Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

How a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world can be called a connection.

A recommendation is a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and their interests.

Developing responses to 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

English

In 'El Deafo: book club’, pupils explored a coming-of-age memoir detailing the author's experience of hearing loss in graphic novel form. In ’When Stars are Scattered: book club’ pupils will explore a graphic novel memoir written by a refugee, which contains mature themes around war, politics and disability.

In ’Swallow's Kiss: book club’, pupils were introduced to a fictionalised narrative about the refugee experience with connections to the real world. In ’El Deafo: book club’ pupils explore and engage with a graphic novel retelling of author Cece Bell's real-life experience of hearing loss.

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the graphic novel memoir 'El Deafo'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of identity, family and self-acceptance. Finally, pupils engage in rich discussions around the characters in the text.

'El Deafo': book club

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

special qualities that make a character in a story unique

how a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world

a suggestion for a text that is suited to a reader’s age and interests

What is the name of Cece's superhero persona?

What does Cece think makes her different to the other children?

Match Cece's friends to the characteristic they demonstrate in the text.

Which of the following connections is the following sentence: 'El Deafo' made me think of my brother who wears a hearing aid. It made me think what life must be like for him.

Refer to 'A note from the author'. True or False? 'El Deafo' is based on the author's real-life experiences?

Who is the author and illustrator of 'El Deafo'?

initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text

a person who translates a text from one language into another

a writer who uses verse to convey emotions

a protagonist or central figure in a story or narrative

What is an appropriate definition of a **character** within a text?

Which **character trait** is shown in this sentence: Faced with daunting challenges, Emily's unwavering actions demonstrated her strength of character.

a person who has done something important that influenced the world

the connections and interactions between individuals within a narrative

a flawed protagonist, often with ambiguous morals

What is an appropriate definition of a **relationship** in a text?

**Sound Effects** in a graphic novel represent __________ ?

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

a form of text featuring articles, images, and information on diverse topics

a form of text that presents news and information about current events

Which of the following describes a graphic novel?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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

Developing responses to 'El Deafo' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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