Exploring Identity: American Born Chinese

Lesson 1
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 5

7th Grade

Lesson 1 of 22

Objective


Explain the basic features of a graphic novel, approaches to reading a graphic novel, and how structure contributes to meaning.

Readings and Materials


Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is the purpose of a gutter in comic art? How can comic book artists/graphic novelists use gutters to communicate meaning in their work? Support your answer with evidence from the text, "How to Read a Comic Book."

Sample Response

Create a free account or sign in to view Sample Response

Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • According to the comic, "What is a Graphic Novel," what is a graphic novel? How are they similar and different from comics, and other genres of literature?

  • Why did the author of "What Is a Graphic Novel?" include red arrows in her comic, why did she most likely not include them on the second page? How does this feature contribute to the purpose of this text?

  • How can comic book artists/graphic novelists use panel size and format to communicate meaning in their work? Support your answer with evidence from the text, "How to Read a Comic Book."

Vocabulary


Academic

panel

n.

a single drawing depicting a specific moment in a comic; generally contained within a square or rectangular frame.

frame

n.

the edge or outlined border of a specific panel in a comic.

narrative box

n.

a rectangle or square -- often at the top or bottom of a panel -- in which the narrator of a comic shares information with readers.

gutter

n.

the space between panels in a comic.

thought bubble

n.

a (generally) cloud-shaped outline within a comic panel that contains a character's unspoken thoughts.

speech bubble

n.

a (generally) circular or oval outline within a comic panel that contains a character's dialogue and indicates who is speaking.

splash page

n.

a comic book page that is mostly or entirely taken up by a single image or panel.

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang  pp. 7 – 20

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What event is the Monkey King excited to attend?

  • What special skills has the Monkey King worked to develop?

  • How is the Monkey King treated when he arrives in heaven?

  • How does he respond?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.2 — Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • RI.7.5 — Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RI.7.1
RI.7.4
RI.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.2
W.7.2.a
W.7.2.b
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.b
W.7.10
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 2

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free