Developing an understanding of 'El Deafo' through rich discussions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can discuss the main ideas of 'El Deafo'.
Key learning points
- El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir based on author Cece Bell's childhood.
- At the age of four, in 1974, Cece is diagnosed as deaf, following a bout of meningitis.
- The narrative follows her journey using a hearing aid and starting school.
- Graphic novels have many unique elements which allow readers to make meaning from both words and image.
- People may use Deaf and deaf terms differently based on their personal preferences and experiences.
Keywords
Graphic novel - A graphic novel is a type of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels.
Memoir - A memoir is a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge.
Theme - A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
Deaf - Deaf (capitalised) refers to individuals who identify with the Deaf community, sometimes using sign language to communicate.
Deaf - deaf (lower case) refers to a medical or physical condition of hearing loss.
Common misconception
Pupils may expect all experiences with deafness and the Deaf community to reflect this text.
Explain to the children that the text explores an individual’s recount of their experiences; it is not reflective of every experience within the Deaf community. Pupils could read additional texts to develop greater awareness and empathy.
Teacher tip
Pupils must have read the text in advance of this lesson. Individual or double-page spreads can be handed to pupils to develop greater awareness of graphic novel features. Adults can model examples and pupils can share understanding with peers.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Amulet Books edition of ‘El Deafo’ written and illustrated by Cece Bell, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or False? A memoir is usually written in the first-person perspective.
Q2.What is an autobiography?
Q3.Which of the following are forms of children's texts?
Q4.Which of the following features can be found in non-fiction texts?
Q5.What features would you expect to find in a graphic novel?
Q6.Which is the most suitable definition for a theme within a text?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
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
Q2.Order the following events from Cece Bell's life.
Q3.Which animals are the characters in 'El Deafo' portrayed as?
Q4.How can you discover themes within a text?
Q5.Match the following graphic novel features with their role in the text.
represent what/how something is said
represent inner thoughts and feelings
represent a noise or onomatopoeia
Q6.Which of the following themes could be found in the text 'El Deafo'?
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Developing an understanding of 'El Deafo' through rich discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Developing an understanding of 'El Deafo' through rich discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'El Deafo': book club unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.