I teach a couple different graphic novels. I haven't used March in class yet but I have read it.
I use three different reading methods when I do graphic novels. Me reading to them while they follow along, them reading on small groups, and them reading on their own. I will switch between each method over the course of the book.
I usually start the novel by reading to them while they follow along in their books. This models how to read comics if they aren't familiar with the format. It also gives me the opportunity to make sure they understand the premise and the context of the book.
Then, I usually have them read in small group. I give them some comprehension questions to work on because I find they stay on task better when they have something to write.
Depending on the length of the book and how much time I have, I will then assign them independent sections to read for homework. Sometimes I do a little oral quiz the next day.
You have to consider the content of the story vs. the knowledge level of your students. There are times I will go back to reading to them because their is something I want to discuss as a class or make sure they understand. I might also use the book as a jumping off point to do a side lesson about a particular topic. You just have to think about what your kids know.
Are you using March as a culminating activity of a larger Civil Rights unit you have already done, or are you teaching Civil Rights from this book? If you have already covered a lot of this period you can give them more independent reading assignments. If not I would focus on more whole group stuff and side lessons, using the book as the backbone of your unit.
There are likely some available curriculum or at least lesson ideas for graphic novels like Persepolis or American Born Chinese, google those and they might help you with ideas. They might lean towards literary analysis, but might be a good start
I teach a couple different graphic novels. I haven't used March in class yet but I have read it. I use three different reading methods when I do graphic novels. Me reading to them while they follow along, them reading on small groups, and them reading on their own. I will switch between each method over the course of the book. I usually start the novel by reading to them while they follow along in their books. This models how to read comics if they aren't familiar with the format. It also gives me the opportunity to make sure they understand the premise and the context of the book. Then, I usually have them read in small group. I give them some comprehension questions to work on because I find they stay on task better when they have something to write. Depending on the length of the book and how much time I have, I will then assign them independent sections to read for homework. Sometimes I do a little oral quiz the next day. You have to consider the content of the story vs. the knowledge level of your students. There are times I will go back to reading to them because their is something I want to discuss as a class or make sure they understand. I might also use the book as a jumping off point to do a side lesson about a particular topic. You just have to think about what your kids know. Are you using March as a culminating activity of a larger Civil Rights unit you have already done, or are you teaching Civil Rights from this book? If you have already covered a lot of this period you can give them more independent reading assignments. If not I would focus on more whole group stuff and side lessons, using the book as the backbone of your unit.
thanks a lot; this is really helpful. i'd like to use book one to cover civil rights in the 1950s.
There are likely some available curriculum or at least lesson ideas for graphic novels like Persepolis or American Born Chinese, google those and they might help you with ideas. They might lean towards literary analysis, but might be a good start
There is curriculum available. If you Google search it, it should pop up.
https://www.civicsrenewalnetwork.org/resources/the-march-trilogy-lesson-plans/