Teach Owly Graphic Novels to Reluctant Readers
Lesson Plans for Andy Runton Comics in the Classroom
Jan 15, 2009
Andy Runton, creator of Owly, takes readers into the adorable world of a woodland creature with very human qualities. Owly wants nothing more than to make friends and find his place in the world. His wordless adventures will have readers of all ages pulling for him. You'll fall in love with this bird, and so will your students.
But how can a wordless graphic novel improve literacy and reach reluctant readers?
Start by developing a solid lesson plan. Make sure you check your state standards to see which apply. For the purpose of this article, we will use the National Standards as voted on by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
Lesson Objectives (3, 4, 12)
- Students will identify characteristics, rising action, and emotion, in the continuing adventures of Owly and his friends. They will answer questions about times they have experienced similar sensations. This objective will help them understand the foundations of literature and lead to an understanding that improves literacy.
- They will create interpretations of their favorite characters from the story using a variety of art supplies. This objective is designed to give students an active role in the story, which will prove vital in reaching reluctant readers.
Materials
- Owly, volumes 1-5 [Top Shelf Productions, 2004-08]
- Bulletin board paper
- Fingerpaint
- Crayons/markers
- Collage materials
- Tempera paint
- Sponges
- Q-tips
- Brushes
- Pen, paper, pencils (optional)
Owly Lesson Procedure
Read any of the Owly graphic novel series by Andy Runton, volumes 1 through 5, while having the class follow along. Question students frequently on the actions of Owly and his friends. Questions may include some of the following:
- Why is Owly sad at the birds? (Page 12, vol. 1)
- What does Owly do with Wormy when he finds him in the rainstorm? (Pages 20-23, vol. 1)
- Why do you think Owly takes Wormy home? (Pages 20-23, vol. 1)
- Why do the Wormies turn Owly away? (Page 52, vol. 1)
- What adventures does Wormy share with his family to make them like Owly? (Page 53, vol. 1)
- What are Owly and Wormy looking at on page 62?
When finished with an Owly story, make a large animal shape (2 sides) representing one of the animals from the Owly graphic novel series.
Have children recreate an animal from the books (this can be either individual or small group activity): owl, bluebird, worm, flying squirrel, etc.
Once dry, staple and stuff with newspaper. Hang from ceiling (if appropriate) or display on a bulletin board.
Based on the group's understanding of the story, have each child give one thing he or she likes about their character, and share with the class. You may choose to have this as a written assignment depending on the age and development of the grade level.
Assessment
- Class participation in questions and answers.
- Craftsmanship and abilities of the animals.
- Ability to name one quality of the preferred character.
Finding the right comics and graphic novels to engage both willing and reluctant readers can be a daunting task. But Andy Runton's Owly graphic novel series stands out from the pack, and offers engaging activities that comply with state standards to improve literacy.
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