion: literary and mythological
mood
stereotype
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
How does where we come from shape our identity?
Why do we want to belong and what are our responsibilities to those who don’t?
What is a person’s responsibility to his or her community?
Unit Standards
Unit Standards
All ELA standards can be found listed in the updated 2017 Massachusetts State ELA Grade 7 Frameworks:
Students will learn...
Reading for Literature:
Key Ideas and Details
How to cite multiple pieces of evidence
How to determine a central idea or theme
Craft and Structure
How to identify and analyze the use of figurative language in a text: symbolism
How to identify and analyze literary techniques in a text: allusion
How to determine a literary form: comics
How to identify and explain the parts of a literary work: closure, panels, gutter, icon,
How to identify and explain the effect of multiple points of view in a work
How to determine the mood of work by looking at various literary choices the author makes
Integration of Knowledge:
How to be an active reader and listener through application of note taking strategies such as Cornell notes, interactive notes
Speaking and Listening:
Comprehension and Collaboration
How to prepare for discussion with notes and evidence
What discussion rules are and how to apply them
How to acknowledge new information
Mentor Texts:
Mentor Texts:
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
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