A graphic novel is a type of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels.

A memoir is a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge.

A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.

Deaf (capitalised) refers to individuals who identify with the Deaf community, sometimes using sign language to communicate.

deaf (lower case) refers to a medical or physical condition of hearing loss.

Developing an understanding of 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

English

In 'El Deafo’ pupils have explored a coming-of-age memoir detailing the author's experience of hearing loss in graphic novel form. In ’When Stars are Scattered’ pupils will explore a graphic novel memoir written by a refugee, which contains increasingly mature themes.

In ’Swallow's Kiss’ pupils were introduced to a fictionalised narrative with connections to the real world. ’El Deafo’ is a graphic novel retelling of author Cece Bell's real-life experience of hearing loss.

'El Deafo': book club

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

a text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels

a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

Aged 4, Cece falls very ill. She spends time in hospital.

Cece learns that she is deaf. She is given a hearing aid to hear.

Cece uses her hearing aid to find out what the teachers are up to.

Cece finds a friendship group who respect her for who she is, not her disability

Order the following events from Cece Bell's life.

Which animals are the characters in 'El Deafo' portrayed as?

considering actions and characteristics of people within the text

identifying repetition (actions, emotions, traits)

noticing if something is just mentioned once

How can you discover themes within a text?

Match the following graphic novel features with their role in the text.

Which of the following themes could be found in the text 'El Deafo'?

True or False? A memoir is usually written in the first-person perspective. 

poetry without strict rhyme or meter; it emphasises natural speech rhythms.

a written account of a person's life, written by that person

a contemporary tale often involving gods and supernatural creatures.

Which of the following are **forms** of children's texts?

Caribbean Dozen: Poems from thirteen Caribbean poets

Survivors: Extraordinary tales from the wild and beyond

Which of the following are examples of non-fiction texts?

What features would you expect to find in a graphic novel?

the surrounding details that help understand what you're reading

how a character's feelings and emotions change throughout a story

a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others

a big idea, topic or message that repeats within a story

Which is the most suitable definition for a **theme** within a text?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Developing an understanding of 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.