Visual Artistry Unveiled: Teaching with Graphic Novels

In this podcast episode, artist and illustrator Greg Holfeld joins the discussion on the use of graphic novels in education. Topics covered include the challenges for teachers in teaching with graphic novels, the terminology and history of graphic novels, and the features that make them an effective gateway to reading. The interplay between text and image, pagination techniques, and the decision-making process for artists are explored. The podcast also touches on the importance of storytelling and character design, as well as tips for young illustrators. The medium's impact on motivation for reading and writing is examined, along with the potential concerns of students solely relying on graphic novels. The episode concludes with recommendations for publishers and key tips for using graphic novels as both readers and writers in the classroom. Overall, this insightful conversation sheds light on the educational value of graphic novels and their role in engaging students in literacy.Some topics discussed:01:50 Intro to Greg Holfeld, artist/illustrator03:50 Captain Congo series by Greg Holfeld and Ruth Starke - Harper Collins. School Magazine in NSW04:53 Icky Sticky Summer Fly - children’s book - Poppa Hip publishers06:13 Challenges for teachers in teaching with graphic novels06:42 Terminology of graphic novels and comics06:57 Will Eisner - the pioneer in graphic novels and the Comic Industry awards07:20 Origin of the term ‘Graphic Novel’07:40 ‘A Contract with God’ by Will Eisner - first graphic novel08:30 A chat about the features of graphic novels and as a  gateway to reading11:48 Distinguishing feature of comics is the synergy between the text and the image - its up to the individual creator to work out the interplay between the two14:49 ‘Mini cliffhangers’ as a technique to engage the reader15:20 Pagination is very important as a technique and the hardest part16:50 Start with story/layout or pictures first? Both are valid18:40 The way characters are drawn - how is this used as a technique20:30 ‘Monkey, Bug, Rabbit and Goose! series by Greg. Illustrators making things easier for themselves. Working out your interest21:45 Decisions artist make either based on what they feel like drawing, or being limited by constraints24:00 Is it the illustrator doing the inferencing?25:43 The Tin Tin book, Castafiore Emerald where the characters just stay home. Perils of Pug - also stay at home book.26:22 Different ways to represent text in comics, different roles of writers and illustrators28:30 Interplay between pictures and text and how it supports comprehension etc. What weight do you give each?30:16 Narration speeds up the story vs it can take  longer with images to tell the story31:09 Tips for young illustrators32:22 Do you attempt story or illustrations first? - tips and techniques33:38 The graphic novel medium as motivation for reading and writing34:47 Is it a problem if students are solely reading graphic novels? Do they need expanding onto other texts?36:17 Students creating their own graphic novels.36:45 Techniques used by Charles M Schulz and his Peanuts series - simplicity is powerful37:48 The basic building blocks of stories - set up, action, reaction/pay off. Then you can tell the story in different ways. Pay off creates intrigue - through how you create the pictures42:30 What if students are struggling with drawing? Or with the story?43:30 Classic comics are still popular44:45 Graphic novels being read or written as support for new arrivals students45:20 Sound FX used as a technique47:20 Japanese Manga technique explained - a separate format - developed and mainstreamed before the West did it48:35 Wrapping up - what would be the key tips to use graphic novels as a reader or a writer with students49:00 Sharon - its about accessing and noticing50:15 Greg - Be aware of the wide range - vary in quality and appeal to the young reader. KISS principle applies45:20 Good publishers - Top Shelf for younger readers. First Second for upper primary to teens. No Brow for beautifully produced books. Gestalt for Australian publisher and indigenous material. Brenton McKenna graphic novels.54:20 Thanks and closing remarksAnd much more!Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.Other matching PDF resources are here.Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: [email protected] Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning. Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves. To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:Visit cuelearning.com.auSubscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts  or join on Apple  Podcasts hereContact the Cue office:  [email protected] our Teacher's Toolkit facebook groupFind connected resources on TeachificSee upcoming online eventsSee our online video courses hereAnd finally, read our insightful blogs hereProduced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com