Graphica in Education conference

Graphica in Education conference, Jan. 31, 2009, Fordham University

Panels attended:
Drawing Words and Writing Pictures, Jessica Abel.
Description: Hands-on workshop geared toward making comics using Able and Madden's excellent new how-to book Drawing Words and Writing Pictures (FirstSecond). Hand-outs include Comics in the English Classroom: A Guide for Teachers, a booklet Jessica and Matt created especially for NCTE. The booklet includes activities for making and critiquing comics in an English classroom.
Review: While exceptionally detailed and well-thought out, this booklet leaves much to be desired in addressing English teachers' key concerns: standards. Also, not much on original analysis of comics from the pov of English teachers.

Incorporating Non-Fictional Graphic Narratives into Secondary English and Social Studies Classes, Katelin Grande, Rhinebeck High School
Description: In-depth reader response of Persepolis. Stress on standards--critical analysis and Bloom's taxonomy. Useful hand-outs: T-chart asking students to list details/observations and draw conclusions (I have a copy--can scan.)
Review: Excellent hands-on materials for applying basic reading/lit standards to graphic lit format. Katelin v. open to collaboration...

Other contacts:
D. Kim Ballard, Director, Writing Center, Western Michigan University. kim.ballard@wmich.edu. Very interested in consulting/finding contributors for professional development work on graphic lit. Mentioned Nancy Patterson, Gran Valley State U., Grand Rapids, MI, published in English Journal as good potential contributor.

Chris Wilson (attended Grande's panel)http://graphicclassroom.blogspot.com;abikerbard@mac.com

Gina Gagliano, Marketing Coordinator, First Second. Gina.Gagliano@firstsecondbooks.com